just for her winter 14/15

ustHerDirectory for the Wives, Girlfriends and Families of Military Personnel

ustHerforJ

Win Wedding Show tickets

Giving birth alone

WINTER 14/15

SPRING 2015

FashionNatural

Skin Care

TO MY VALENTINE

I’m often surprised at the new things I learn when I speak to local business people on a more in depth basis to write these features and meeting up with Aesthetic Practitioner Gillian Huntley, owner of Appearances 4U was no exception. It was amazing to hear just what is possible in this fi eld and how she can transform people’s lives through her treatments.Gillian started Appearances 4U in 1986 and while she mainly treats clients at her home clinic based in Chiselhurst, she does have strong connections in Edenbridge through Options Beauty Salon. She was also a proud fi nalist of the Kent Women in Business Awards 2014.She keeps herself up-to-date with all the latest technology and training required to conduct treatments and is often recommended by GPs (including Harley Street ones) as the ‘Go To’ person in her line of work.There are many different types of treatments Gillian is able to carry out - skins peels, scar relaxation, specialist waxing, thread vein/pigmentation/skin tag removals, semi permanent make up & medical tattooing. So what is the difference in the equipment that Gillian uses for semi-permanent tattoos compared to what you would fi nd at your local tattoo parlour? Semi-permanent tattooing equipment does not penetrate the skin as deeply as a normal tattoo needle would, therefore it can be used on the very delicate areas of our bodies such as the eyelids and lips.Of course unlike permanent tattoos, the colour will start to fade over a year or three and topups are required to maintain effect.

• Semi-Permanent Eyeliner

Imagine not having to worry about your eyeliner smudging anymore or going for a swim and coming out of the pool with your eyes looking as great as when you got in? This treatment is perfect for those with allergies, contact lenses, eye problems or simply to save you time. With her semi-permanent tattooing machine Gillian can give you either top or top and bottom eyeliner in your choice of colour, in a thickness you desire that will last for 1-3 years.I bet there are a number of you reading this thinking it must be painful having your eyelids tattooed. So how painful is it? Well, the only way for me to fi nd out was to undergo treatment myself and let you know personally.Gillian fi rst applies some special numbing

cream to the eyelids [pic 1] which takes a short while to take effect, so while this was working its magic Gillian was preparing the colour for my eyeliner. I had originally thought of having black for maximum effect but Gillian pointed out that I might feel I’m ready for a night out every morning when I look in the mirror. We decided upon grey with a hint of blue and black mixed in for a slightly more subtle look. I would be lying if I said that you couldn’t

feel a thing but it was not actually painful as such, more of an uncomfortable feeling [pic 2]. Gillian also makes it clear that if you need her to stop at any time to take a break then all you need to do is say. Of course you have to remain extremely still during the process otherwise the liner might end up in places other than your eyelids! About half an hour later and it was all fi nished [Pic 3]. When having it done for the fi rst time you will generally need 2-3 visits but after that an annual top up will be all that is needed to keep the colour looking great all the time. I think semi-permanent eyeliner is one of the best things ever and since I’ve had my eyes done I’ve been absolutely delighted with them. Feel free to stop me in the street if you want to check them out for yourself!

• Semi-Permanent Eyebrows

If your eyebrows are starting to thin, perhaps due to age or over-plucking in years gone by, Gillian is able to give you your eyebrows back!She does this by tattooing on each individual hair stroke with her tattoo machine, leaving you with very natural looking eyebrows. She calls these her WoW Brows’ and you can see in the picture just how natural the fi nish looks. Again, the brow is numbed fi rst before Gillian sets to work drawing on the individual brow hairs. I’ve come across a number of ladies in and around the local area and when I mention Gillian’s name they are so proud to show off their ‘WoW Brows’ as it has given them their confi dence back in their appearance.

appearances4u - Transforming the way we look

• Skin Tag / Clear Mole Removal

So many of us simply accept things that grow on our bodies, assuming they are there to stay and that’s it. Well it doesn’t have to

be that way. With the use of an electrolysis machine, Gillian is able to direct heat to the affected area using the most appropriate sized probe. A numbing cream is applied to the area to be treated beforehand and this keeps any discomfort felt during the procedure to a minimum.

This picture shows Gillian removing a skin tag from the side of her client’s eye.As with any procedure Gillian undertakes, she will go over everything in detail and give the area to be treated a thorough examination to make sure that she has no concerns. If she ever does fi nd anything that could potentially cause problems then Gillian will refer her client to a doctor.In Picture 1 a clear mole has been identifi ed which is safe to work on. Judging by the smile on the client’s face in Picture 2 the procedure is going well. There will often be redness on the face (Picture 3) following this treatment although the amount varies between clients.

A few days after this treatment scabs will appear on the face and aftercare instructions must be followed to ensure the best healing possible for the treatment undertaken.

• Medical Tattooing

This is an advanced level of semi-permanent make-up, treating other areas of the body. The work is mainly creating areolas for breast cancer patients but also can help scars (burn’s victims), scalps (alopecia and hair loss), and even ‘fi xing’ webbed toes. This treatment basically replaces what is not there or camoufl ages what is there. To fi nd out more about these or the other treatments Gillian offers, or to book an appointment, contact her on 07711 067 789 or email [email protected]. You can also fi nd lots more information on her website at www.appearances4u.co.uk or fi nd her on facebook, twitter or YouTube.

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talogwitch

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Welcome to Just for Her, Winter 14/15

As we welcome in 2015 we have made some changes to the magazine too, which we hope you like…!

This issue has a very interesting article on military wives who give birth without their partners - a fact of life for Service families.

If you have a wedding to plan in the New Year then head to page 6 as we are giving away five pairs of tickets to the National Wedding Show

at a venue of your choice - a must for any bride to be.

If you have little ones to keep entertained then our giveaway of three Magical Book Readers will be of interest - a truly innovative product that lets you record your voice reading a favourite book, which will then recognise the

book and read it back to your child - a great help for absent parents.

With the New Year brings new resolutions - make one of them to have more 'me' time and our article on fashion will give you some shopping inspiration

for a welcome day out.

We are always looking for interesting articles to add to our magazine and if you think you have a story that people would like to read then please email it in to [email protected]. The deadline for the next edition is 19th February

so please have any news items or articles in by then.

Enjoy!

ustHerustHerforJThe National Wedding Show 6

Bespoke 12

To My Valentine 16

A Menu for Two 18

The Perfect Pancake 19

The Military Wives who give birth without their partners 22

How to Make a Nappy Cake 28

The Magical Book Reader 32

Natural Skin Care 36

Has Feminism Gone Too Far? 40

How to cut the cost of your food bills 44

Nimbus, the rescued Clouded Leopard Cub 46

How to Succeed in Network Marketing 50

The Power of Modern Energy Healing 54

Mind Healing 58

Spiritual Healing 62

Mother’s Day 68

2015 New Year’s Resolutions 73

Friday the 13th 76

2015 Interior Décor 82

Spring 2015 Fashion 86

The Blitz Tea Room and Jazz Lounge 94

Amsterdam 98

Extreme Sports 102

Forces & Corporate Publishing Ltd, Hamblin House, Hamblin Court, Rushden, Northants NN10 0RU. Tel: 01933 419994 www.forcespublishing.co.uk [email protected]: Joanna Barnes Design: Amy Leverton

Articles and photographs reproduced by kind permission of the contributors

© No responsibility for the quality of goods or services advertised in this magazine can be accepted by the publishers or printers. Advertisements are included in good faith. The MOD or any Service Establishment is not responsible for the advertiser or its advertised product or service.

Many thanks to Kate Saines for her editorial contribution

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AloeVera - ForeverAloe Vera Products By Forever Living

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Ally Pally Poems creates bespoke poetry for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, homecomings, Valen ne’s Day, Mothers’ Day… any special occasion you can think of. Beau fully framed, simply mounted, or presented in a decorated scroll box, an Ally Pally Poem makes an original and though� ul gi� .

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AmyGurumi HandmadePet portraits • Crochet • Handmade

Gifts, toys and items for the home all individually created by hand. At least 10% of profi t from Just 4 Her customers will go to Help for Heroes in

sponsorship for a trek I am doing with them in 2015. Shop via Facebook, Etsy or email directly.

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We Create Beauty and Success!

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6All images courtesy of The National Wedding Show

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Plan the day of your dreams at the UK’s biggest wedding show this spring. With inspirational feature areas and over 300 experts specialising in everything from

designer dresses and dazzling venue décor to fabulous floristry and honeymoon hideaways, The National Wedding Show is the ultimate destination to try, buy, book and hire everything you need for your big day.

See the hottest bridal trends come to life at the must-see Catwalk Show, where you can discover the latest collections from the very best in bridal, including Suzanne Neville, Jenny Packham, Ivory & Co, Zaeem Jamal, Qiana Bridal, Eliza Jane Howell, Justin Alexander, Alfred Angelo, Enzoani, Ronald Joyce, Claire Pettibone, Debenhams, Berketex Bride and many more*. (*as seen at the autumn 2014 shows)

With beautiful bridesmaid dresses, glamourous mother of the bride attire and suave groomswear, the Catwalk Show is an unmissable experience for the entire bridal party.

Browse and try on more dresses than you ever imagined in the Bridal Boutique and Designer Area, which together house the largest collection of dresses under one roof from the nation’s finest designers, retailers and boutiques. From fairytale ballgowns to short and sweet vintage dresses, there is something to suit every style. Meet your

favourite designers who will be on hand throughout the weekend to discuss your bespoke requirements and transform your dream dress to reality.

Don’t miss the Top 10 Tips at The Wedding Theatre, where the show’s glam squad will arm you with invaluable beauty, hair and style advice. Produced by renowned wedding show and TV producer Jane Galpin, the Top 10 Tips sessions will feature demonstrations, tips and tricks for brides, bridesmaids and mothers of the bride and groom in an exciting countdown.

Covering everything from how to achieve complexion perfection with award winning mineral makeup brand bareMinerals, to choosing the best dress for your body shape, the Top 10 Tips will provide you with everything you need to know about big day beauty and style. During each session, one member of the audience will be selected for a makeover live on stage and presented to the audience in a ‘big reveal’, drawing each session to a dramatic close.

Discover breathtaking blooms in the Designer Flower Market, where the nation’s finest florists will create spectacular displays featuring everything from enchanting centrepieces to beautiful bridal bouquets for all wedding themes and colour schemes.

Meet the experts from your favourite brands and high street names who will be on hand to help make planning your perfect

The National Wedding Show Spring 2015Manchester Central 7 - 8 February | London Olympia 20 - 22

February | Birmingham NEC 27 February - 1 March

All images courtesy of The National Wedding Show

Daphne Rosa

Zaeem Jamal

Ivy Ellen

Cake Quarter

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day easier than ever before. Whether you need to register for a gift list, book your honeymoon, or find unique favours for your guests, you can shop ‘til you drop with Debenhams, Sandals, Thomas Cook, House of Fraser, Young’s Hire, John Lewis, Jon Richard, Alba Rose, Turquoise Holidays and many more.

Discover the latest bridal beauty trends from official show sponsor bareMinerals and treat yourself to a file and polish from Essie, who will be on hand to help you create flawless perfection for your big day.

End an exciting day of shopping and wedding planning at the Afternoon Tea Room, where you can treat yourself and your bridal party to tea and cake, or head to The Champagne Bar to toast to future happiness with a glass of bubbly and enjoy a mouth-watering selection of seafood salads, sushi and bagels.

Experience the show in star style with VIP tickets, which include fast track entrance to the show, reserved seating at the Catwalk Show, fast track catering areas, a complimentary glass of bubbly, a goody bag full of beauty products to pamper yourself in the build up to your big day and a copy of Be A Beautiful Bride, an essential guide which is packed full of useful style and beauty advice

The Cake Store

Young’s Hire

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that is guaranteed to ensure you look fabulous on your wedding day! If that’s not enough, you will also have the option to treat yourself to a mini makeover in the bareMinerals pop-up salon, or to receive a complimentary bareMinerals product.

With all this and more, you are sure to find everything you need to ensure your big day is perfect in every way at the UK’s biggest wedding show this season.

Just For Her has teamed up with The National Wedding Show to offer 5 lucky readers and their ‘plus one’ the chance to attend the year’s most prestigious wedding event, absolutely free!

To be in with a chance of winning these fabulous tickets, email / send a post card to [email protected] or Forces & Corporate Publishing Ltd, Hamblin House, Hamblin Court, Rushden, Northamptonshire NN10 0RU with your name, address, phone number and which venue you wish to visit and if you are picked you will receive a FREE pair of tickets. Tickets are valid any day and are limited to one pair per winner. So what are you waiting for? Send your entry today!Closing date: Mon 26th Jan

Don’t worry, if you are not a lucky winner, you can still book in advance and save £5 off the door price*. To book, visit www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk or call the ticket hotline on 0844 874 0486. (*Advance ticket prices revert to the on the door price of £20 at midnight the day before opening)

Spring 2015 Diary Dates:Manchester Central - 7-8 February / London Olympia 20-22nd February /Birmingham NEC - 27th February - 1st March

For more information visit The National Wedding Show website www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk Facebook - www.facebook.com/nationalweddingshow Twitter - @nationalwedding / #TNWS | Instagram - thenationalweddingshow

Win

Ticke

ts…

!

All images courtesy of The National Wedding Show

Allure Bridals at J&J Designs

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Scentsy is a safe alternative to fl ame candles. Our electric warmers are stylish, simple and safe and the specially formulated wax you warm in them smells amazing! Over 80 fragrances available. No soot, no fl ame and no worries! Want to fi nd out more about the products then contact me today for more information or to host a party and earn free and half price products either in person or online, the choice is totally yours.

Are you looking for a new challenge this autumn? Looking to earn some money for Christmas, pay some bills or save for that dream holiday. Whatever your reason I am looking for motivated people to join my team. Scentsy is growing here in the UK and

elsewhere in the world and now is a great time to get started. Join for just £85 (+£9 p&p) and receive a starter kit that contains all you need to get your business going.

Earn commissions of up to 30% (when you qualify for the monthly sales award)You can also earn generous bonuses and awards as well as earning All-expenses-paid trips.

I would love to help you get started with your own home based business. The thing I love the most is I can take Scentsy with me wherever I go, ideal for military families.

It is illegal for a promoter or participant in a trading scheme to persuade anyone to make a payment by promising benefi ts from getting others to join a scheme. Do not be misled by claims that high earnings are easily achieved.

How The Scentsy System Works

Enjoy! The Scentsy starter kit (contents may vary)

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Plug in! Add the wax!

Join our team of Independent Consultants and experience the rewards of being your own boss. Earn the income you want with the fl exibility and freedom you need. Whether you need addi� onal income to pay for your car, mortgage or holiday. If you want to choose when you work, spend more � me with your family, and discover the joy of doing something that you really love!

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Pampered Chef can off er just what you are looking for:• Financial freedom and independence• Career Flexibility • Flexible Hours• Excellent Training and Support• Professional Development and growth• Success Recogni� on• Excellent rewards, including jewellery and holidays

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Angela MitchellPsychic MediumWarm, Empathetic and Genuine

raysofl [email protected] | 07828 032547www.angela-mitchell.co.uk

My aim is to give everyone a chance to connect to Spirit and just for one moment, experience the beautiful unconditional love that the Spirit world

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PLEASE CHECK OUT MY FACEBOOK PAGE & WEBSITE BUT IF YOU DON’T SEE EXACTLY WHAT YOU NEED, JUST ASK.

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LingArt Designs

Contact us at [email protected] www.lingartdesigns.co.uk

Personalised typographic and shape text prints made to order.Bespoke designs using your own

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Loopy LoopsPerhaps you are an absolute beginner looking to pick up some needles and new skills? or an old hand who is wanting to pep up her knitability?Wherever you sit on the woolly scale,there is a workshop for you!I run knitting and crochet workshopsin and around the Portsmouth areajoin one of my groups, or if there are4 or more, I can come to you.

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Crystal Healing with Jane Corley Dip V.F.S.C.H.This is a gentle and relaxing holistic healing, to clear and

enhance the natural fl ow of energy in and around the body.

For a distant healing, phone 01367 240379 evenings

I play music for everyone and anyone from toddlers in my Brook Green studio, to weddings and antique fairs, to concert hall audiences.

I am a classically trained pianist and I play, teach and enjoy the piano in all of its forms.

I have classes and lessons for anyone from seven month’s to seventy seven years old teaching music, singing and piano.

