5 Ways to Celebrate the Spring Equinox

The first day of spring according to our celestial calendar is this Thursday the 20th of March. Not only does it bring with it the promise of warmer days and lighter evenings, but also new life across all of nature. The world is waking up from its winter slumber and reminding us how beautiful renewal can be. The Spring Equinox, or Ostara, is the perfect time for setting new intentions and aligning ourselves with a new energy - one that can carry us into rebirth and whatever that means for you.

If you love the idea of celebrating the first day of spring, but you’re not sure how to - then this blog post is for you!

1) MAKE A SUN-CATCHER WITH YOUR CHILDREN

This easy DIY craft uses materials you probably already have in your home and is a wonderful way to have a conversation with little ones about the changing seasons. Go for a little nature walk to collect some leaves, daisies, grass - anything that symbolises new life and watch little adventurers celebrate the extra hours of sunlight with this wholesome craft. For a full tutorial on how to make one, click here.

2) PLAN AND MAKE A SPRINGTIME MEAL

The new season is a perfect opportunity to head to a farmer’s market near you and see what local produce they have available. Planning a family meal around a set list of ingredients feels like a mindful way to align with nature whilst nourishing your body at the same time.

3) DECORATE EGGS TO DISPLAY

With Easter on the horizon, now is a great time to decorate eggs and display them in your home. Eggs are a popular symbol of Ostara since they suggest fertility and birth. Ostara takes its name after the Germanic goddess Eostre/Ostara, who was traditionally honoured with festivals to celebrate re-birth. You could use real eggs (after washing them) or wooden eggs to create centrepieces or hanging decorations.

4) SET NEW INTENTIONS

Sun through the trees at Happy Valley Norfolk

At Happy Valley Norfolk we love setting intentions for the season ahead, and spring is no exception. Whilst the rest of the world celebrates the New Year in January, we like to celebrate it in spring.

It’s a wonderful time to look back on the year and reflect, practice some yoga or meditation and think about how you want the rest of the year to look for you. If you’ve been wanting to try a new hobby, perhaps cycling or willow weaving, the universe is in the perfect place to support you now.

5) SPEND A WEEKEND IN NATURE

There’s no better time than spring in nature; ducklings adorn every pond, lambs frolic happily in the fields, daffodils inject energy into every countryside view, children can collect daisies again, and you can enjoy longer days and evenings outside. A glamping getaway at Happy Valley Norfolk is the perfect place to spend a few days this season. Check out this blog post for an array of family-friends activities that are happening around Easter near us. Whether you’re looking for a cosy shepherd’s hut with a fire pit to really get in tune with nature, or a luxury lodge with a hot tub so you can unwind in total peace and tranquillity, there’s accommodation for every traveller at Happy Valley Norfolk. Book your stay with us now and experience the magic of the woods during this special time.


Spring has Sprung at Happy Valley

Wedding Season is about to kick off here at Happy Valley and we’re reminded of some of the beautiful Spring Weddings from last year.

There’s endless back drops to choose from for your outdoor ceremony whether you’re looking for an “I Do” on the island surrounded by water or immersed in the forest for a Woodland Wedding. There’s nothing quite like nature to calm those Wedding nerves.

No need to panic if Spring has sprung a leak. We’ve got 2 barns and a gorgeous undercover area to hold your ceremony when the great British Weather ins’t playing ball.

The amazing suppliers we had the pleasure of working with for Jennie and Jamies special Spring Wedding -
Photographer - Aurora Grey Photography Flowers - @wildfolkflowers Catering @funnellskitchen Film - @shutterboxfilms Music @boujeemusiclive

Gorgeous reminder of Kate & Ollie’s beautiful May Wedding at Happy Valley last year.

Kates vision came to life with this stunning outdoor ceremony on Willow island followed by woodland pics & a barn wedding reception. Photographer - @artandstorystudio Florist - @thenorfolkfloralstudio Videographer - Moon Cast Cake - @bunsoffunemma Evening Caterers @SquillaandSquidge Daytime Caterers - Tom Oldridge

Elly & Billy rocked an April Wedding at Happy Valley using the wizard tree as the alter with the water in the backdrop. Supported by some amazing suppliers below -

Hayley Clark Make up, Dick Ropa Entertainment. The Nashville Heat. Alice Cunliffe Photography Wild Folk Florist

Wishing you all a wonderful Easter Holidays and can’t wait to see you for celebrations this year.

