Hello Winter
Summer is officially over, and the heatwave has given way to darker nights, with that distinct nip in the air that has many of us reaching for our sofa blankets and hot chocolate mugs, ready for winter.
At Kokova Magazine, it means we really do need to book our January holiday to Iceland if we are going to see in the New Year with a bit of pre-planning. Otherwise, we will be hunched over our phones on New Year's Eve, trying to find flights for that day to arrive in time for midnight. 
For the magazine, we have new food plans outlined that continue to focus on simple flavour pairings. I will be trying a low-glycemic diet in the hope of addressing insulin resistance, while trying to balance my hormones, bloodwork, and now my electrolytes - following a recent health issue.
Taking control of our own health is becoming a more common approach for many people, and with at-home testing available, more people are seeking answers they have not yet found through mainstream practices.
Lifestyle changes are within our control, and we don't have to wait until 2027 to start making new choices - one small change at a time.
As we explore more travel destinations, we will highlight those that give back to the community or support local trade, whether by using locally grown food and tradespeople or by supporting local causes and growth.
Other holiday options will complement our lifestyle choices and align well with trying to achieve balanced longevity. Packages that offer more than just relaxation are on our radar. Health travel will be on the rise in 2027 - wellness focusing on a natural approach and full-body care, rather than the usual fortnight on the beach sipping cocktails.
As the weekend settles in, I am joined tonight by my ageing cats, who are great markers for when the heating needs to go on and when the comfort food is due! Stroking a cat for about 10 minutes significantly reduces cortisol, which helps prevent anxiety and immune dysfunction, so maybe it is time to head to Greece and spend our vacation volunteering. If only it would snow there, as I do love to chase those winter flurries when we plan our escapes.