Louisa Harmer Musician& Pianist

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To find out more please phone Dinah on 07717203501 or email [email protected]

Would you like to work WHEN you wantWHERE you want and HOW you want?If so I am recruiting and I invite you to join

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Without the same overheads as shops, many designers / makers offer bespoke items that are made to order so you can get something uniquely personal at surprisingly affordable prices.

For those of you concerned about your carbon footprint, buying locally means that your item hasn’t had to be shipped from across the world.

Not only that, by buying locally you are putting money back into your local community, boosting your local economy.

Those that hand make their products are passionate about their craft and intent on producing quality items that showcase their talent.

Buying bespoke often means you are in direct contact with the person creating your item and you can therefore have more of a say in the final product.

With recycling such a buzz word, crafts people are often using recycled materials to create your item and thus not adding to a world with so much ‘stuff ’ already.

Giving handmade is truly the essence of gift giving conveying so much more than ‘off the shelf ’ products.

You cannot beat the ‘uniqueness’ of a handmade gift and the satisfaction that no one will give the same gift as you!

Many items are more environmentally friendly, made from natural resources without the use of large manufacturing machines, chemicals and labour.

Supporting an individual and their business is extremely rewarding and something you can be proud of.

Generally, buying handmade means you can avoid fighting for a parking space and wandering around, uninspired under fluorescent lighting!

Visiting a craft fair or market is a much more pleasant and personal experience and often you can speak with the creators themselves.

Sellers are often more than happy to personalise items making your gift that extra bit special or even more perfect for you.

BespokeWith so many of us drawn to mass produced products

due to cost, we look at the benefits you won’t get

from buying in larger, high street stores…

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Avoid a ‘uniformed’ nation. Buying handmade means you’re never going to bump into someone wearing ‘shock, horror’ the same thing!

Encourage traditions. Without these crafters, many traditions carried out by our grandparents would be extinct.

Mass produced items can lack ‘quirkiness’ as manufacturers cannot risk producing thousands of items that won’t sell.

Built to last. Mass produced products are often considered ‘throw away’ as they are so easily replaced. Handmade products, particularly bespoke items are already perfect, without the need for upgrading.

Who wouldn’t prefer to help an individual support their family rather than a corporate ‘suit’ get their annual bonus.

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Visiting a craft fair or market is a much more pleasant and personal experience and often you can speak with the creators 12

your gift that extra bit special or even more perfect for you.13

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Crystal Therapy and Online ShopBased in Wiltshire

Crystal Healing is a gentle but powerful therapy which can heal, nurture and balance when there is physical, emotional, mental or spiritual disharmony.

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Love Me TimberLove Me Timber is here for all your unique, personalised wooden gifts.

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Bespoke Gifts

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Crochet Bags,Toys and Blankets

Fabric Gift Bags

Fused Glass

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Nappy Days GiftsBespoke, unique Nappy Cakes and gifts for every occasion!

Whether you are planning a Baby Shower, a gift for a maternity leaver, new baby, Christening or just a little present for a friend or colleague, Nappy Days Gifts will have something for you! With gifts for every occasion including Weddings, birthdays, Christmas and all the celebrations in between, let us fi nd you the perfect present for your loved one. We have lots to take home today, or place an order for your bespoke, personalised gift with that extra special touch!

T: 07771 622757 E: [email protected]

www.nappydaysgifts.co.uk : Nappy Days Gifts

Art From The HeartBespoke & Personalised Wooden Gifts.Created using the art of pyrography and paint.By Dorset Based Artist Lizz Parris-Bryant.

Please fi nd MidSummerLily’s on:www.facebook.com/MidSummerLilyswww.etsy.com/uk/shop/MidSummerLilyEmail Lizz at: [email protected]

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Increasingly now, many Mums are looking to work from home so they can enjoy all the benefi ts that it brings.

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An independent distributor of Forever Living Products. It is illegal for a promoter or a participant in a trading scheme to persuade anyone to make a payment by promising benefi ts from getting others to join a scheme. Do not be misled by claims that high earnings are easily achieved. Forever Living Products is a member of the DSA.

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Benefi ts of the Juice PLUS+ Franchise

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Then why not treat yourself and your friends to a fantastic Bootybags party?(We cover 25-30 miles form our base in Gosport, Hampshire)

We will bring you our ever changing collection of gorgeous bags and shoes directly into your home.

You simply try, buy and take away on the night!

As the hostess you will receive commission on all party sales which you can spend on any items of your choice from our current collection.

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Aniwools

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Aniwools are handmade knitted animals, characters and gifts. I have personally handmade all

products. I sell Aniwools phone cases and characters.

d d k itt d

Whether you want to make a grand gesture or simply surprise your loved one with

something a little more modest, we have a range of ideas to impress everyone.

PERSONALISED LIFE IN SONGS PRINT £32.99Available from http://www.betsybenn.co.ukThis bespoke typographic print provides a way to capture ‘the soundtrack of your life’. There is space to print up to ten of your all-time favourite tracks, and you can even add details explaining why each song is special. Betsy Ben also produces The Story of Us Print, for £58. These radial design prints tell the story of a couple’s life together, complete with chapter headings. They make ideal presents to send to loved ones posted abroad.

THE GLENROTHES ‘SELECT RESERVE’ MALT WHISKY £38 for 70clAvailable in Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and Asda. Here is one for whisky connoisseurs.

This malt reserve is described by its manufacturers as “a marriage of mature vintage Glenrothes from different years” and boasts a longer-than-usual distillation process.

100TH ANNIVERSARY WWI COMMEMORATIVE MEN’S WATCH £129, from The Bradford ExchangeIf you really want to splash out, how about this Quartz movement timepiece with genuine leather strap? It’s available from The Bradford Exchange, which works with the Lest We Forget Charity Association to help raise funds for disabled servicemen. They have a range of commemorative gifts, with prices starting at £9.95.

A ROMANTIC BREAKWhisking your partner away for a Valentine’s Day break will certainly turn up the romance factor. For bigger budgets, The Harbourmaster in Ceredigion’s Valentine’s package includes one night’s bed and breakfast, three course dinner and a chilled bottle of Laurent Perrier rose on arrival. Prices start at £295 per room, visit www.harbour-master.com or www.melintregwynt.co.uk.

For £95 per night the Dean Valley Panorama B&B in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley promises great views plus a Valentine’s Day package consisting of a complimentary box of chocolates, bottle of champagne and red roses. Visit www.dean-valley-panorama-bed-and-breakfast.co.uk

Forget flowers, chocolates and cuddly bears this Valentine’s Day. Why not impress your loved one with a gift that will really make February 14th a day to remember…

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Breakfast

Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon & chives

Method

First make the Hollandaise sauce. Put the lemon juice and vinegar in a small bowl,

add the egg yolks and whisk with a balloon whisk until light and frothy. Place the

bowl over a pan of simmering water and whisk until mixture thickens. Gradually

add the butter, whisking constantly until thick – if it looks like it might be

splitting, then whisk off the heat for a few mins. Season and keep warm.

To poach the eggs, bring a large pan of water to the boil and add the vinegar.

Lower the heat so that the water is simmering gently. Stir the water so you have a

slight whirlpool, then slide in the eggs one by one. Cook each for about 4 mins,

then remove with a slotted spoon.

Lightly toast and butter the muffins, then put a couple of slices of salmon on

each half. Top each with an egg, spoon over some Hollandaise and garnish with

chopped chives.

Ingredients

4 eggs2 tbsp white wine vinegar

2 English muffins, halved

A little butter, for spreading

8 slices of smoked salmon

Cwhopped chives, to serve

For the hollandaise sauce

2 tsp lemon juice

2 tsp white wine vinegar

3 egg yolks

125g unsalted butter, diced

DinnerVietnamese lamb shanks with sweet potatoes

Ingredients

1 tbsp groundnut oil

2 lamb shanks, about 350g each

1 onion, halved and cut into half moons

1 tbsp finely chopped fresh root ginger

1 garlic clove, finely sliced

1 red chilli, deseeded and chopped1/2 tbsp soft brown sugar, plus 1/2 tsp

1 star anise

1 lemongrass stalks, tough outer leaves

removed, then bruised

700ml lamb stock

1 tbsp tomato purée

2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into

big chunks

1 tbsp fish sauce

juice 1 lime

handful mint leaves, torn

handful basil leaves

Method

Heat oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3. Heat

1/2 tbsp oil in a heavy-bottomed casserole,

season the shanks, then brown them on

all sides.Remove the lamb and add the onion.

Fry the onion quite briskly, about 30 secs,

add the ginger, garlic and chopped chilli,

then turn the heat down and cook for 1

min. Add 1/2 tbsp sugar, stir, then add the

star anise, lemongrass, stock, purée and

seasoning. Bring to the boil.

Cover and cook in the oven for 1 hr, then

add the sweet potatoes and cook for 1

hr more. The lamb should be completely

tender and almost falling off the bone. Stir

in the fish sauce, lime juice and 1/2 tsp

sugar to just lift the flavour, then scatter

with the mint and basil.

for TwoA Menu

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Prep: 10 minsCook: 20 minsMakes 12

Ingredients140g plain flour200ml whole milk2 eggs25g unsalted butter, melted, plus a little extra for greasing

MethodSift the flour with a pinch of salt into a medium-size bowl and make a well in the middle. Mix the milk and 100ml of water together. Break the eggs into the well and start whisking slowly. Add the milk and water in a steady stream, whisking constantly and gradually incorporating the flour as you do so.

The Perfect Pancake

Just for Her are looking for interesting and relevant articles about the Service community…

If you have something you have written, ideally with pictures too, then please send your articles into [email protected].

Would you like to seeyour article published?

Directory for the Wives, Girlfriends and Families of Military Personnel


ustHerforJ

Win Wedding Show ticketsWin Wedding Show tickets

Giving birth alone

WINTER 14/15

SPRING 2015

FashionNatural

Skin Care

TO MY VALENTINE

ustHerustHerforJ

Shrove Tuesday is fast approaching… Follow this simple recipe and you will soon have a stack of pancakes to be proud of!

Whisk until the batter is smooth and all the flour has been incorporated. Set the batter aside to rest for 30 mins, then whisk the melted butter into the batter.

Heat the pan over a medium heat. Very lightly grease the pan with melted butter. Using a ladle, pour roughly 2 tbsp of batter into the pan and swirl it around so the bottom of the pan is evenly coated. You want to use just enough batter to make a delicate, lacy pancake. Cook the pancake for about 45 secs on one side until golden and then using a palette knife or fish slice, flip the pancake over and cook the other side for about 30 secs until it freckles.

Slide the pancake out of the pan and either serve immediately or stack on a plate with baking parchment in between. Continue until all the batter is used up and then choose your topping!

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Ariadne’s Golden Threads

Bespoke quilts made to orderCall 07528697971


CAROL NEWMANAngelic Reiki Practitioner/Teacher • Hypnotherapist (DipCah)• Past Life Regression practitioner• Emotional Freedom Practitioner• Reiki Master• Tarot card Reader

Learn the gentle art of Angelic Reiki, in a beautiful setting in Wiltshire at www.oldmilltherapies.com. E-mail: [email protected]: 01985 218285www.angelicreikiassociation.co.uk

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Bishops Jewellery and CraftsHandmade items made with precision and care

Carry your loved ones with you wherever you go with these unique charms.

I take fi nger / hand and foot prints of loved ones (children and adults) and set them in pure silver.

I also set children’s drawings and their written words in silver.

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Claude’s Basket Gifts Ltdshare a gift, be part of the experienceDirector: Claudette Stewart-Brown

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For Events & Launches & Loved Ones Returning Home

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Crockhurst HillWorthing

West SussexBN13 3EE

www.cosycanvas.co.uk

I have a Gi� of Foresight and been involved in aspects over the past 25 years including the

managing of the local Spiritualist Church for 9 years.I have been involved with many men and families serving and helping them greatly. I am looking to

widen and help more, I currently help many all over the world in all aspects of Life with Guidance

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Quote ‘Just 4 Her’ for a military discount

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I can assist you to heal issues and emotional scars that affect your emotional, spiritual and personal well-being. Let me help empower you to enjoy a more relaxed and fulfi lling future.

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Demeraras QuiltsTraditional Handmade Patchwork Quilts by Demerara including Patchwork Bedding and Vintage Patchwork Quilts, UK

I have a large supply of traditional handmade patchwork quilts which I have lovingly made.Or I can make to your specifi c colour scheme and size.

These traditional quilts are made from pure cotton fabric, pieced by myself and machine quilted to the highest standard.

If you would like more information regarding our Handmade Patchwork Quilts, Patchwork Bedding or Vintage Patchwork Quilts please feel free to contact me.

Telephone: 07503 542 355

01243 576 824 or 01243 210 360Email: [email protected]

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My exclusive pieces of jewellery are created from sea-glass, shaped by caressing wave ac� on amongst sand and pebbles for years un� l they are transformed from broken pieces of glass into smooth “gems”. I collect these “treasures” from beaches all over the UK and abroad then wrap them in Sterling Silver wires to create totally unique pieces of jewellery. My designs are en� rely my own and although I may repeat designs of popular pieces, the variable nature of the material means that no two pieces are ever the same.The buyer can be sure that their purchase is en� rely unique.

Contact details: h� p://born-on-the-waves.webs.com/Email: [email protected]: 07982 081718

22

The Military Wives give birth who

without their partners

Imagine your partner seeing his baby for the first time on Skype, or having your children’s nursery teacher cut

your newborn’s umbilical cord because your husband is in Afghanistan. Or, even, giving birth whilst posted to another country, where the midwives speak a different language.These are real-life scenarios for the many military women who face the ultimate nightmare every serving member of the

armed forces, or their partner, fears - a deployment clashing with the birth of their child.

For Annie Fraser, 39, of Lympstone in Devon it was a bolt from the blue when her husband, Graeme, announced when she was three month’s pregnant, he would be away for the rest of the pregnancy and the due date.“It was a shock,” she explained “because he was in a non-deployable job at the time.” It

came as a further blow, because he had already been deployed straight after the birth of their oldest children, Finlay, now 8, and Evie, 5.

Graeme, who is in the Royal Marines, was granted two weeks R&R for the birth of their third child, but things did not go to plan. A false alarm two weeks before the due date meant Graeme took his break too early, and returned to his deployment before the baby had arrived.

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Although Annie had family support, including her Mum as birthing partner, she admits she missed Graeme terribly. “It was really hard,” she said.

Annie and Graeme spoke by phone during early labour. But it became hard, as the contractions intensified, to continue the conversation.Annie gave birth to a son, Marley, returned home the same evening and introduced her husband to his newborn son via Skype.

“It was very surreal as he was living in a flat with two other men, so as I was Skyping, these random blokes kept coming up and saying ‘hello, nice to meet you’,” Annie laughed.

As Annie was speaking with Graeme the next morning, her oldest children awoke to find, not only their Dad on Skype, but a new brother. It was a magical moment.

For Sarah Collins, a 46-year-old dentist, who served in the RAF until three years ago, being in the military created a different set of problems when her daughter, Rebecca, now 11, was born.

continued over page >>

“A false alarm two weeks before the due date meant Graeme took his break too early, and returned to his deployment before the baby had arrived…”

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Sarah was posted in Holland at the time and gave birth in a Dutch hospital. While she described the staff as being very professional, she said the language barrier meant she and her husband, Patrick, faced unnecessary fears.

“Things were going wrong,” she said, “but the midwives and doctors were discussing it in Dutch, between themselves, and they couldn’t explain it very well to us.”

Despite being a medical professional herself, Sarah, said that not being able to speak the language made the experience ‘very scary’. The medical staff suddenly handed her husband some scrubs, gave Sarah an epidural and took her to theatre for c-section.

“There was no discussion,” Sarah explained. “It would have been scary in the UK, but this discussion was going on in foreign language and we didn’t understand - and that was the worst thing.”

Daughter, Rebecca, arrived safely. And, clearly not scarred by her experience, Sarah went on to have her son, Rory, just over a year later in a Dutch hospital.

Lack of communication provided a huge difficulty for another set of new parents - Jo and Scott Millthorpe of Taunton, Devon.

Jo, 44, one of the original members of the Chivenor Military Wives Choir formed by Gareth Malone, gave birth to her third child whilst her husband, Scott, was deployed in Afghanistan with the Royal Marines.

But Scott was only able to call at specific times. The couple were worried, if the baby was

born after one of his calls, most of their friends and family would know of the birth before he did.In fact, Scott had the choice of departing during the early or late part of the pregnancy. But, due to possible complications, Jo decided she would prefer her husband’s support in the first few months.

“I thought he would be more of an emotional support if I miscarried. And I needed him there for the amniocentesis, in case we had to make any joint decisions.”

