Well-being: Gift ideas for Christmas   |23 November 2021

We have spent some time thinking, learning about and handpicking a few ideas for well-being gifts that can be presented to your loved ones this Christmas ‒ gifts with the potential to have a positive effect on physical, mental and emotional well-being, gifts that show you care.

You’ll find a book that will help boost children’s self-confidence and self-esteem, tasty healthy treats, and artwork that promotes a sense of calmness and relaxation.  

Healthy and nutritious juice box

This special, Christmas-themed juice box created by ‘Roots Juicery Seychelles’ will include two freshly squeezed juices, one Charcoal Lemonade, one Christmas Latte and a pack of protein balls, with all items in the box produced fresh.

Sandrine Adeline, founder of Roots Juicery, told Seychelles NATION that “the juices are made only with natural fruits, and contain no sugar, no water, no artificial flavouring or syrup. The Charcoal Lemonade is made with fresh coconut water, jamalac juice, lime, agave and activated charcoal. Activated charcoal is a powerful antioxidant that absorbs toxins and flushes them out of the body; it’s very good to cure hangovers, and for mouth and teeth health.

“The protein balls are made with almonds, dates, oats, peanut butter, organic cacao powder and coconut oil. They are the perfect healthy treat before, during and after festivities. Our Christmas Latte is a delicious blend of our signature cashew/oat mylk, dates, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and vanilla. It tastes just like Christmas!

“This is a great way to help your loved ones to celebrate the holiday season with health awareness by consuming clean, pure and nutritious products made in Seychelles.”

Orders for the Christmas juice box will be dispatched on Thursday December 23 and are to be picked up at ‘Foodies’ located at Angel Fish Marina on Mahé, from 10am. The price is R750 including freight for a box. All orders must be placed via Roots Juicery website before December 21. For more information and orders, email: www.rootsjuicery.sc.

A book for children about the life of ‘Sootina’ ‒ a Sooty Tern in Seychelles

‘Sootina’ describes the life of a sooty tern from her hatching from an egg on Bird Island. The story follows her life growing up in the huge sooty tern colony there, through her life at sea in the following years, until her return to the island five years later, to find a mate, start laying her own eggs and rearing her own chicks. She experiences thrills and dangers in her long life, and sees changes caused by people, on land and at sea.

The story is written by Professor Chris Feare and is beautifully illustrated with cartoons by Seychellois artist, Robert Mondon.

The small book makes an ideal Christmas present for children, informing them about the bird responsible for Birds’ Eggs (‘dizef zwazo’) which is popular with some Seychellois. It introduces children to the wide and wonderful oceanic environment of such importance to all who live in Seychelles and the changes that can affect us all.

Sootina is available in ‘Antigone’ shops at R125 and other outlets which are emerging as Christmas approaches. For more information, email: christine.larose@hotmail.co.uk or rmondon@gov.sc.

Unique macramé pieces, handmade with love

Photo source: Antigone Frichot

“Handmade macramé made with so much love,” is how Antigone Frichot describes her pieces of art, adding that she hopes everyone can feel this in each of her products.

“My hope is that you feel the care and attention that has gone into each unique piece. I use driftwood for most of my work, so each piece is one of a kind, even if the design is similar.”

Antigone creates macramé wall hangings which can warm up any space; it’s a different kind of wall decoration, one that she says you can touch and interact with (the fringe is really soft). She also makes macramé Christmas decorations, key rings, coasters, purses and bags…the possibilities are endless.  

Even though macramé is associated with the 70s, Antigone explains that her pieces are modern and can fit into any home, bringing a bit of beauty and coziness. Macramé plant hangers are great for bringing a bit of nature into your home and the wall hangings also carry a feeling of calmness and coziness.

“Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be beautiful or believe to be useful" ‒ William Morris.

“I love this quote,” says Antigone, remembering that she came across it when studying product and furniture design.

“I love the functionality of macramé ‒ the plant hangers are incredibly strong and durable due to all the knotting and they're also a wonderful way to bring plants into our homes. Plants are great for well-being and improving mental health, as well as for cleaning the air.”

For more information, follow Antigone’s Instagram account ‘littleislandknots’ where you can see her available pieces and the colours of cord that she has, or send a message for information about custom pieces.

F. P.