The Roundup: Best of 2024
Hello! How are you all? Can you believe we’re at the end of 2024? Nearly a quarter of a century since all those fears about Millennium bugs and here we are – older, and still not any clearer about how tech works. Doesn’t matter now – you can just ask AI.
Anyway.
This blog took a little break while I recovered from gallbladder surgery and there’ll be more about that in the new year. In the meantime, here’s a roundup of posts to well and truly wrap up 2024.
Below you’ll find the health benefits of Port (to feel less guilty about all the seasonal indulgence) and if you’re still feeling Christmassy, check out the benefits of frankincense oil among others.
If you’re looking for better gut health, you can read all about the benefits of probiotics and Sauerkraut. You’ve also got posts about Collagen, anti-aging wellness, detox teas and natural soaps.
For my writing friends, you can tuck into posts on productivity, the best writing apps and tools, and how to get yourself motivated in the first place. There’s plenty more on the way next year too.
Alright, enough summarising, let’s dive in.
Best Sauerkraut for Probiotics: Store-Bought or Homemade?
If you want to improve your gut health but don’t want to spend loads on probiotic supplements then sauerkraut is probably your best choice. This fermented cabbage dish has been around for centuries, and for good reason – it’s tangy, crunchy, and a great source of probiotics. But which type of sauerkraut should you go
Gut and skin health: Is Collagen a probiotic?
In recent years, there has been a lot of talk about what a healthy gut can do for your skin. You’ve probably heard of collagen and probiotics and you wouldn’t be the first to wonder if they could be related in some way. After all, both are often associated with total skin health and overall
Can Probiotics Make You Feel Worse Before Better?
If you’re reading this post then I’m guessing you’ve just started taking probiotics and you’re wondering if they can make you feel worse before better. Well, the short answer is yes, they can. While probiotic supplements help improve gut health, especially for those with irritable bowel syndrome or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, some people do
The Truth About the Health Benefits of Detox Tea
The health benefits of detox tea have been much hyped in recent years. They claim to be capable of promoting everything from weight loss to good digestion and increased energy levels. You wouldn’t think consuming tea of any kind would do that much for your health. Unless we’re talking about mental health, which also involves
Port Wine Health Benefits: Can it Be Good for You?
Who doesn’t love a port wine? It’s one of those typically British traditions, usually served by grandmothers with a nice Cherry Bakewell. And as I’ve recently been leaning into my old lady era (let’s face it we all knew I’d be getting there early), I thought I’d investigate port wine and its surprising health benefits. So
Frankincense Essential Oil Benefits for Hair, Skin & Health
Ever had a cinnamon latte and thought it smelled like Christmas in a cup? The olfactory sense is an incredibly powerful thing. One sniff of cinnamon, nutmeg or zesty orange and we’re transported back to childhood, ready to dive under the Christmas tree to start opening presents. Likewise, there’s something magical about frankincense essential oil.
23 Sweet Orange Essential Oil Recipes, Benefits and Uses
Sweet orange essential oil has been refreshing us for centuries with its lovely scent and zesty flavour. This citrusy oil extracted from orange peels has a ton of health benefits and uses besides the obvious huge quantities of vitamin C. A few drops of orange essential oil can give you a boost of energy (we
7 Best Essential Oils for Teeth and Gums
As it gets harder and harder to afford a dentist (or find an NHS one if you’re British), the rise of essential oils in oral health is not all that surprising. Essential oils have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties known to help skin and hair, but can a natural remedy be good for oral health problems too?