Jo, who has two older boys - Sonny, now 8, and Ronnie, 6 - asked her sons’ nursery teacher, Jo Reid, to be her birthing partner. She reveals she couldn’t have chosen a better person.

“I have to be honest,” admits Jo, “we had a right laugh! And Jo said she would have paid money to have such a good night out!”Having a friend, and someone who had been through childbirth, at her side worked perfectly. The only concern was whether the baby would be born in time for Scott to hear the news.

Baby Judd, however, was born at 7.28am and both Jo and her friend cut the umbilical cord together. Scott knew, by 7.50am, that he had a new son, who they later named Judd.

Jo remains pragmatic about Scott’s deployment. “Yes, it’s different when they are not there,” she admits, “but he knows he can leave me with anything when he goes away and he knows I can cope.

“You just think of how proud they are going to be knowing you’ve done it without them there and give yourself a big pat on the back.”

Equally as positive was Eugenie Tomlin, 38, of West Byfleet,

Surrey. Her husband, Lt Col Neil Tomlin, an infantry officer, was on operations in Iraq for the birth of their first child, Lara, now 10.

“When you marry into the forces, you expect times of separation and when it happens during hugely significant events in your life, it certainly isn’t ideal and it certainly is bad timing. But it is what it is, and you have to try very hard to make the best of it,” she said.

When Eugenie discovered Neil would not be at Lara’s birth she coped by embracing the status quo. “I looked for as many positives as I could knowing that I would regret it if I looked back on that time and realised I had whiled it away waiting,” she explained.

Eugenie, who now also has an eight-year-old son, Rory, chose her sister, Anne-Marie,

as her birthing partner. Lara was born before Skype and digital photography, so Eugenie captured her early moments for Neil by taking photos, developed at Boots, and with a call on a “crackly satellite phone”.

Eugenie advises other mums-to-be in this situation to share any overwhelming feelings, depression or stress with other military wives and to choose a birthing partner who truly loves and knows them.

She adds: “And focus less on the time that your husband is away, but more on the period of huge excitement when he returns.”

All women interviewed are members of military wives choirs. For more information about joining a choir go to www.militarywiveschoirs.org

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I just love fabric and enjoy making fabric items that I know people will love to have about their home. Cushions which fi t with modern and vintage interiors. Bunting for lots of different occasions. Aprons which are all lined, have pockets and fi t very small children right through to adults. Fabric bags which are both modern and traditional. Polka dot fabric, shabby chic, or lovely Cecily Barker Flower Fairy appliques on plain fabric.Items can be made to order or personalised.

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Carolgeorgeoriginals

01929 [email protected] me on www.stallfi nder.com Carolgeorgeoriginals

Caroline Ellison.Medium: Individual and small group readings.

Reiki Master: Healing - Full therapy - Teaching,

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Priestess of Avalon, Ceremonialist - Handfasting ceremonies created for all life events and

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Charlotte BurroughsMedium, Clairvoyant, Counsellor & Homeopath

Supporting women through crisis management

• Clairvoyance• Mediumship• Adult & Child Counselling• Homeopathy

I am a Medium, Clairvoyant, Counsellor and Homeopath

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Skype-Telephone • Local to Bristol • [email protected]: 07775 670549 www.charlotteburroughs.com

Double Elle Clothing& Accessories

Italian Fashion for Real WomenClothing, Handbags, Scarves & Accessories

Like us on Facebook to find out future events

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Available for events and home parties within

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Take the Challenge Improve your health and fi nances at the same

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Support and advice services for new parents. Need advice on baby feeding? Want to get your baby into a rou� ne? Having trouble with your toddlers behaviour?

The Parent and Baby Coach off ers home visits and group workshops on a range of paren� ng issues including sleep, weaning, twins, behaviour and discipline, po� y training and preparing for parenthood.

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Medicine Wings

Max MorganShamanic Practitioner

Soul Regeneration, Soul Retrieval Healing, Past Life, Angelic Reiki, Animal Communication & Healing, Distance Healing

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[email protected] the Person, Honouring the Earth

SiennaProfessional Psychic Medium

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Nappy CakeWhilst I believe it’s

perfectly acceptable to aimlessly while away

hours on sites like Pinterest and YouTube, they’re actually pretty useful and you can make almost anything by following a tutorial. A good job as I’ve been challenged to make a Nappy Cake! After the jokes about my baking skills, or lack of, had subsided, it turned out most people had no idea what one was.

After looking on Pinterest and watching a few tutorials, I realised there were many different designs I could use and plenty of different ways to make them. I opted for the traditional rolled nappies, choosing not to follow a set design and just ‘wing it’, or as I like to call it, use my creative flair!It was decided we’d make it for a colleague who was due to have her baby any day and as she hadn’t found out whether it was a boy or a girl yet, I stuck with traditional, neutral colours.

I was actually surprised at how cost effective it is. With a budget of £40, I had plenty of change. I purchased:

HOW TO MAKE ANappy Cakehilst I believe it’s perfectly acceptable to aimlessly while away

hours on sites like Pinterest and YouTube, they’re actually pretty useful and you can make almost anything by following a tutorial. A good job as I’ve been challenged to make a Nappy Cake! After the jokes about my baking skills, or lack of, had subsided, it turned out most people had no idea what one

After looking on Pinterest and watching a few tutorials, I realised there were many different designs I could use and plenty of different ways to make them. I opted for the traditional rolled nappies, choosing not to follow a set design and just ‘wing it’, or as I like to call

how cost effective it is. With a budget of £40, I had plenty of

Nappy CakeMy first task was to roll up the nappies; yes, all 72! Roll them with the open side in so the lines are smooth and place a band around each nappy to stop it from

unravelling. Some suggest elastic bands, others say cotton bands,

which if I could have sourced at short notice I would have

preferred to use, but loom bands are perfect and

hold the nappy tight.

It appears that odd numbers work best and so the bottom

tier was made out of 47 nappies and the

middle tier had 23. I popped the remaining 2

in the middle of the top tier of vests so you could see all

7 vests clearly. I think the best method is to decide how many you want on the bottom tier, making sure it’s an odd number, divide by two to get the number for your middle tier and round down to give you the next odd number (47 / 2 = 23.5 round down to 23).

Originally I had decided on

31 for the bottom tier and 15 for the middle tier but the top tier

of vests was too tall and it looked a little odd. I then made the tiers bigger and it worked out perfectly, number wise, for the amount of nappies I had *phew!*. As I said before, winging it!

Here’s the (not so) technical bit. The tutorials say to place the number of nappies decided upon (47) together in a circle, and place an elastic band around them to hold them in place. Unfortunately I didn’t have an elastic band to

1 box of ASDA Little Angels nappies. I bought size 2

(which is 6-13lbs (3-6kgs) and used the whole box of 72!) £6.00

7 short sleeved bodysuits (Monday - Sunday pattern) 0-3 months £7.50

2 hats £2.00

A comforter (bear holding a blanket) £4.00

Red ribbon from Dunelm - make sure it’s thick enough to cover all bands (1.5/2”) £3.00

2 bags of loom bands in the sale from ASDA which were 50p a bag £1.00 TOTAL £23.50

You also need cellophane for wrapping, which I had already, but you can buy it really cheaply from eBay.

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hand so opted for the next best thing, my silicone cake mould; round and the perfect size. I’d like to add it was clean - probably as I never bake and you could use anything round... that empty tin of chocolates you demolished at Christmas perhaps?! Having placed all the nappies in the mould, I then tied my ribbon around and removed the mould; cue round of applause! Obviously there are more professional ways to do this but let’s face it, most of us can ‘make do’ and find various implements to help us along the way. I found it best to tie the tiers together with a thinner ribbon first to make sure they were secure. The thicker ribbon comes later to hide all the bands on the nappies and generally make it look pretty.

For the middle tier, repeat the steps above but use 23 nappies.Now for the top tier. The vests were wrapped around cardboard to make sure you could see the design in the packaging. I ummed and arred about taking this out, opting to leave it in in the end to give stability. I popped the two remaining nappies in the centre to avoid mis-shaping and tied the ribbon.

Some say to place a cardboard circle under the bottom tier of nappies for stability and although I didn’t, if I did it again I would consider it as transportation would be much easier!

Next I wrapped around the thicker ribbon which hid all the bands and finished off the tiers. There are so many different types of beautiful ribbon out there, especially if you know whether it’s for a boy or a girl. I really fancied doing it in lime green but as it was a December baby, I opted for traditional red.

I placed the two hats between the bottom and middle tiers and placed the teddy bear comforter on top.

The most difficult job of this whole process was wrapping it in cellophane! It definitely brought out an obsessive side to me and kept looking too scruffy for my liking!

Although I prefer clean lines, I was pleased with the final product. Having covered it with clear cellophane, I added red heart cellophane at the bottom to bring some colour. I placed a band around the top to hold the cellophane in place and finished it with a ribbon bow.

I later added a ‘contents included’ tag where I highlighted the need to dispose of the little bands appropriately. The thought of a ‘little person’ getting their hands on the loom bands does worry me which is why I would prefer to use a cotton band. I do wonder if they would hold them in place well enough though and this is perhaps something to experiment with.

Finished! It did take me quite a while as I am new to this and was working out how to do it as I went. If I was to make another, which I will definitely be doing, I know I will be a lot quicker. Obviously you can change the items you include to suit your budget and could use branded nappies if you preferred but it shows what a beautiful present you can make at home for very little cost. If you are really trying to stick to a tight budget, as long as the ribbon you use is beautiful and bright, you could just use nappies. What a great gift for less than £10.

We hope this inspires you to create your own Nappy Cakes. Please send us your pictures to admire!

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Shamanic Training, Workshops, Healing and Ceremony

When a person faces trauma, the Ancient Wisdom tells us that some of their soul goes into hiding leaving them feeling lost and incomplete. Soul retrieval is an integral part of our work.

We use traditional methods to help heal the soul including the Inipi ceremony or sweat lodge and one to one treatments.

This is just part of our work.

For more info go to www.shamanicplanet.com or call Seersha 07809722097

Shamanicplanet

Fizzy Frog is a brand of quality giftware of which all of which can be personalised with any information. The products include gift cards, wedding and party invites and framed pieces, all bespoke just for you or as a beautiful gift for any occasion. You name it and I can do it, from

wedding to Christening or just a frame or card to say ‘I love you’ anything is possible! Check out Fizzy Frog on facebook and email [email protected] or call Jo Clark

on 07790002790. Always happy to chat through design requests!

Journey into the Unknownwith Gary Wright and Karen Quarcoo

Could this be the start of your journey into the unknown...perhaps you’ve started your journey already, and are

seeking guidance, confi rmation and/or insight.

Karen and Gary are Spiritualist mediums, psychics and spiritual healers. We both specialise in private sittings and giving healing.

www.journeyintotheunknown.co.uk07508 508966

Your bespoke tea party!We bring homemade, delectable afternoon teas, with vintage china, straight to

your door! You take delight in your afternoon tea in a venue of your choice, with the added advantage of having a tea party created to meet your specifications for any event. You then enjoy your afternoon tea at your leisure and once finished

let us take care of all the washing up! We also cater for those with food allergies.For more information on tea parties with a difference visit

www.homeiswherethecakeis.co.uk

All items are handmade with love & a unique touch of class www.jazziejemsboutique.co.uk

07979 934392

Modern, simple and elegantKW Originals produces bespoke handmade jewellery.Workshops available to create your own unique piece, ideal for parties or gatherings of friends.Gift vouchers on request.

+44 7719 679360 | [email protected] to Friday 8am-4pm

View the full range:https://beta.folksy.com/shops/KWOriginals

Fluff n Stuff NeedlecraftWith a range of beautiful, high quality but affordable garments and gifts, all products hand crafted at Fluff ‘n Stuff are made with the individual in mind, with bespoke pieces available on request.

As well as working with commercially spun yarns we spin our own from British sheep fl eeces and luxury materials such as alpaca, merino, silk and even llama! We also work with a variety of gorgeous fabrics.

Fluff ‘n Stuff goods are available by mail order and from our studio in Reigate, Surrey. Do contact us for more details and updates of new products and a list of prices on our facebook page.

The Courtyard Studio, Unit F, Courtyard Business Centre, Reigate, Surrey RH2 7QTTel. 01737-226151 Mob. 07988 493805www.ukcraftfairs.com under “knitting” fl uffnstuff

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Bling It Up Together

You provide the item and we provide the bling. We can add sparkle to your lives from handbags

to shoes and bookmarks to Kindle covers. Any colour, any design! We only use Swarovski fl at

back crystals and the adhesive is industrial strength, waterproof and malleable. Find us at

bling it up together

Email - [email protected]

Tel - 07766331967

Lenastrol Leonard Fleet’s Astrology Services

[email protected]

Home of ‘real astrology’ based upon your unique personal; time, date & place of birth.

• Personal horoscopes including birth chart• Predictions - looking at any year ahead• Children’s horoscopes• Love & compatibility(Synastry) – for lovers (or platonic/business partners)• Location astrology (the astrology of place) – are you living in, or moving to, a fortunate place in the world for you?• Career advice – based upon your unique personal astrological personality• Biorhythm reports for any year period

Do you dream of peace of mind and enjoying all life has

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Time, fl exibility & your own part time home-based business that will give you a lifestyle and an extraordinary income forever... all alongside

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this could be for you.

The catch? Hard work & determination. The reward? An opportunity to build your own successful home based business (part time or full time) and a

secure income for life...

TO FIND OUT MORE CONTACT:Hanneke Legerstee on Mobile: 07582134094

www.facebook.com/hanneke.legerstee

FitnessJuice Plus+ Complete ® is excellent for sports people or those who workout regularly. It can be used as a pre-exercise energy drink and/or aids post workout recovery and symptoms of DOMS, thanks to it’s protein content and low glycaemic index.

For most families, there is a gap between what we should eat and what we actually eat every day. Juice Plus+ helps bridge that gap in a natural, gluten-free way. Adults who commit to 12 months with Juice Plus+ are able to receive the chewables for free as part of the Children’s Health Study.

Kids Health

For more info contact, Gayle Hilton on 07856544200 or 07876718895

[email protected] or fi nd me on

Your Health and Well- Being Will Thank You For It!

✓ Juice Plus+ is over 20 years old and is the most scientifi cally researched nutritional supplement on the market (to date, over 31 clinical research studies globally have been conducted with multiple gold standard awards) It is used by the world’s top athletes (e.g. Swiss, German & Austrian olympians, Ana Ivanovic, Mark Colbourne MBE) and Bear Grylls

✓ Benefi ts can include: enhanced immune system; better hydration; increased nutrients in the body; reduced cravings; increased energy; faster metabolism; better skin; quicker hair and nail growth; improved sleep patterns; bio-available (it gets into the blood); increased antioxidants in the body; protects & helps repair DNA; improved circulation; reduced oxidative stress.

The Juice Plus+ weight loss programme is one of the most effective & safe weight loss methods around today. The total calorie intake is minimal, but the body still receives all the vitamins, minerals & other nutrients it needs, in a natural, healthy way. This is a great option for anyone who wants to kick-start their weightloss goals for 2015!

Weight LossHealthJuice Plus+ adds the nutrition of 26 fruits, vegetables & berries to your diet every day.Amongst other benefi ts, it is an easy way to get a wide variety of phytonutrients and antioxidants that are abundant in fruits, vegetables & berries which can increase energy, improve digestion and enhance sleep patterns.

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SPARKUP

Magical Book Reader:Your story, in their words

www.vividtoysandgames.co.uk

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every story, Sparkup ignites the child’s imagination using sound effects and music, building the child’s confidence in their reading, and taking them away from screen-based reading.

Designed for young readers of all ages Sparkup is priced around £39.99 and comes complete with batteries, USB cable and demo book. Sparkup is set to revolutionise the way a child reads and learns via the magic of the spoken word.

Learn more at: www.sparkupreader.com Twitter @sparkupreader

A revolutionary new way to engage children in reading, Sparkup brings families together to experience the magic of reading aloud.

“Reading is such a great leveller as children who can read can access information on any subject. The recent research showing a dramatic decrease in the number of children receiving bedtime stories is worrying and anything that can help children develop a love of books and reading is hugely beneficial. Having observed children using Sparkup in the Good Toy Guide play clubs, it’s amazing to see how much they enjoy engaging with the books “ Dr Amanda Gummer, Founder of FUNdamentals

Using a tiny camera as its “eye”, and a tiny computer chip as its “brain”, Sparkup simply clips onto any picture book and reads it aloud in your voice. You can record the book yourself, in any language, adding your personal touches or download professionally recorded stories complete with music and sound effects, directly from the Sparkup website. While recording, Sparkup’s tiny camera takes a picture of the book’s cover and each page so that when a child connects Sparkup to the book, Sparkup immediately recognizes the front cover. Following the child’s own reading pace, Sparkup reads the story aloud as he or she turns the pages, even out of order.