LOVE the little Happy Valley Crew.

x

A Summers Escape For Couples

Norfolk is a fantastic place to get the first taste of summer, and it's even better for couples at this time of year. June and July make great months for romantic getaways because it’s the time of year you can escape before school holidays and before a season of social events go into full swing. In this tranquillity, you can disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with each other. Happy Valley Norfolk could be your answer for a unique first getaway for you and your loved one or a spontaneous change from jetting abroad for those looking for something different. Premarital couples can strengthen their foundation as they prepare for marriage, and long-term couples take their relationship to the next level - all with the help of a little nature.

Our gorgeous bell tents are now available to book. Great for couples looking for a luxe glamping experience in a whimsical woodland.

The great thing about nature is that it’s more than what meets the eye, especially when it comes to couples. By unplugging ourselves from our daily lifestyles, stresses and technology and immersing ourselves in nature, we have precious time to focus one on one - mind, body, and spirit. No distractions, just peace, bonding and strengthening. Studies have shown over the years that time spent in nature reduces anxiety, blood flow improves and also your mood improves. This being said, it’s not only good for bringing us closer it’s also vital for our health. It's almost magical how a couple can become closer and enjoy each other's company more with a little help from Mother Nature.

Woodland and wildlife greet you just outside each cabin and bell tent door. Three of our cabins also have their own private luxury hot tubs, making your stay at our retreat even more special. We are set in 9 acres of woodland and there are an extra 200 acres of woodland adjoining Happy Valley, meaning that there is plenty to explore with your partner without even leaving our retreat. In addition to all of our romantic getaway guests, we have witnessed so many gorgeous marital proposals and woodland weddings throughout the years. We are truly blessed with a retreat constantly filled with love. To book your romantic getaway at Happy Valley Norfolk, head over to the “Glamping” section of our website.

5 Ways To Welcome Spring Into Your Home

Finally, we are in March which means one thing - first day of Spring is this month! We are on the cusp of nature being reborn, with all its glorious blooms and greenery. The sunshine is that little bit warmer, the days get longer and we get to do all those things we have waited so long for. Spring makes us feel inspired and invigorated, so there is no wonder that we all feel so excited. Now is a great time to put those feelings into action and get our homes ready to welcome in the season.

1.) Have a big spring clean

Make room for all that’s new and have a good old traditional spring clean, to get us motivated and organised. Cleaning doesn’t need to be boring at all, open those windows for some fresh air and put on your favourite playlist. You can make a checklist, get the family involved in a friendly competition and even set rewards for the evening when it’s all done.

2.) Freshen up your style

Whether home or wardrobe, the wait is over for re-introducing those gorgeous floral prints and brighter colours. We are seeing the very fashionable olive green this winter being replaced with lime greens already, from the catwalk to home decor. Spiritually, this colour signifies creativity and luck, making it a great colour for this spring.

3.) Bring on the botanics

Speaking of green hues, it’s possibly the best time of the year for gardening. Now is a good time to get your shrubs pruned and the garden cleaned, ready for planting for when Spring officially arrives. If you are looking to bring Mother Nature indoors, peace lilies and orchids are both beautiful, low maintenance additions, that will bring to your home.

4.) Switch up the scents

Those wondrous musky toned candles were perfect for the winter months, but now it’s time to invigorate the senses with fresh florals and zesty fragrances. Did you know that a fresh cut lemon placed next to your bed has been proven to help improve your stress levels, air quality and sleep? And all while making your room smell deliciously clean.

5.) Bring life back to meal times

After months of hearty meals and hot beverages, Springtide welcomes back its tasty seasonal ingredients like asparagus, courgettes and radishes. We love the sound of the mouthwatering recipe we’ve found ‘One Pan Salmon with Roast Asparagus” and can’t wait to try it out. What are your favourite meals in Spring? Let us know down below in the comments.