Benefits of Ylang Ylang Essential Oil for Skin and Hair
In the quest for the best skin and hair care routine, you’ve probably come across ylang-ylang oil. It’s one of those ones that pop up in lots of different (and expensive) skin and hair care products. And there’s a good reason. Ylang ylang essential oil (pronounced ee-lang ee-lang) has plenty of benefits for skin and
Anti Aging Wellness: Nature’s Best Home Remedies
What does ageing gracefully really mean? Well, for most of us, it boils down to acceptance; A combination of being too poor to do anything about it and hobbling as fast as you can away from last night’s pizza. It used to be much easier to eat junk and stay up until stupid o’clock in
Turmeric Soap Benefits for Natural Glowing Skin
I’ve tried many different natural oils and skincare products over the years. There are few remedies out there as effective as the magic yellow powder that is turmeric. Today we’re diving into its history and use in skincare. For centuries, turmeric has been used not only in cooking but also as a potent natural skincare
Natural Hemp Soap benefits for fresh, glowing skin
When it comes to natural products, you can’t get much better than hemp oil. This unrefined clear green oil is made with cold-pressed hemp seeds and contains an abundance of fatty acids, essential amino acids, and vitamins that work marvels. But what happens when it goes through a saponification process along with other key ingredients?
The Impressive Benefits of Tea Tree Soap: Why it Works
So, we can’t talk about all these fabulous natural remedies without mentioning the benefits of tea tree soap. All-natural and fresh-from-the-Australian-outback, tea tree soap and I go back a long way (not to the outback though, just to be clear). Somewhere in the late 90s, I discovered the secret to amazing skin and it wasn’t
Moroccan Black Soap Vs African Black Soap: Benefits and Uses
If you’ve heard of natural black soap, you might be wondering what the difference is between Moroccan black soap and African black soap. Both are known for their natural ingredients and traditional production methods and both are celebrated for their benefits. So what sets them apart? Let’s take a closer look at Moroccan black soap vs
Tips on How to Get Motivated to Write
If you’re reading this I’m going to guess you’re having one of those days where you can’t get motivated to write. You tell yourself it’s only a first draft but the quality of your writing just seems… blah. The blinking cursor on a blank page, the endless distractions, the constant battle with procrastination and writer’s
The Blogging Journey: 5 Lessons From The Pros
The blogging world can seem deceptively simple on the surface – just put your thoughts out into the online ether and watch the readers and revenue roll in, right? However, as anyone with blogging experience will tell you, the journey is a long one, filled with hard work, and unexpected lessons along the way. So
![The Best writing apps and tools for writers [Update]](https://www.nicolerobertsryder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/The-Best-writing-apps-and-tools-for-writers-Update--768x512.jpg)
The Best Writing Apps and Tools for Writers [Update]
Ever found yourself staring at a blank screen, wondering why you thought you could write? Yep, We’ve all been there. That sinking feeling that AI is going to do it better in 30 seconds doesn’t help either. On top of that, We’re bombarded with distractions every minute of the day (you’re probably distracted right now
Subscription Boxes for Writers & Readers
Ever heard of a writer subscription box? Monthly boxes have been gaining popularity in recent years, and it’s not surprising. Who doesn’t love getting things in the mail (as long as they’re not bills)? It’s like getting a present from someone who knows all your interests and how you work—a monthly delivery of writing gifts.
Best Writing Apps for Productivity? Top Expert Picks
As a writer, having the right tools can be the difference between endlessly staring at a blank page and cranking out words with the efficiency of a literary drill sergeant. When you’re surrounded by digital distractions, writing apps for productivity can keep you focused on the creative bit – the writing. But with so many
Simple Tips for Inspiration to Write
It’s a new year so I’m sure most of us have made resolutions to do something with our writing. Get it finished, get it published. Get it started. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of Christmas chocolate left over, it’s hard to restart after a break, and it’s still getting dark in the middle of the day.
Wrap up
I’ll be back to posting in the new year plus a few life updates so stay tuned for that. For now, I just want to say a big thank you again for sticking with me. It’s been quite a journey so far and I’m so grateful to know you’re reading and enjoying. If you want to get in touch, feel free to leave a comment, otherwise, you know where to find me. Ok, bye for now, and see you in 2025!
Nicole x
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