Missing Grandpa, Dad, Aunty? Any friend or relative can record their own voice onto Sparkup so that if they aren’t around a child can listen again to them reading the story aloud. Building a 3D magical world around

Competition!To be in with a chance of winning one of 3 Magical Book Readers

just email or send a post card to [email protected] or Forces & Corporate Publishing Ltd, Hamblin House, Hamblin Court, Rushden,

Northamptonshire NN10 0RU with your name, address and phone number. Closing date: Fri 20th Feb

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Ever dreamt of earning great money?

Based around your family, home or work - either UK or BFPO?

Making new friends & customers wherever you are?

Join the team and become an NYR Organic Consultant!

Great Reasons to Join the Team• Have fun running your own business, you set the goals and the pace• Earn money, receive rewards, bonuses and promotions• Free training and personal support from day one• Enjoy sharing award-winning organic beauty products you can believe in• No experience necessary• Low start up cost, just £95, all the tools to get going!• Free website and online ordering

Contact Janet 01747 822045/07747 630052

www.organicbeautyconsultant.co.ukemail [email protected]

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LARRY QUIGLEYSound therapy & Reiki

• Stress & Anxiety• Sound Therapy• Reiki Treatments

• Complementary Therapies• 15 Years Experience

• Qualifi ed Reiki Practitioner

Tel: 07737 [email protected]

Tracy Fance Clairvoyant-Medium

Psychic Readings

Mediumship

Tarot

1-2-1 or Party Bookings

Tarot Tuition

I’d love to read for you, and distance is no issue.

Need more info?www.tracyfance.com

Tel: +441227749759

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Natural Skin Care

Try as we might to avoid getting sucked in by the beauty industry, all it takes is an advert screaming “proven to banish wrinkles” and

we’re off to the nearest chemist faster than Usain Bolt in an Olympic arena.

But those beauty gurus can bombard us with as many scientific words and pictures of an airbrushed Gwen Stefani as they like, the reality is that most of us cannot afford to spend £80 on a miniature bottle of serum. And even if we did, there’s always a chance it might bring us out in a rash.

So, it is no surprise there has been a shift to more natural beauty products in recent years. And by “natural” we don’t mean big brands injecting some Aloe Vera into their formula.

No, we are talking products made purely from ingredients you could find in your local supermarket.

In fact, you may even have the makings of a gorgeous skin product in your kitchen right now.

Facial therapist, Katherine Jackson, has created four DIY beauty products made with berries, such as blackberries, raspberries and strawberries, which she claims are more gentle than commercial products yet give the skin a natural boost.The recipes are easy, and the ingredients are cheap. What’s more, you only need a handful of berries to create the products - so you can eat the rest!

“Beauty products can be rather expensive and a lot of facial products on the market contain many unnatural ingredients that can cause the skin to become irritated,” says the independent skincare specialist.

“Berries,” she explained, “are known to be the ultimate superfoods that can help the skin to leave you with the perfect glow.”The humble strawberry, it turns out,

contains natural acids which exfoliate dead skin cells and brighten complexion. Blackberries, meanwhile have polyphenols which, apparently, can help combat skin conditions such as psoriasis.

And, the mighty blueberry, which is rich in antioxidants, can help reduce the risk of cancer, and other age-related problems.So, next time you buy a tub of strawberries - save a couple and you can make this skin-boosting treat.

Glam Glow Strawberry Face MaskIngredients: 3 strawberries, 2 teaspoons of avocado oil (or coconut oil), 1 teaspoon of ground rice.

Method: Mash the strawberries, and push through sieve. Add the avocado oil to the strawberries and mix well. Mix in the rice to thicken (add more if necessary). Apply to the face with a mask brush, working into the skin, avoiding the eye area. Leave for 15 minutes and then rinse with cool water.

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Here at Sundeis we love cake! And cake pops. And anything that tastes as delicious as it looks and smells! There is nothing quite as satisfying as enjoying something that looks and tastes incredible!

We offer, on a purely to order basis, bespoke birthday cakes, cupcakes, cakepops and, of course wedding cakes. Orders by collection from our base in Purley (by appointment), or alternatively talk to us about delivery.

0203 3978967

www.sundeis.co.uk

QUALITY SOAPS AND CANDLES DIRECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER

Imagine, designer led packaging, low wholesale prices and fast moving products with high profitability

Imagine a luxury range of real quality soap and candles made in England from the finest ingredients and carefully produced by skilled artisans in craft workshops in the heart of the English countryside.

Tel: 01435 813849 Fax: 01435 812970 [email protected]

www.theenglishsoapcompany.biz

Sold in over 200 stores nationwide!

Use code ‘englishsoap’ for a 20% exclusive discount!

Tina Reidy• Healing and Meditation• Teach people how to heal themselves and others• Infant Massage for mothers and their Babies aged from 6 weeks to 6 months• Aromatherapy Massage for Relaxation and Stress Relief• Hydrotherapy Massage• Hot Stone Treatment

[email protected] 07855 034918

Pre-Loved Maternity Wear@ Much Loved Prices!

Affordable excellent condition second hand maternity wear

Visit our pageYummy Mummy’s Preloved Maternity Shop

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“best therapy and fast track to healing” HarpersGlobally accessible services - Louise Smart off ers you compassion,

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Louise’s 19 years experience ranges from clinical stress management to ground breaking Energy Clearing for you, your family, home and business.

Contact Louise for a free ini� al chat to see how she can help you.

Emo� onal Detox • Energy Clearing • Stress Detox • Couples Therapy

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For further information please call

Join our team and you’ll get all the support you need to build your own business.

We’ll provide you with the tools to gain fi nancial security, personal development and

whatever goals you seek from this opportunity.

Your path to success starts here.CONTACT ME FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE TODAY!

Susan MackenzieMum builds businesses between school runs

“After my children started school I found myself with plenty of free time that I wanted to put to good use, but I needed to ensure that I had enough fl exibility to do the school runs. The idea of earning a

little extra money had defi nite appeal and Telecom Plus seemed to fi t my requirements nicely. Little did I know that I had stumbled across a potential goldmine! Now when I buy clothes or a new car, I like being

able to tell the other mums that it was thanks to my own efforts!”

Get money off your utility bills by using our cashback card to shop in over 2000 online stores!

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Gwynie - G E Bailey

Bowen Technique Practitioner

www.gebaileybowenpractitoner.weebly.com

Mobile 07500 714 70224hr answer phone 01275 269 319

email [email protected]

Covering Portishead, N Somerset and Clifton, Bristol.

Initiation School of Healing

We are body, mind and spirit. Healing works from the spiritual energy level and is utilised by the recipient at whatever level is appropriate for them.

Healers draw in the universal energy and channel the energy through their hands into the recipients energy fi eld.

Jacquie is a Healing Practitioner and Licensed Tutor of the NFSH/THT, teaching their Healing Foundation Course parts 1 to 4. A course recognised in many countries.

Jacquie also runs development groups, workshops and other courses.

Administration Offi ce, 46 Southview Road, Southwick, West Sussex, BN42 4TTPhone

T: 01273 593294 E: [email protected]

Kalinka Skin CareKalinka Skin Care is a range of Handmade skin care product formulated with natural and organic ingredients, giving you your “5 a day” and provide you with fresh, radiant, healthy and glowing skin.

For ladies to treat themselves and men to

treat their ladiesFor more information or to place

an order please visit www.kalinkaskincare.co.uk or


Handmade with Love

Hand crafted necklaces and bracelets in nautical inspired colours such as red, white and blue. The

range consists of matching sets & one off pieces as well as the ever-popular friendship bracelets.

Each piece is created with care and excellent levels of attention to detail. Anchors aren’t the only charm available, the sea-theme continues with seahorses

and sailing boats.

www.knoticalbutnice.co.uk

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Has Feminism Gone Too Far?

When feminist blogger Amy Glass made an attack on mothers, branding them as inferior to women who go out to work, there was uproar…

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In fact, it provoked the kind of backlash usually reserved for a Katie Hopkins Twitter tirade, or a clumsy Jeremy Clarkson gaffe.“You will never have the time, energy, freedom or mobility,” said Ms Glass, “to be

exceptional if you have a husband and kids.”The US writer went on to say that many consider having kids and getting married as “life milestones”.

“These aren’t accomplishments” she argued, “they are actually super-easy tasks, literally anyone can do them. They are the most common thing, ever, in the history of the world. They are, by definition, average.”

“Doing laundry,” she concluded, “will never be as important as being a doctor, or an engineer or building a business.”

The writer’s controversial outburst went viral and this furore opened up a debate about the nature of feminism. It made many wonder whether feminism had finally gone too far. Were those women who had children, and did not work, being alienated from feminism? Indeed, can you be a feminist and still want to stay at home with your kids?

Because, after all, feminism is about choice - and making the decision to stay at home and care for your children is a woman’s right - yes? And if feminism has done anything for women, it’s given them the freedom to make those choices.

But Clare Macnaughton, author of A Modern Military Mother - Tales from the Domestic Frontline, believes in today’s complex, modern world the idea that a woman has simply to choose between children or work is outdated.

The challenge of how women balance their lives is not as black or white as career or housewife, says Ms Macnaughton, who is also a military spouse and mum of two children.

“Life doesn’t stop when you have children,” she said. “Yes, you juggle more and yes, you have to be flexible to ensure there is a balance between meeting their needs and your own needs. It is a choice, but it doesn’t have to be one or the other. “

She added: “We need to adjust how we think, and only then can we achieve genuine liberation. The domestic goddess is a feminist, she outsources her housework, and mundane chores, raises her children, and runs her own business so she can have genuine flexibility.”

It’s incredibly important, however, not to devalue the vital role of bringing up children, running a home and generally organising the lives of a busy family.

Being a PA, chef, chauffeur, teacher, cleaner,

swimming instructor, event organiser, counsellor, nurse and general dogsbody 24 hours a day, 365 days a year without a break is - quite frankly - an undertaking of immense proportions (not to mention exhausting).

And the value we put on women who “stay at home” practically shoots through the roof when the mother in question is the partner of a member of the armed forces, and could be coping at home, alone, for months on end.Ms Macnaughton, has calculated the cost of her replacement, in the event of her death or disabling, in order for her husband to be deployed for six months of the year and attend exercises, would be £109,000 per year.

“In reality,” she said, “he couldn’t even afford to hire me at my commercial rates as a freelance consultant. I make an expensive cup of tea.”

“But the hard facts are that even though I am insured, if I was to die [my husband] would have to give up flying and could no longer deploy.”

Women, you see, are vital, whether they are saving lives as a doctor, running a business or “staying at home” supporting the family of a member of the armed forces who is serving abroad.

The problem comes in how this role is recognised by both society and women themselves.

For many “feminism” is still a dirty word. And this is one of the reasons Ms Macnaughton thinks the movement has not actually gone far enough.

In her blog, Modern Military Mother, she talks of friends who do not think of themselves as feminists because they are content with their choices.

“They were happy to stay at home and look after the children because they wanted to be in charge of every aspect of the child rearing. Both of them are very happily married,” she explained.

“I said: ‘but that doesn’t mean that you are not feminists. It is your right to choose. On some level that is part of a feminist philosophy. You are not a feminist if you think women are not equal to men and that men are superior to women’.”

For anyone, however, who is still unsure if a stay-at-home-mum can be a feminist, the words of The Times columnist, Caitlin Moran may bring some clarity. In her book How to be a Woman, the feminist writer says the purpose of feminism isn’t to make a particular type of woman. She lists “birds that stay at home with their kids” amongst women who, in the past, have not been accepted as feminists.

But, she adds: “You know what? Feminism will have all of you.”

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James N. PinchesA spiritualist for your spiritual help.

A HealerA Medium & Psychic.

Clairvoyance & Trance.Look for answers from the spirit world.

Can work by phone if needed.

01491 572900 www.jamespincheshealer.co.uk

Malvern 8 Mill Close, Middle Assendon, Henley Oxfordshire RG9 6BA

Karen Pryce ClairvoyantKaren is a popular, gifted clairvoyant, based in Somerset, with over 25 years experience. She has given thousands of private readings over the years, gaining popularity and recognition for her work. Karen is available for private readings and workshops & believe’s that a reading should be a relaxing and uplifting experience.

I had a reading with Karen, wow! I have had readings in the past, but never like this. She’s so connected with the spirits it’s almost magical how she does it. Everything was accurate when she talked about some of my family in spirit, and things going on in my life. I will continue to see Karen for my readings she’s the real deal! God bless you for having such a wonderful gift

and sharing it. - Kate

07792 621 972 www.karenpryce.co.uk

Usui Reiki Master in practise since 2005Crystal Therapist (Grad. I.C.G.T.) in practise since 2009

I offer a free consultation before a treatment face to face or by phone so the person can decide if either therapy might be of benefi t to them. Questions can be asked beforehand so the person can be at ease before a treatment if they decide to work with me. Please be aware that I Don’t Offer A Miracle Cure.Also available Dragon Crystal Reiki and Lemurian Crystal Reiki.

ACHO Registered www.crystal-healing.orgPlease look in the South West SectionGRCCT Registered www.grcct.org Register Number: 642568I have a page on www.naturaltherapypages.co.uk

To get in contact Tel: 01398 324694 or Mob: 07772 061792 Email: [email protected]

KAREN WILLIAMS

Heavenly InspiredTraditional healing therapies for the intergration of mind, body and spirit

• Helps develop a calm and peaceful mind.

• Develop mindfulness, focus and clarity

• Reduces stress and tension

• Reduces chronic pain relief

• Nervous system balance

• Helps cultivate moment to moment awareness

• An improved sense of spiritual fulfi lment and awakening.

www.heavenlyinspired.org.uk

Tel: 07717863160E-mail: [email protected]

Liz’s Tarot

www.thehealingroomni.com

Professional Tarot Card Readings in Northern Ireland

• Helps you fi nd the answers to your questions• Understand the past, present and future

• In depth guidance and advice for the future• In touch with the spirit world outside of our own

Natural Clairvoyant

0774394298107936174010 • [email protected]

www.aromaland.scentsy.co.uk

AromalandSeaneen Morris

Independent Scentsy Consultant

Michelle WalshIndependent Scentsy Consultant

43 Ashmount Park, Lisburn BT27 5DG07428112769 • [email protected]

https://wootwooscents.scentsy.co.uk

WootwooscentsGet more for your pence with wootwooscents

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Aura Jewelleryby Goodlife Designs

[email protected] • 07800797590

A unique colourful large A1 size wall calendar with stickers to record all those special fi rst time ‘milestone moments’. Can be started any month.There are spaces for baby’s personal details, fi rst photo and fi rst birthday photo. The calendar also features a ‘must have’ working thermometer to ensure baby’s room is the correct temperature as well as safe sleep advice. Finally when baby’s fi rst year is past it can be rolled up and placed back in its keepsake tube to be viewed over and over again. If buying as a gift a handwritten personal message can be included and sent anywhere within the UK post free. Visit www.babysfi rstcalendar.co.uk to view video.Baby’s fi rst year will be amazing Record It - Cherish It - Never Forget It.

Handmade wooden gifts, keepsakes & signs

Carolinewww.bloominfab.co.uk

[email protected]: 07736 845733

Unique gifts for all occasions,

individually handcrafted in wood

10% discount with code J4H2015

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It is possible to save money on feeding your family. A few easy changes to your shopping habits can save you hundreds of pounds over the months - and give you a warm

glow of money saving satisfaction.

Shockingly, the average family throws away around £420 of food a year. That’s £35 a month literally thrown in the bin. Imagine what you could do with that money instead - treats for you and your family, perhaps even a whole holiday from money that used to go in the bin? We asked you to share your best money-saving tips and advice on ways to fight food wastage.

Before you hit the supermarket“I draw out a set amount of money each week, normally £100. If at the end of the week I still have some money left over, I only take out enough to make up £100. So if I have £20 left, I only withdraw £80. It can be quite satisfying seeing how long you can make it last and shows you don’t need to keep spending for the sake of it.” Karen H

“I never withdraw cash, I pay with my cash card. That way if something costs £6.67, that’s what comes out of the account, rather than £10, plus I’m not left with a pocketful

How to cut the cost of your food bills…

of change that gets frittered away.” Sarah H“Do not take your other half or children shopping with you! Write a shopping list and STICK to it (easier said than done!) If you do shop online, try and use the free delivery codes. If not, try and get it delivered mid-week when it is usually cheaper.” Cath H

General money saving tipsPlan your meals. We know, writing a shopping list might seem boring and like you’re turning into your mum. But, let’s face it, she was right - it really does pay to plan what you’re going to eat.“To reduce food bills, I have a weekly planner of what I’m cooking so I only buy what I need. Sometimes I may do a late shop on Sunday so I can pick up bakery treats and bread for 20p. A shopping list and no kids is also a massive help and a saving of about £10.” Yasmeen l“I home cook everything and buy cheaper food (for example, if you buy named brands, go a brand lower)”. Claire G

Here are some more tips:• Check your fridge, freezer and store cupboard, so you don’t double up on food you already have. Get the children to help and suggest what meals they would like to eat that week.

• Get out of the family food rut of buying, cooking and wasting the same foods by trying some new suggestions from the Netmums food section, or the recipe cards at your supermarket.

• Be aware that top-up shopping is when you waste the most money. When you make a shopping list, don’t forget to include snacks and packed lunch food.

• “I do my weekly shop online, that way I’m not tempted to buy things I don’t need. I set a limit of £75 a week for four of us. If I spend more, I delete anything we can do without before I check out. I’ve been doing this for a year and I definitely spend less.” Hayley A

• When you do a big shop, don’t stow it all in the fridge and forget half of it’s there until it’s past its use by date. Get into the habit of transferring most of your newly bought food into the freezer. If you have large portions of chicken or fish, divide them into smaller portions and freeze.

• Regularly check the dates of perishable food in your fridge, like meat, fish and dairy products. They’re the most expensive items on our food bills. Be realistic, if you’re not going to have time or energy to cook a

45

meal from scratch that evening, move them into the freezer.

Know your food labels• ‘Use by’ is the important one - don’t eat anything after this date (although if it can be frozen you may be able to eat it at a later date).

• ‘Best before’ is about quality control, not food safety. You can tell if something tastes OK to eat. One exception is eggs - don’t eat eggs after the ‘best before’ date. • ‘Display until’ and ‘sell by’ are instructions to shop staff about stock control, and not relevant to shoppers.

For more information, check out the information about food labelling on the government’s Eatwell website.

Storing food and portion sizesIt’s not just over-buying that creates costly waste; daily staples like rice and pasta go in the bin because we cook too much. Check you’ve got your portion sizes right. For example, for two adults and three children you only need 380g of pasta. Find out more about portion sizes at Lovefoodhatewaste.com.

We waste an amazing 7 million slices of bread in the UK every day. If you like a slice of toast in the morning, keep a ready sliced loaf in the freezer and pop a slice in the toaster whenever you want. Large whole loaves can be cut in half and one frozen for later in the week.

Keep a note on the inside of your store cupboard door of any items you’ve used up

and check it when you write your shopping list.

Love your leftoversCreating meals from your leftovers definitely doesn’t mean second best. All you need to do is think before you throw: could those chicken roast leftovers go in a risotto, could those old bread bits be whizzed up and frozen as breadcrumbs?

• Bulk cook and freeze - if you’re making a Bolognese, make double and freeze half. It takes no more effort and you’ll feel so much more smug and organised when there’s a homemade ready-meal waiting for you a week later.

• Ditch expensive takeaways. A supermarket pizza still gives you a cook-free treat but at a fraction of the cost.

• Living less expensively doesn’t need to be all doom and gloom. Saving money will make you feel more in control and give you the chance to spend money saved on things you’ll remember - like treats for the children and yourself.

General money saving tips• Plan your meals• Know your food labels For more information take a look at our pages on use by/sell by dates or check out the information on food labelling• Bulk cook and freeze• Make you own takeaway at home - a fakeaway!• Love your leftovers - read our using up leftovers ideas.

www.netmums.com

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Meet Nimbus, the Clouded Leopard cub recently born at Cotswold Wildlife Park. Her start in life

was a precarious one. Keepers found the cub abandoned and cold on the exhibit floor after her mother rejected her.

With an empty belly and looking weak, keepers were forced to intervene and took the decision to hand-rear the vulnerable youngster. Curator of Cotswold Wildlife Park, Jamie Craig, took the cub home, where she could be given around the clock supervision and ultimately the best chance of survival.

Jamie (pictured right with Nimbus) has hand-reared many different species in his career, but this is the first Clouded Leopard cub he’s raised. As a surrogate parent, he is teaching Nimbus the vital survival skills needed to become an independent Clouded Leopard which will enable her to fully integrate with her own species in the future. The whole Craig family assisted with parental duties, helping the cub to grow in confidence and become the healthy, boisterous youngster she is today. Jamie’s children Niemi (pictured on opposite page with Nimbus) and Jai lent a helping hand feeding and socialising the cub. Even Niemi’s cuddly toy collection has made its way into Nimbus’ new temporary home in the Park, after she adopted them as enrichment toys. In fact, it was ten-year-old Niemi who named the cub Nimbus after the well-known rain cloud.

the hand-reared rare Clouded Leopard Cub abandoned by her Parents…

Jamie Craig said: “Nimbus will continue to be hand-reared until she is weaned in a couple of weeks. She will eventually move into her new home, an enclosure adjoining the Park’s Clouded Leopard adults, where she will remain until she is big enough to be safely reintroduced to one of her elder siblings.”

Nimbus is an important bloodline for this rare species and is part of an endangered

NIMBUS

47

Cotswold Wildlife Park opens its doors at 10am every day+, with last admission at 4.30pm++

WWW.COTSWOLDWILDLIFEPARK.CO.UK@CotsWildTweets www.facebook.com/cotswoldwildlifepark

+Except Christmas Day ++3.30pm during winter months. *Clouded Leopard Husbandry by American Zoo and Aquarium Association, 2000, p.2.

species breeding programme. The Park is currently researching aspects of Clouded Leopard behaviour using camera traps and keeper observations which will help with future studies of this shy species. Of all the wild cats, Clouded Leopards are arguably one of the most enigmatic. Very little is known about them due to their extreme elusiveness. A study back in 2000* concluded: “Due to their highly secretive nature virtually nothing is known of the Clouded Leopard’s habitats in the wild.” Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) numbers are sadly declining. Their natural habitat in Southeast Asia is undergoing the world’s fastest deforestation rate since 1990. Being forest dependant, this has had a devastating effect on population numbers. They also continue to be hunted for the illegal wildlife trade. Classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Clouded Leopards are also listed on the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species.

Facts about Clouded Leopards:• British naturalist and zoologist Edward Griffith (1790-1858) first discovered and named the species in 1821. Distinctive cloud-shaped markings on their fur inspired the name.

• Although the smallest of the world’s big cats, relative to body size, they possess the largest canine teeth of any wild cat. These distinctive canines can grown up to two inches long, similar to those of a Tiger.

• Most cats are good climbers, but the Clouded Leopard is near the top of its class. These big cats can even hang upside down beneath large branches, using their large paws and sharp claws to secure a good grip.

• Young Leopards remain dependent upon their mother for about ten months.

“It was ten-year-old Niemi who named the cub Nimbus after the

well-known rain cloud.”

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How to succeed in

MARKETINGMARKETINGNETWORK

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But while, you might think that having that all-important second income is just a pipe dream - think again. Because there are prospects available,

which are flexible and do not require you to have lots of previous experience.

One of those opportunities is network marketing. If any of you are unfamiliar with this concept, think Avon and Tuppaware. These are classic examples of household names which use network marketing - sometimes also known as multi-level marketing - strategies to sell their products.How it works is very simple. You make a small investment - usually something like £300 - and, in return, you’ll receive products to sell and the backing of a big company. You promote the products by networking in a way which suits you - through parties at friends’ houses, school fetes and community events. Different companies will recommend different methods.

Janice Trussler, a network marketer with Utility Warehouse, explains via her blog on workingmums.co.uk, this is a great opportunity to have your own business using the infrastructure and support of a large company. “The company supplies the products and takes care of everything from insurance and licences, to marketing materials and training, leaving you free to concentrate on your business,” Janice said. “It’s ideal if you’d love to work for yourself but have no idea where to begin or don’t have the capital to start from scratch,” she added.

Janice reckons it’s a career path open, in fact, to anyone willing to invest a few hours a week. Not just mums but professionals, students and pensioners. You can run it as a part-time business, to create a bit of extra cash, or you can turn it into a full-time enterprise or profitable career opportunity. It really is that flexible.

Network marketing, however, does not come without its difficulties. Research the concept and you will find misleading claims it is like pyramid selling or horror stories of pushy consultants who have alienated friends with their dogged insistence. The fact is, it is a far cry from pyramid selling and provided you find a reputable firm to work for you will be given the support and training to market effectively enough that all friendships will remain intact. There will, of course, still be sceptics who brand it as a “con”. And there will be also be consultants who sign up then find running a business is not for them.

Indeed, to be successful at network marketing, you need to be self-motivated and have a good attitude towards work as well as enthusiasm. The more energy you put in, the more fruitful your business will be.

Jen Ahern, a 39-year-old fitness instructor from Saddleworth in Lancashire, has been selling Temple Spa beauty products for two-and-a-half years. Her business has become so successful it is now more lucrative than her day job. “If you had told me five years ago I would be selling beauty products, I wouldn’t have believed you,” the mum of one said. “I am not a salesperson.” Yet, Jen reckons a combination of her passion for Temple Spa products, of which she was a loyal customer for two years before she began the business, and the quality of the merchandise means no formal selling is required. “The products sell themselves,” she explains. “I give customers tips on how to use the products, and they can try them out - it’s the ultimate ‘try before you buy’ experience.”

Jen took her first step into the business when attending a Temple Spa party herself. She loved the product but didn’t think she would be able to afford the initial outlay costs. To her surprise, she discovered she would only have to pay £160 for a “starter kit” which included a batch of products, stationery, a website and six hours of training.

Being a fitness instructor, Jen found it easy to network because she was surrounded by people who liked looking after themselves, and were interested in health and beauty. She enlisted some interested parties, who held Temple Spa classes at their home, invited their friends, and got to learn more about the products. Classes, explains Jen, are very sociable and usually involve a glass of wine or two. And they provide an opportunity for Jen to sell the products and to recruit more consultants.

In fact, Jen, who can earn between £250 and £450 a month as a consultant, has now managed to double her earnings by recruiting and then becoming a manager.So what is the key to success in network marketing? Both Jen and Janice agree it is about finding the right company. You need to be passionate about the product, yet the company you choose should provide you with quality training on how to present the product, and how to run the business.

Once you are ready to sell, Jen believes it is important to be yourself. “Don’t be too pushy,” she adds, “there are consultants who constantly bombard friends on Facebook with sales pitches, but clients will get bored of that. I am not pushy, I don’t make people uneasy and that works well.”

Jen cites ‘talent spotting’ as being another key skill her job. Being able to recruit other consultants will help your business flourish and is encouraged by companies which come under the network marketing banner. But, ask Jen had to sum up the key to network marketing success in one sentence, and she is very clear, “Believing in what you are doing and being passionate,”

Finding a job which fits in with the family or which suits the unpredictable and transient nature of life in the armed forces is tough…

To find out more visit Jen’s website: www.templespa.com/jenniferahern

MARKETING

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YOU WON’T READ ANOTHER STORY LIKE THIS ONE IN THIS MAGAZINE!!!Hello, I’m Heather. I’m now 47 (age 45 in the photo – two Christmasses ago :-) ) and I have 4

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:D :D :D Anywayyyy ... back to my story ... I’ve had a serious challenge with sleep disturbance and deprivation ever since I became a mother 18 years ago. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is crazy lack of energy – especially when it’s time for the afternoon school run ... and I’d be typically

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protein, healthy carbs, fats and fi bre, plus vitamins and minerals) yet leaves me feeling light and not at all heavy or bloated. I have this along with an energising, hydrating, fat-burning thermojetics tea – great morning cleanse (that also helps my ... errrm ... ‘fl ow’ – but

that’s another story ...) It worked so well for me I shared it with close friends (as gifts). They too had some life-changing experiences (see one friend Yvonne, in the photos below) so I now do it as a business, part-time around my kiddies (and husband, of course!)

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I began in healthcare as a nurse and trained at University College Hospital, London. I used to have serious reservations when Healers were invited to visit patients on

my wards, wondering what on earth was going on, having no understanding of the mechanics of Spiritual Healing let alone its philosophy.

Having a Healer standing by someone hovering their hands above their body made no sense; energy work was alien to me (and indeed most of the population) when I trained nearly 40 years ago. But what a difference now! Many ex-nurses have since trained in Energy Medicine therapies including Spiritual Healing, Acupuncture, Reflexology, Spirit Rescue, Crystal Healing, Sound Healing, Reiki, Shiatsu and Yoga (to name just a few of many, many types available now, not just in the UK but around the world).

When the roles were reversed and I, as a Healer, was invited to visit patients in

hospital, I was particularly nervous of approaching the ward staff, as I remembered all too well my own opinion all those years ago but found everyone much more open-minded and welcoming.

Spiritual Healing and Energy Medicine have also come a long way and many deeper methods of transforming the energy fields of the mind, emotions, body and spirit have been developing rapidly as their growing acceptance has allowed greater exploration of new techniques and a deeper understanding of why this works to heal our ills and the effects of stress.

The basic tenet is that all illness or states of dis-ease have an energetic root. If you heal this root (which is pure energy, not something physical) the illness has a far better chance of being dissolved and the mind or body has a far better chance of healing itself. Working on the energy fields in and around the body tells the Healer the full story behind the build-up of stresses, which send the mind or body spinning out

Modern Energy HealingBy Jane Butterworth Spiritual Health Practitioner

The Power of

55

of control until they can cope no longer and break down. Mental or physical illness is always the end result. Most of any new clients I see have reached this point and are looking for a reversal of their symptoms. Apart from clearing the past imprints, I teach them how to maintain a cleaner energy field and how to protect themselves from any future emotional contamination that we all have to deal with, but should not be absorbing like a sponge. As a Spiritual Health Practitioner I also teach my clients the mechanics of energy self-healing (using meditation and other tools) so that it makes more sense and they can contribute to their own healthcare, not just rely on their therapist, which is a more empowering approach.

One aspect of this is to understand how the body records the emotional impact of life events in every cell of the body. Some parts of our body are naturally stronger than others and of course it will be the weaker areas that get affected first. This can be dependent on your inherited genetic make-up, an emotional trauma or perhaps a specific area of your body that has been previously damaged. This is best illustrated by the following examples:

Case Study 1: A woman in her 40s, came to try Energy Healing for the first time. Although I always

take a medical history she didn’t mention she had had a car accident aged 16 until I was intuitively drawn to give her Healing over her left shoulder towards her neck. I used an Obsidian wand to unblock stuck negative energy from her left collar bone and at the same time she exclaimed, “Oh I haven’t felt that for a long time!” She explained it wasn’t actually painful but the memory of her broken collar bone, as she lay in hospital recovering, had resurfaced 30 years later. I thought that was all there was to it, until a couple of weeks later when she returned for a follow-up. The evening after that first appointment she suddenly remembered her cat had died while she was in hospital and so she never got to say goodbye. At 16, she had that stoical in-built mechanism that helped her move on, but what she couldn’t have known was that the emotion of her suppressed grief got buried in the fracture site and it wasn’t until she had Healing that this could be finally released. She told me she cried and cried that night about the cat, the accident and other details I won’t repeat here, but this was something she was so pleased to have had released as her shoulder had always felt stiff. After this Healing her shoulder has remained pain-free.

Case Study 2: Another lady came to explore why she kept attracting destructive relationships.

Commonly connected to Past Life or present abuse issues it was no surprise to discover her step-father had abused her sexually. I have developed a form of visualisation called “Aura Clearing” and we imagined we were looking for imprints of her step-father within her Aura and physical body. We start at the top of the head and work downwards and found these psychic links in four different places around her body. The most significant was behind the knees as she had suffered stiff, sore knees for many years, been investigated by doctors, but with nothing abnormal being detected. Pain relief tablets were no help either. We ‘evicted’ her step-father from all four sites, an emotional and difficult process. Nevertheless she contacted me later in a really delighted state that she had had no more knee problems. This remains the case to this day. Removing the overshadowing influence of this man has also helped her attract more positive and fulfilling relationships, both male and female.

So, the spiritual practice of Energy Healing can dig deep and release either profoundly buried or recently imprinted forms of stress. It is so empowering for the client to be freed up from these restrictions both in mind and body that, in the past, we just had to put up with - such is the power of modern Healing practice.

Jane Butterworth is a Spiritual Health Practitioner and psychic practising near Sherborne, Dorset and central London.

See advert and website for further details: www.janebutterworth-spiritualhealth.co.uk.

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Liz King

View my profi le on www.rutlandsanctuary.co.uk01572 757776 [email protected]

Liz is a natural born psychic and was aware as a child that she had her abilities. She has worked professionally for over 30 years and has done platform work and demonstrations. She is very in tune with her spiritual healing abilities, which include Reiki, crystal healing, aromatherapy, past life/ancestral healing.

TV Psychic and MediumReadings 1-2-1 or over Skype

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We hear tales all the

time of the mind healing

the body. From women

who use hypnosis as

pain relief in childbirth to

the optimists, who cure

themselves of serious

illness through power of

positive thinking.

Whether you choose to

believe these stories or

not, there is some very

compelling evidence to

prove that how we use

that grey matter of ours,

and indeed how we

exercise mind over matter,

can have a significant effect

on our health.

How your mind can heal your body

59

It allows our bodies to switch down a gear and rest, digest and absorb.

The problem is, Rosy explained, because many of us live such stressful, busy lives we do our stuck in our sympathetic ‘fight or flight’ mode, we’ve either forgotten or have never learned to relax. And this is when parts of the body start to go wrong.

It can affect our heartbeats, making them more rapid, our blood pressure and our adrenaline. It can also be detrimental to our bowels causing problems like IBS, indigestion, ulcers and constipation.

Our breathing can also suffer, as when in ‘fight or flight’ mode, we take shallow breaths and do not take in enough oxygen. “Stress to a certain point,” said Rosy, “challenges us and helps us to perform better. Beyond, however, it leads to burnout and chronic fatigue.”

There are other ways our mental state can affect our health too. There is evidence to suggest unhappiness can affect our immune systems, causing it to break down. Grief can affect the lungs, said Rosy, betrayal and disappointment can harm the kidneys, anger can manifest in the stomach and people who carry tension, can see the affects to the womb.

Carers of people with dementia are prone to colds and depression, Rosy explained, asthma can be a combination of anxiety and sadness and people with tense muscles probably suffer because they are in permanent sympathetic overdrive, and may also experience headaches and grumpiness.

The good news is this can be reversed. Rosy says by learning to put our bodies into deep relaxation we can teach ourselves to switch from sympathetic overdrive to parasympathetic relief.

This can be done using meditation, by learning to breathe in a deep and calm way and by using visualisation, which can involve vividly remembering the moments in your life when you were at your happiest and healthiest.

Rosy gets her patients to use visualisation, and to make positive affirmations.

Chemotherapy patients, for example, will visualise their blood counts rising.

But Rosy is also passionate that there is a spiritual element to this - and the combination of a patient’s ability to believe and the belief system of the person looking after them are vital. She describes this relationship as a placebo.

In Rosy’s career, she has found asthma, irritable bowel, allergies and cancer to be most responsive to her integrated healthcare approach. But she also believes headaches, migraines and tension can also be receptive.

There are things we can incorporate easily into our lives to help empower ourselves to improve our health. Rosy suggests Pranayama Yoga, which teaches breathing control, and Qigong, which has roots in Chinese medicine and martial arts and uses movement, meditation and deep breathing to help relaxation and self-healing.

There are other tools you can use too. Take mindfulness as an example. There has been a huge buzz recently around this de-stressing technique, which combines meditation, breathing techniques and paying attention to the present moment.

A research study by the University of Oxford, published in November 2013, found after one month following the Mindfulness course, on average 58 per cent of the 273 participants enjoyed a fall in anxiety levels, 57 per cent a reduction in depression and 40 per cent saw stress levels go down.

The Somerset-based Health Creation also has a variety of courses available to help you make the lifestyle changes to improve your health. These include the online Picture of Health course, which costs £10, and will help you assess your current level of self care.

It also runs training courses and spiritual mentorship programmes for people who want to work with the life threatened or bereaved.

Go to www.healthcreation.co.uk/ or call the helpline on 01225 745737.

How your mind can heal your bodyFor simple things like

learning to breathe properly, understanding how to relax and using positive thinking can have

a huge and positive effect on our health. Because, to put it very simply, unhappiness, stress and anxiety can be the cause of illnesses and can also worsen existing problems.

Dr Rosy Daniel, the founder and medical director of integrated healthcare organisation, Health Creation, has spent 20 years using integrated medicine - the combination of orthodox medicine with alternative, self-help and complementary medicine - to help patients overcome a variety of illnesses, including cancer.

Rosy believes there is a profound connection between our minds, bodies, spirit and environment, and once we learn how our lifestyles, mental attitude and overall support affects physical health we can help boost our recovery.

Rosy became interested in this holistic approach when she began observing the state of mind of one of her friends, who was suffering quite extreme symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

“When she became anxious or frightened her symptoms got worse. When she fell in love and got excited and happy, they improved,” Rosy explained. “I was witnessing a phenomenon.”

So, how does this work?Rosy, a former Medical Director at Bristol Cancer Help Centre who also worked at the Harley Street Oncology Centre, explained that our bodies contain something called the autonomic nervous system, which controls how our internal organs work.

There are two branches of this nervous system - the sympathetic and the parasympathetic. The sympathetic nervous system is our ‘fight or flight’ mode, something essential for the survival of early humans. It triggers our immediate response and acts like our body’s accelerator pedal.

The parasympathetic system, meanwhile, is our ‘clutch’, or ‘housekeeping’ function.

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I’m Carol Hanson and I run an online boutique Want Her Dress.

As someone who suffered from an eating disorder for over 20 years I am passionate that women should not suffer from issues of self-esteem because they don’t meet an unrealistic and highly unattainable body shape which the

fashion industry has determined is the best way to showcase its products.

At Want Her Dress I use ‘real women’ for photo shoots and at live events, but also have made it my mission to help women to learn how to identify and embrace their body shape and dress to enhance its best features.

I soon realised that one of the major challenges I faced running an ecommerce fashion business was the reluctance of women to buy clothes online! While many women browse online, they fi nd it hard to visualise what the garments photographed on extremely slender models will look like on them and often only get as far as browsing for ideas.

Another factor when we buy clothes is that we are creatures of habit – how often have you found yourself gravitating to the same styles or colours when you are shopping for clothes (online and offl ine)? I can put my hand up to that one – on a recent count there were 5 grey T-shirts in my wardrobe!

Ask yourself why do you tend to stick to the same styles and types of clothes? Is it because someone’s paid us a compliment or we just feel confi dent in a particular outfi t or is it because we struggle to know what suits us?

For most of us it’s that tiny nagging doubt that we are not really sure how to tell what suits us and even when we do spent hours in the changing rooms or in front of our mirror, we’re still not convinced! How much easier would it be if we had to our fi ngertips a few simple rules that we followed when we went shopping?

Where do we begin? The fi rst thing we need to do is identify our body shape.

Body shape is not about your dress size it’s about the relationship and balance between the various parts of your body. The best way to identify your shape is to dress in leggings and a cami top, stand in front of the mirror either on your own or ask a friend to help you determine your shape. You’ll need to ask yourself a number of questions and our body shape style guide (*link below) will help you to defi ne your shape and also give you a quick fi re guide on

what to look for and what to avoid when you’re shopping for clothes.Having this knowledge may also give you the confi dence to try styles you’d not dared to try believing that they wouldn’t look right, but equally it might help keep us on track when we fall in love with an item that really should be left on the hanger for someone else to buy! Understanding your shape will also help you accentuate the areas that secretly you are proud of but don’t generally admit! We’re all too keen to focus on the negatives and worry about how we can hide the bits we loathe when it’s a much more uplifting experience to work on fl attering the bits we should show off!

It’s also important to understand that it’s very unlikely you will remain the same shape throughout your life you may go through at least one and maybe a couple of changes. These may be due to childbirth, menopause, side effects of medication are just some examples that will impact your shape. If you recognise these changes then you will be able to adapt your wardrobe and style to cater for them and not be overwhelmed by the fact that your clothes no longer look or feel right.

Understanding your body shape and ensuring that your wardrobe works for your shape is

really empowering. How different do you feel when you step out of the door in the morning and know you look amazing? It won’t guarantee you a successful day, but it will mean you have the confi dence to deal with whatever life throws at you and you’ll have a much more positive and happy day than you would if you were consciously or sub-consciously worrying about your outfi t.

So forget your size, understand your shape and empower your wardrobe!

With confi dence, you have won before you have started. Marcus Garvey

Carol Hanson

Owner of Want Her Dress

E: [email protected]

www.wantherdress.com

FB: Want Her Dress

Twitter: @wantherdress

Instagram: wantherdress

Pinterest: wantherdress

If you would like more information on identifying your body shape, please

go to http://www.wantherdress.com/38/what-is-my-body-shape

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Sale Time!

Fantastic Discounts - ends 31st Jan 2015

Magpie JewelleryExquisite Handmade Semi-Precious Gemstone,

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Sue BreenClairvoyant Medium

International

Working with her Spirit guides Sue connects to spirit and brings forward loved ones on the other side. She has the abilities to see hear and sense, combining

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Sue’s work includes giving 1-2-1 readings, Psychic Parties, Including Skype Readings ,Telephone Readings, Demonstrations, Charity events, Corporate events

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NottinghamNG6 8PT

07948 273817

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SpiritualSpiritualSpiritualHealing

63

Mention spiritual healing to a group of people and it’s highly likely at least half will show some degree of

scepticism, or brush it off as twaddle.

For the number of myths and misconceptions that surround this area of complementary therapy are vast and varied.

Yet, increasingly, spiritual healing is being seen by the medical profession as a way to complement conventional medicine.

Because while it is by no means a miracle cure for illness or injury, there is convincing evidence to suggest healing can reduce pain, help us to relax and put problems into perspective.

Scientists conducting tests on cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy found those who had sessions of ‘therapeutic touch’ for 30 minutes a day, for five days, experienced “more effective decreased pain and fatigue” than those who did not receive the therapy.

And Penny Brohn Cancer Care, which provides support for cancer patients, recommends healing as a primary alternative therapy in the fight against the disease.

It’s not just cancer patients who have benefitted.

Researchers in the College of Nursing at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences’ in the USA concluded therapeutic touch “decreased behaviour symptoms of dementia”.

How does spiritual healing work?

Therapeutic touch, according to The Healing Trust, a charitable organisation established to raise standards and awareness of healing, is the most simple and straightforward approach to the treatment of ill health and injury available under the spiritual healing banner.

You may be familiar with Reiki healing. And you may also have heard of mental, psi and faith healing. But it is therapeutic touch, which is the area for which a considerable amount of scientific research has been done to demonstrate the positive effects of healing.

The Healing Trust explains therapeutic touch “consists of a simple, direct relationship between the healer and patient relying mainly on close contact, such as the laying of hands, the use of prayer, hand passes etc to help bring about improvements in the patient’s condition”.

So, how exactly does spiritual healing work?

As already mentioned, healers use their hands, holding them either a short distance from the body or using light touch. It is said this process passes a flow of ‘beneficial’ energy between the healer and patient, which allows the body’s natural healing process to kick in and help combat illness, injury or stress.

The Healing Trust describes the healer as being like a gentle set of jump leads.

It is believed the energy flows automatically to the part of the body which needs restoring. But healing also brings the body, mind and spirit into harmony.

64

People who have undergone spiritual healing might feel warmth, tingling, pressure or just pure relaxation while they are undergoing the process. Some might feel immediate benefits, others might not notice any changes for a few days.

The Healing Trust says anything from just one session to five or six regular meetings with a healer would be enough to convince patients that improvements had occurred.

“You may feel lighter and brighter, more positive in attitude and notice happy coincidences occurring in your life,” the Trust explains.

They cite stories of patients who have recovered from physical problems, depression and stress.

One of the myths surrounding spiritual healing is that you need to have a certain amount of religious faith for the healing process to work.

This is not the case. The Healing Trust explains that, while healers work from a range of philosophies, they perceive their healing abilities as ‘natural resources’. The organisation says having a certain amount of openness to anything that happens, and a degree of trust in the healer, are helpful.

It also strongly advises you remain in contact with your doctor if you are suffering with a condition which requires conventional medicine, and inform them you are receiving healing.

Alwyn Burton, a 63-year-old grandmother and amputee has used spiritual healing for 20 years as a way of coping with the pressures of family life and her disability.

“At its best it will relax you, and at its most profound it will start to heal you,” she explains. “In my experience, it makes me calmer, more relaxed and more able to cope.”

“Sometimes you can get insights into

what is going on in your life. It provides perspective.”

Alwyn has tried Reiki healing as well as the more traditional form of spiritual healing. The first time she tried Reiki, she experienced being in a trance for a few days after the session. “I felt completely in the moment, completely calm but I was still functioning normally. It was an amazing experience.”

Alwyn concedes that while no one really knows exactly how spiritual healing works and how the healing powers are channelled from one person to another, she believes the interaction that occurs between two people when healing takes place is incredibly powerful.

“Christians believe, it comes from God,” she explains. “Others think it might be from another higher power. Whatever it is, it is powerful in helping people cope with symptoms of illnesses and to relax and cope.”

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LOOKING FOR AN EXTRA INCOME THIS YEAR? OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE ACROSS

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AlexandraBellamyIllustration and Art

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Want to build a Business around

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68

They carry us in the womb for nine months, endure indescribable

pain to give birth to us then selflessly devote their lives to nurturing us, raising us, protecting us, fretting over us, nursing us and generally being wonderful. So it seems only right that, for one day of the year, we turn the tables and dote upon - not to mention celebrate - our mums!

Mother’s Day dates back centuries, to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who each held Spring festivals to honour mythical mother figures. Later, the Christian festival on the fourth Sunday of Lent to honour the Virgin Mary, Mother of Christ, was broadened to incorporate all mothers and became “Mothering Sunday”.

While variations of Mother’s Day are celebrated across the world, the most modern incarnation hails from the United States - in Grafton, West Virginia, where, in 1905, peace activist Anne Reeves Jarvis died. She had campaigned tirelessly for a day to commemorate the remarkable contribution mothers made to society and, upon her death, her daughter Anna Jarvis vowed to continue this crusade.

Love Aga mug £13 and apron £27www.agacookshop.co.uk

69

Anna’s persistent lobbying paid off and in 1914 the second Sunday in May was named a national holiday.

Back in England, Mothering Sunday, which had died out in the 1900s, was reignited after World War Two, thanks to the American servicemen introducing the American custom of Mother’s Day.

As a result, Mother’s Day is as much about buying cards and gifts to treat our mums as it is in recognising their role in society. And, if you happen to be looking for gift ideas, here are a few to inspire you…

How about a quirky piece of wall art featuring the full text of your mum’s favourite book? Spineless classics range

includes Pride and Prejudice and The Life of Pi and prices start at £19.99, visit www.spinelessclassics.com.

For an indulgent gift an AromaWorks candle, made from seven essential oils, costs £32 from www.aroma-works.com.

The Aga Cookshop has lots of gift ideas for mums, including a Love Aga mug at £13 and apron at £27, visit www.agacookshop.co.uk .

Here’s one for military mums. Clare Macnaughton’s book, A Modern Military Mother - Tales from the Domestic Frontline is described as a book for “women who hate housework and being told what to do”, £3.99, Amazon.

Pride and Prejudice www.spinelessclassics.com

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The perfect gift for any occasion...or just for youWe have everything from Aromatherapy to Watches including

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Jeannette Ramm

International Clairvoyant

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I offer private appointments for most of my clientele, however there are some opportunities for me to book my services for events, parties or other occasions.

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Special Thoughts Cards

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KnutzKnitzI knit necklaces, bracelets, cushions, neck

collars, bouquets of fl owers (great for weddings), Christmas wreaths (order by June), and practically anything else you can think of!

Email Susan to get in touch for orders

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With haberdashery products getting harder and harder to fi nd we are quickly becoming the UK’s number one choice for products including beads, ribbon, charms, chains and much more!

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Reiki is a Japanese healing technique which is used for stress reduction, relaxation and also for healing by allowing Universal Energy to flow through us. Each session will involve Balancing, Emotional Release and Psychic Surgery which will allow you to feel refreshed and stress free.

Indian Head Massage is used for stress reduction, relaxation, relieves sinus issues (on head and face treatments) and relieves tension. Each session will involve a shoulders, neck, head and face massage, but if preferred, you could have your shoulders, neck and head massaged or just your face massaged.

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7373

1. Save some money. Be it £10 or £1000, its never a bad thing to put some money aside for a rainy day.2. Lose weight. We’ll see how long this one lasts when our Friday bacon sandwiches are delivered!3. Visit somewhere new. Whilst travelling the world may be a little ambitious, planning a trip anywhere new is exciting and doesn’t have to cost the earth. Top three on our wishlist are Amsterdam, Cornwall and San Francisco.4. Do something for charity. With increasingly busy lives, findingtimeto‘giveup’canbedifficulthoweverweknowit will be well worth it.5. Less TV time. Although we can’t imagine missing our favourite soaps, we vow to switch off occasionally and do somethingdifferentlike…6. Readmorebooks.We’renotsayingwhichbooks!7. Quitsmoking.Wewon’tgointowhy,weallknowwhy.8. SpendlesstimeonFacebook/Twitter.Nearonimpossiblefor someofusbutmaybeafewlesssneakyglancesintheoffice!9. Exercise more. Or just exercise for some of us!10. Makejam(andimproveonotherdomesticgoddessduties).11. Takeupanewsport.Officefootballteamanyone?12. Swearless.Ahem…13. Runamarathon.Notforeveryonebutaclassic.14. Drinklesscoffee.Thisonewilldefinitelybethehardestfor our‘caffeineaddict’office.15. Keep at least one resolution past January!

By the time you’re reading

this, many of you may

have already broken your

new year’s resolutions or

perhaps you didn’t even

make any. In a bid to inspire,

here are the things we at

Just For Her are planning on

doing (hopefully!) in 2015…

2015New Year’s Resolutions

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76

Why is Friday the 13th unlucky? Being wary of Friday the 13th is much more than a quaint

superstition observed by a few uneducated people in distant, unreachable towns and hamlets. In the United States alone, it is estimated that between 17 and 21 million people dread that date to the extent that it can be officially classified as a phobia.

So why is Friday the 13th considered such an “evil” day? The origins aren’t perfectly clear, but we do know that both Friday and, separately, the number 13 have long been considered unlucky and it was around the late 19th century that the first documented instances started popping up of people putting the two together to form the unluckiest day of all.

To start with, the most popular theory as to why Friday is considered unlucky or an evil day is thought by many to spring from Christianity. By tradition, Friday is considered the day that Eve gave Adam the “apple” and they were kicked out of the Garden of Eden- of course, “Friday” wouldn’t have been around yet.(Note: The notion that it was an apple is a second century invention and contrary to what is stated in Genesis.)

Also by tradition, Adam and Eve were purported to have died on a then nonexistent “Friday”. The Temple of Solomon was said to have been destroyed

FRIDAY FRIDAY FRIDAY THETHETHE 13th

on Friday. And Jesus was traditionally considered to have been crucified on a Friday, the day we refer to now as Good Friday. Though, interestingly, there are several references in somewhat recent history of Good Friday being considered the one exception to Fridays being bad luck. Such as this reference from 1857:Notwithstanding the prejudice against sailing on a Friday... most of the pleasure-boats... make their first voyage for the season on Good Friday.

Others theorize that Friday being unlucky predated Christianity. The name “Friday” was chosen in honor of the Norse goddess Frigg, also known as Freyja, who was the multitalented goddess of love, beauty, wisdom, war, death, and magic. Teutonic people are thought to have considered the day extremely unlucky, especially for weddings, due in part to the lovely goddess the day was named for. Later, the Christian church attempted to demonize the goddess, so that may or may not be a contributing factor as well.

Whatever the case, despite these quite old origin theories, well documented instances of the notion that Friday was popularly considered unlucky among the masses doesn’t seem to have popped up until around the mid-17th century. Within the next two centuries after that, the idea continued to spread and by the 19th century was nearly ubiquitous in certain cultures.

“It is considered incredibly bad luck to have 13 people sitting at a table for dinner, which

supposedly is due to the fact that Judas Iscariot was by tradition the 13th person to be seated to

dine at the Last Supper.”

As for the unluckiness of the number 13, as with Friday, there are numerous possibilities for the origin, the most popular of which also stems from Christianity. It is considered incredibly bad luck to have 13 people sitting at a table for dinner, which supposedly is due to the fact that Judas Iscariot was by tradition the 13th person to be seated to dine at the Last Supper.

However, the Hindus also believed that it was bad luck for 13 people to gather together for any purpose at the same time.

Far away in northern Europe, the Vikings of ancient times told a very similar story. According to the old Norse myth, 12 gods were feasting at the banquet hall at Valhalla, when Loki, the god of Mischief, showed up uninvited. This, of course, brought the count of gods up to the dreaded number of 13. Loki then encouraged Hod, the blind god of winter and darkness, to murder Balder the Good with a spear of mistletoe, throwing all of Valhalla into mourning, and once again providing another example of a story in history that congregating with 13 for dinner is a bad idea.

So why all these separate religions having such a similar tradition of demonizing the number 13? There are those that theorize the number 13 may have been purposely denigrated by the founders of the patriarchal religions to eradicate the influence of the Mother Goddess. In goddess worshipping cultures, the number 13 was often revered, as it represented the

number of lunar and menstrual cycles that occur annually. It is believed by those who adhere to this theory that as the 12-month solar calendar came into use over the 13-month lunar calendar, the number 13 itself became suspect.

It should be noted, though, that not all cultures in the ancient world recoiled at the number 13. The Ancient Egyptians believed life was a spiritual journey that unfolded in stages. They believed that 12 of those stages occurred in this life, but last, the 13th, was a joyous transformative ascension to an eternal afterlife. So the number 13 represented death to the Egyptians, but not death as in decay and fear, but as acknowledgement of a glorious eternal life. Of course, it’s always possible the association with death from Egyptian tradition later morphed into death in an unlucky sense later by cultures influenced by Egypt.

As with the notion of Friday being unlucky, “13” being popularly considered unlucky really seemed to gain steam around the 17th-18th centuries, and by the 19th century in the Western world was likewise extremely widespread in several different cultures.

So when did Friday and the number 13 join forces to terrorize the masses? You’ll often read that it’s when the Knights Templar were arrested on Friday, October 13, 1307. However, that origin story is a modern notion with no basis in any documented history.

77continues over page >>

Others point to the last day of King Harold II’s reign on Friday, October 13, 1066. William of Normandy gave him the opportunity to relinquish his crown, which he refused. The next day William took it by force at the Battle of Hastings, causing Harold’s demise. Again, it is a modern idea that this is where the first “Friday the 13th is the ultimate unlucky day” notion came about.

It perhaps isn’t surprising, given that both Friday and “13” as unlucky didn’t reach their zenith in popularity until the 19th century, that it wasn’t until around the mid to late 19th century that the two were put together as the ultimate unlucky day.

One of the earliest references of this comes from a club formed by William Fowler. Fowler set out to prove that these sorts of superstitions are baseless. He thus formed a club known as “The Thirteen Club” in which club members would meet in groups of 13 to dine, with their first ever get together occurring, of course, on the unluckiest day of the week- Friday the 13th in January of 1881.

To thumb their noses even further at the fates, they had club members walk under a ladder before sitting down to a table in room 13 of the building they were in. They also made sure there was plenty of spilled salt on the table before they dined.

A slightly earlier documented reference

comes from 1869, in the biography of Gioachino Rossini where the author, Henry Sutherland Edwards notes:

He [Rossini] was surrounded to the last by admiring friends; and if it be true that, like so many Italians, he regarded Fridays as an unlucky day and thirteen as an unlucky number, it is remarkable that one Friday 13th of November he died.

(Interestingly, traditionally in Italy, Friday the 13th was not considered unlucky, with 13 being often considered a lucky number there until extremely recently when Western European and American influence started to change that. For Italians, classically, 17 was the unlucky number and thus Friday the 17th became the Italian version of Friday the 13th. Nevertheless, Henry Sutherland Edwards was British so, though he was writing about an Italian composer, applied his own superstition to Gioachino Rossini.)

The notion of Friday the 13th being the unluckiest of the unlucky picked up steam from around this point and once we get into the early 20th century, there are numerous documented instances of people referencing it in this way, such as the 1907 novel by stockbroker Thomas W. Lawson called Friday the Thirteenth, which told of a stockbroker’s efforts to destroy the market on that ominous date.

So, aside from the popular “Friday the 13th”

film franchise, what makes the Friday the 13th superstition stick so stubbornly in our collective consciousness? Psychologists point to the fact that if anything negative happens on that specific date, people make a permanent association between the event and the date in their minds, conveniently forgetting all those times Friday the 13th has passed uneventfully. In short, it is a classic example of confirmation bias.

Bonus Facts:• The Dutch Centre for Insurance Statistics in 2008 attempted to prove that Friday the 13th was no different than any other day. They ended up demonstrating the opposite. From their results, they found Friday the 13th is actually a slightly safer day to drive than other days, at least using two years’ worth of data from 2006-2008 in the Netherlands. In that span, there were an average of 7,500 traffic accidents on days that were both Friday and the 13th of the month. On Fridays that didn’t line up with the 13th, there were only an average of 7,800 accidents each day. Their theory is simply that, due to the phobia, less people drive on Friday the 13th and people are more careful when they have to. They also found similar trends with reported fires and crimes, with less happening on Fridays that coincide with the 13th day of the month.

• In many nations where Spanish influence is prevalent, rather than Friday the 13th being unlucky, it is Tuesday the 13th that holds that honor.

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82

In with the boldHaving spent the past few years relaxing in pale, restful interiors with off-white walls and neutral accents, householders are going to find all their senses shaken up with the arrival of bright, bold colour schemes. While the colours forecast for winter 2014/15 are warm but still restrained, with olive green and teal blue being particular favourites, by spring/summer 2015 everything will be much more vivid.

An array of new, bright tones are set to take over every inch of domestic living space, chasing out the tasteful pallor of the past few years. Key colours will be fuchsia, clear yellow and a bright Greek blue, the latter particularly in combination with greens, but citrus shades are also set for resurgence, and even neons get a nod. The emphasis is on clear, bright hues that make an immediate impact.

Mix it upWhat is more, dedicated followers of fashion will be mixing, even clashing, their colours. While green and blue is forecast as the key combination, others include fuchsia/orange and red/yellow.

Key influencesIn fact, almost anything might go, since the major influences appear to be the renaissance, botany and Africa. These influences are set to be most evident in textures and prints. Already a few brightly coloured and clashing floral prints have entered the market as wallpapers and furnishing fabrics, and these are set to multiply. The African influence is likely to be felt in the form of bold, tribal-inspired prints and fearless use of colour, while the renaissance effect

will probably be seen in rich, luxurious materials such as velvet, embroidered silks and leathers.

Tone it downTo some, however great their interest in interior fashions, this complete change of direction will seem alarming. Many householders have grown attached to the pale, relaxing interior trend and will be concerned about replacing it with something completely different.

The good news for these people is that many - if not most - ordinary people are likely to cherry pick the brightness of 2015, and simply add shots of colour, texture and pattern to their existing pale backdrops. Of course, there will be a few brave fashion gurus who will go the whole hog, but for most this is a design trend that is easy to incorporate into existing settings.

For example, the key combination of blue and green can be worked into a pale room by adding curtains; perhaps a feature wall in a relevant printed wallpaper, and a few brightly coloured accessories such as rugs and vases. An otherwise dull piece of furniture, such as a plain bookcase or cupboard, can be given a new lease of life with a coat of bright, glossy paint in a bold tone. The key is to take what appeals from the new trend, acknowledge its presence, and make it work for the room concerned (and its occupants).

In short, while 2015 is set to bring colour back into homes, there is no need for it to be overwhelming. Happy decorating!

Interior Décor2015

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According to the world’s style experts, 2015 will be a year of huge change - and a lot of decorating -for those who like to keep up with the trends in home décor.

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by Psychic Medium Lizzie Houlbrooke

The Spiritual Badge

To say that you are a Spiritual person is all well and good, but how many people use that label and then lead completely different lives?

Surely being Spiritual is a way of life as well as a faith or belief? Spirituality should be seen in everyday actions, thoughts and deeds.

Nor is it purely a religious blessing. For me it is the belief in a higher power, it is respecting our wonderful world and caring about everyone and everything within it.

I think we reach a point in our lives when we start to ask questions about the power behind our physical, visible world. We wonder where this incredible Universe comes from. Some people chose to ignore these thoughts and carry on with their daily routines whilst others start out on a path that leads to a higher state of awareness.

They embrace qualities such as love, patience, forgiveness, compassion, tolerance, peace and harmony and they see the magnifi cence of our world and the beauty in others.

A Spiritual journey explores ones deepest beliefs and values of an immaterial reality. It strips everything back to the essence of being, inner

peace and the foundation for true happiness.

Finding a path to Spirituality is an individual journey, but one that is based on care and love. These are the starting points and the ones that so often get forgotten. Sending love out to someone who has hurt you is a diffi cult but necessary task on the journey to being Spiritual.

So, I am trying to live a Spiritual life and although I am not perfect and life can be a challenge I wear my Spiritual badge with pride. Every so often I need to take it off and give it a polish but at least I never hide behind it or make a mockery of it.

What does Spirituality mean to you, can you incorporate it into your world? Ask the questions and you too can live a Spiritual life.

Love & BlessingsLizzie x

Lizzie Houlbrooke has been working as a British Medium & Psychic Tarot Card Reader for many years. As a medium she loves working with Spirit, completing a link between their world and ours.

As she has become more and more involved with uniting people with their loved ones, her ability as a Medium & Psychic has grown. She has an interest in all things Spiritual and has a strong desire to help anyone in

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Lizzie works from a therapy room in Cheshire where she conducts Private Readings. She also does Skype or telephone readings, nationally & internationally and often reads for wives & girlfriends of H.M.Forces, passing on messages and guidance for the future.

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Key trends for Spring 2015 are fresh and incredibly flattering, with lots of silhouette-enhancing styles and feminine patterns.

According to personal stylist, Susie Hasler, the ultimate wardrobe staple this spring is a shirtdress.

“It will take you through from spring, with black tights, to summer,” she explained. “Adding a belt to a shirt dress will accentuate your waist and it’s a style that can be dressed up or down.”

Susie suggests wearing with chunky beads, sunglasses and sandals for a casual look or teamed with a statement necklace and wedges for a glam look. “Your legs will look endless!” she said.

SPRING 2015

FashionWhile tartan was big last autumn and winter, the very feminine, 1950s-inspired gingham is set to be The Pattern of the season.

Susie suggested wearing on top if you are small busted, and to pair with jeans, shorts or a denim jacket. However, big busted women beware - gingham will add volume up top.

Military green is also set to feature heavily in the Spring collections. On the catwalk, military shirt dresses, tops and jackets featured statement-style buttons with nipped-in waists, said Susie.

“Most of these styles were also v-necked which are great for big-busted ladies,” she explained. “Military green looks great on Gingham

Spring is here which means it’s time to pack away those dreary bobbled jumpers and itchy thermals, and inject your wardrobe which some much-needed pizzazz!

87

Head-to-toe white

Boyfriend jeanswomen with warm or tanned skins

tones. Team with jewellery for a glam look that makes it less masculine.”

Head-to-toe white will feature heavily this spring. While Susie admits it’s not ideal for those with small children, it looks amazing on petite women because it elongates the body.

“To avoid looking too ‘Miss Havisham’, you may want to break it up with some statement jewellery or a bright scarf,” she added.

The more toddler-friendly boyfriend jeans remain a key trend this Spring. Team with a fitted vest or t-shirt for a balanced silhouette.

Meanwhile, the ultimate Spring accessory is the obi belt. Susie explained “It is a sash belt that is a fantastic wardrobe staple to own. Accentuate your waist by adding an obi belt to dresses, tops and jackets.”

For more fashion tips visit Susie’s website www.styledbysusie.co.uk

The Obi Belt

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The Ob

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Two years ago, redundancy presented me with 2 choices; stay within the corporate world of sales

that I knew well or follow a dream; open up a Jazz Lounge or a 1940’s Tea Room. Ultimately I decided to open both and The Blitz Tea Room and Jazz Lounge was born.

People ask me why the 1940’s? My answer is always the same...I believe that the ‘War Time spirit’, the ‘comradeship’ which we as a country were famous for, has been slowly eroded. The stories recounted by the people who lived them are not going to be told much longer as that generation slowly leaves us. I wanted to see if I could create a place which could capture what is left and bring back a romantic age where decisions were simple as life was incredibly precious.

The concept was simple; to create a lounge from the start of the Second World War. Authenticity was key; After several meetings with set designers at The Imperial War Museum at Duxford I realised that my ‘buzz words’ while building and preparing the Tea Room were going to be ‘Attention to Detail’! Apparently there are people out there that will notice if the slightest detail is not correct!! Precision was vital!

“

““

The concept was simple;

to create a lounge from the

start of the Second World

War. Authenticity was key;

After several meetings with

set designers at The Imperial

War Museum at Duxford I

realised that my ‘buzz words’

while building and preparing

the Tea Room were going to be

‘Attention to Detail’!

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THE

BLITZTEA ROOM & JAZZ LOUNGE

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The main challenge was to contend with my own imagination...I could see a truly remarkable place that transports you back in time to this incredible period...it was going to be hard work!I sourced tables and chairs from the late 30’s, early 40’s era from a supplier to the film and TV industry, I picked up ornaments in flea markets, the gramophone from eBay, the cake cabinet from an antique shop, wall paper from London, pictures from charity shops, gifts from family and well wishers.

I also wanted the place to have something special...a look that struck customers as soon as they walked in, and a Trompe l’oeil ceiling was the result; a half blown away ceiling reveals a clouded sky complete with barrage balloons and a dog fight taking place between a Spitfire and a Junkers 88 (a mark 1 Spitfire of course, to keep within the period of the Battle of Britain).An 8 hour loop of music from the period plays all day and sound effects of an air raid; sirens, bombs dropping, buildings collapsing, fire crackling, fire brigade bells and the all clear, all resonate around the room before finishing with Churchill’s famous ‘Never Before’ speech.Staff wear 1940’s clothing and the menus I styled on the ration book.

As for the tea, the Blitz offers a selection of 15 speciality teas which are brewed at your table using your own personal timer to ensure the perfect cup of tea, every time.

Within 14 months, we were awarded the Best Tea Room in The UK accolade and

THE

BLITZTEA ROOM & JAZZ LOUNGE

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also came 10th out of 34,000 businesses that people ‘loved’. We currently occupy the No1 spot on Tripadvisor of 138 local restaurants, we have nearly 3000 followers on Face Book and a film crew due over from Canada next year to film us for a TV program about Tea Rooms around the world.

As for the Jazz Lounge, alternate Saturday evenings see the Tea Room transformed into a cosy, intimate and glamorous setting where artists such as Luna Nightingale and Pete Wayre recreate the classics. The end of November sees Paul Casper, the UK’s number one George Formby impersonator, perform for us, an almost immediate sell out!

The Blitz has proved exceptionally popular for private parties which enable people to celebrate in a truly unique way. Themed nights are also on our agenda, with our ‘Dads Army’, Allo Allo and The Yanks are Coming nights proving very popular. Next will be a ‘Foyles War murder mystery evening’ where period dress will be a must!Schools sometimes visit to help give children a feel of the 1940’s; they love the milkshakes in old fashioned milk bottles! And we have been touched to learn that Alzheimer’s sufferers have found the ambience of the tea room bring back long lost memories and lost moments of joy to their families.

I make the odd tweak here and there, but mostly the Blitz remains a 1940’s snapshot in time, a haven from the hub bub of the modern world.

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AMSTERDAMIn two days you can easily hit the top Amsterdam attractions and still have time to relax. But with so many museums and pretty neighborhoods, it is tough to know where to start. No fear - here is a list of sights you can easily see with a couple of days in Amsterdam…

RIDE A BICYCLEWhen in Amsterdam, ride a bicycle. You can choose to rent one for your entire stay (it is the best way to get around) or take a bike tour, or both. A bike tour is a great way to start off your stay. It will give you an overview of the city and help you get a sense of direction in a city where every corner seems to have the same architecture, a bridge and a canal. Mac Bikes offers a variety of bike tours and rent bikes. www.macbike.nl

VISIT THE RIJKSMUSEUMDespite its many treasures the big hitter here is Rembrandt’s stunning masterpiece, The Nightwatch. The main building is closed for renovation until 2013 but the famous painting is on display in the Philips wing. www.rijksmuseum.nl

WANDER THROUGH THE FLOWER MARKETIt’s not just tulips, you know. One prettiest Amsterdam attractions is to simply spends a delightful hour admiring the many flowers and bulbs on display at this market. You can take home bulbs of all sorts as long s they have a customs clearance note on them.

EXPLORE VONDELPARKThis is not a place you find among the typical list of Amsterdam attractions but it is one of the best places to see locals out and about enjoying the fresh air and greenery. This is the city’s most popular city park.

SEE THE ANNE FRANK HOUSEThe house where Anne Frank hid and wrote in her diary is in the middle of Central Amsterdam. It now houses a museum about the girl and her family. During the tour you will see the secret annex where they lived and learn about the family. The original diary is also on display. www.annefrank.org

BOUTIQUE-HOP IN THE NEGEN STRAATJESThe Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets) is a section of- you guessed it-nine streets. Over the past few years it has become one of the most popular areas to visit in Amsterdam. The area is filled with quirky small boutiques. Many are owned by local designers and small retailers. They sell an array of items from clothes to housewares to knicks knacks. www.de9straatjes.nl/uk/

STROLL THROUGH THE JORDAANThe Jordaan is a relaxed and fun area of town crisscrossed by oodles of canals. There are also endless amounts of charming cafes and galleries to poke into. It is considered one of the prettiest neighborhoods. There are plenty of shops and places to eat and have a coffee, but this is also a very residential part of town. http://www.jordaaninfo.com/

TAKE A CANAL CRUISESome say the best way to see Amsterdam is from a boat. It’s relaxing and once you float around the city it is easy to see why this is one of the top Amsterdam attractions. There are many companies offering cruises, but the Amsterdam tourist office has put together a great list of options here: www.iamsterdam.com/en/visiting/things-to-do/canalcruises

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Experts explain why some people feel the need to push themselves to the edge in extreme sports…

It starts off with a 2.4 mile swim. The next phase is a 112-mile bike ride. If that’s not enough, the final leg of the race is a 26.2 mile run - a full marathon. It’s a triathlon, and the

most famous one is known as the Ironman. Why would anyone in their right mind want to submit themselves to such agony?

“There’s an innate characteristic in some people,” says Justin Anderson, PsyD, a sports consultant for the Center for Sports Psychology in Denton, Texas. “Some people are turned on by that stuff; they get a lot of adrenaline by it, and they gravitate toward activities that give them that feeling. For some it’s jumping out of airplanes, for others it’s climbing Mt. Everest, and for others, it’s the Ironman. When they find that sport or activity that gives them that feeling, they say there is nothing better.”

What is their motivation, and why do people keep pushing the envelope to more extremes, never feeling satisfied with their last conquest? Why do the rest of us tap into our inner voyeurs when the X-Games are on TV? And why do we find pleasure in watching extreme athletes risk their lives? Experts, along with an Ironman who’s in training for his third competition, give us the science behind the rush.

The Motivation of MarathonersSo what is it that makes a person push themselves beyond the limits, when the rest of us are sitting comfortably on our couch? Their motivation stems from achieving a goal, and being competitive.

“Researchers [have] found that the primary difference between the elite and the nonelite triathlete was that the goal was key, and competition was the second factor,” says Lester Mayers, MD, director of sports medicine at Pace University in Pleasantville, N.Y.

The goal, whether it be crossing the finish line after a grueling triathlon or reaching the 29,035-foot peak of the highest mountain in the world, is the Holy Grail; accomplishing it with a competitive edge is what this small and elite group of people seek out. It’s also knowing that you are one of very few who have dared to dream - and achieved that dream.

“It’s a sense of identity,” says Mayers. “The triathlon is not a sport that is crammed full of people. There are only a handful of people who have the ability to train for and accomplish this feat.”

While competing in a group of elite athletes may bring money, fame, and glory, most importantly to some, it also brings a healthy dose of respect.

“Skiing down from the top of a mountain where a helicopter drops you off alone, or jumping out of planes, I have a feeling those people have a sense of identity and that identity is important to them because they feel that earns them respect,” Mayers says. “Caring for athletes as I do, my own personal opinion is that the most important desire they have is for respect.”

The Adrenaline FactorWhen it comes to extreme sports, the adrenaline factor likely plays a role in explaining why athletes reach for the outer limits as well.

An “adrenaline rush” occurs when the adrenal gland is stimulated through an activity that causes stress on the body, and certainly extreme sports, such as backcountry snowboarding and bungee jumping, fall into the category of causing stress. According to the University of Maryland Endocrinology Health Guide, the stimulation of the adrenal gland releases a number of hormones, including epinephrine, or adrenaline. This increases the heart rate and the force of heart contractions, facilitates blood flow to the muscles and brain, causes relaxation of smooth muscles, and helps with the conversion of glycogen to glucose in the liver. For extreme athletes, this adrenaline rush is a feeling that can’t come often enough.

“A lot of extreme athletes report that they are seeking that rush,” says Anderson. “They’re looking for those sensations they get from putting their life on the line.”It’s a feeling that can’t be duplicated in any other activity, and for many, explains Anderson, it’s a true sense of feeling alive.“The emotion that the adrenaline feeds in to is a heightened sense of being alive,” Anderson says. “All your senses are in an

acute level of awareness, and it’s that fight or flight response. They either do it and live - or they die. That is what they are playing in to, and that is a very primitive thing that is going on.”

Pushing to the EdgeSo why is it that their last accomplishment is never good enough? Why do extreme athletes always need to push it to the next level, closer to the edge?

“Extreme athletes say that it’s the law of diminishing returns,” says Anderson. “Reaching the same goal over and over doesn’t bring the same amount of excitement as it did the first time, so they want to push the envelope and go for the next big goal.”

Take free diving, for example, explains Anderson. “People who free dive with no oxygen tank are always pushing deeper and deeper into the ocean with just one breath,” he says. “They’re never satisfied with their last dive.” It’s the risk that is appealing, and the riskier, the better. “The mentality is that people who are drawn to extreme sports are risk takers,” says Jenn Berman, PhD, a psychologist in private practice in Beverly Hills, Calif., who was a member of the 1984 exhibition Olympic team in gymnastics. “It’s that they love to push themselves to the limit -- physically, emotionally, and in every way possible.”There is always another goal to be set and reached, and the bar just keeps inching upward.

“Each time they have a success they want to push themselves farther. Any great athlete tends to do that, but this is especially true in extreme sports,” says Berman. “Once they accomplish something, they will start to lose the rush, so they have to push themselves harder and set the bar higher.”

From the Mouth of an IronmanExperts say it’s about goals, competition, respect, adrenaline, and always reaching for the next level. Rick Hall, a registered dietitian and two-time Ironman athlete, explains how right they are.

“Competing in the Ironman is solely for me,” says Hall. “It’s the ability to say I’ve done it. It’s pushing my body to its absolute

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Extreme Extreme Extreme Extreme Extreme Extreme Sports: Sports: Sports: Sports: Sports: Sports: Extreme Sports: Extreme Extreme Extreme Sports: Extreme Sports: Extreme Sports: Extreme Extreme Extreme Sports: Extreme Extreme Sports: Extreme Extreme Extreme Sports: Extreme Sports: Extreme Sports: Extreme Extreme Extreme Sports: Extreme

What’s the appeal?103

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Hall, who completed his second Ironman in better time (by one hour) than his first, is already training for No. 3 in 2007.”There’s a statistic out there that says less than half of a percent of the world’s population can complete a regular marathon,” says Hall. “Now consider adding a 2.4-mile swim and 112-mile bike [ride] to that, and you can imagine that there aren’t many people who can say they can do it, or have done it.”

Watching the ExtremeMost of us are content to play the role of screaming fan at the end of an Ironman, standing by while elite athletes like Hall cross the finish line. Why is it that we enjoy watching others endure the blood, sweat, and tears of extreme competition?

“Why do we like to watch NASCAR? Boxing?” asks Berman. “It’s human nature to have curiosity about the outcome of such extreme sports and how people can defy death.”

Will they live, will they die? Will they succeed, will they fail? It certainly brings a new meaning to the reality TV trend.

“It’s different for everyone, but it’s exciting to watch these people compete,” says Anderson. “They are testing themselves to an extreme measure, and watching them push themselves while you say, ‘I could never do that,’ is fascinating.”

So why doesn’t a mere mortal feel the urge to go the extreme?“While we all enjoy the feeling you get from participating in something extreme, extreme athletes just gravitate toward the activities that create these emotions,” says Anderson.

The science behind the rush really comes down to the finish line, the top of the mountain, the next big wave - the finale.

Hall, who completed his second Ironman in better time (by one hour) than his first,

limits. I’m competitive in nature in life and business but when it comes to competing as an athlete at the Ironman level, it’s about self-competition and how well I can do and what my personal best can be.”

While Hall explains that during the event he often asks himself why he would put himself through such agony; the answer becomes clear when the end is in sight. ”It’s a long-endurance event, and several times during the day, and when you’re way out in the middle of nowhere and you’re away from spectators, you think, ‘Why am I doing this?’” says Hall. “But you get to the finish line, and it answers those questions all at once. It’s an absolute adrenaline rush, and it’s very emotional.”

At the end of the Ironman, there are thousands of people screaming for competitors to put one foot in front of the other and cross the line.

“It’s one of the few sports where there’s no booing - everyone wants you to succeed and they’re screaming for you because you’ve just accomplished a huge feat,” says Hall. “When I cross the finish line, I’m ready to sign up for the next one. For me, that’s a big rush, and it lasts for several weeks. ”

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“It’s different for everyone, but it’s exciting to watch these people compete,” says Anderson. “They are testing themselves to an extreme measure, and watching them push themselves while you say, ‘I could never do that,’ is fascinating.”

So why doesn’t a mere mortal feel the urge to go the extreme?“While we all enjoy the feeling you get from participating in something extreme, extreme athletes just gravitate toward the activities that create these emotions,” says Anderson.

The science behind the rush really comes down to the finish line, the top of the mountain, the next big wave - the finale.

>> Extreme Sports:

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I’m often surprised at the new things I learn when I speak to local business people on a more in depth basis to write these features and meeting up with Aesthetic Practitioner Gillian Huntley, owner of Appearances 4U was no exception. It was amazing to hear just what is possible in this fi eld and how she can transform people’s lives through her treatments.Gillian started Appearances 4U in 1986 and while she mainly treats clients at her home clinic based in Chiselhurst, she does have strong connections in Edenbridge through Options Beauty Salon. She was also a proud fi nalist of the Kent Women in Business Awards 2014.She keeps herself up-to-date with all the latest technology and training required to conduct treatments and is often recommended by GPs (including Harley Street ones) as the ‘Go To’ person in her line of work.There are many different types of treatments Gillian is able to carry out - skins peels, scar relaxation, specialist waxing, thread vein/pigmentation/skin tag removals, semi permanent make up & medical tattooing. So what is the difference in the equipment that Gillian uses for semi-permanent tattoos compared to what you would fi nd at your local tattoo parlour? Semi-permanent tattooing equipment does not penetrate the skin as deeply as a normal tattoo needle would, therefore it can be used on the very delicate areas of our bodies such as the eyelids and lips.Of course unlike permanent tattoos, the colour will start to fade over a year or three and topups are required to maintain effect.

• Semi-Permanent Eyeliner

Imagine not having to worry about your eyeliner smudging anymore or going for a swim and coming out of the pool with your eyes looking as great as when you got in? This treatment is perfect for those with allergies, contact lenses, eye problems or simply to save you time. With her semi-permanent tattooing machine Gillian can give you either top or top and bottom eyeliner in your choice of colour, in a thickness you desire that will last for 1-3 years.I bet there are a number of you reading this thinking it must be painful having your eyelids tattooed. So how painful is it? Well, the only way for me to fi nd out was to undergo treatment myself and let you know personally.Gillian fi rst applies some special numbing

cream to the eyelids [pic 1] which takes a short while to take effect, so while this was working its magic Gillian was preparing the colour for my eyeliner. I had originally thought of having black for maximum effect but Gillian pointed out that I might feel I’m ready for a night out every morning when I look in the mirror. We decided upon grey with a hint of blue and black mixed in for a slightly more subtle look. I would be lying if I said that you couldn’t

feel a thing but it was not actually painful as such, more of an uncomfortable feeling [pic 2]. Gillian also makes it clear that if you need her to stop at any time to take a break then all you need to do is say. Of course you have to remain extremely still during the process otherwise the liner might end up in places other than your eyelids! About half an hour later and it was all fi nished [Pic 3]. When having it done for the fi rst time you will generally need 2-3 visits but after that an annual top up will be all that is needed to keep the colour looking great all the time. I think semi-permanent eyeliner is one of the best things ever and since I’ve had my eyes done I’ve been absolutely delighted with them. Feel free to stop me in the street if you want to check them out for yourself!

• Semi-Permanent Eyebrows

If your eyebrows are starting to thin, perhaps due to age or over-plucking in years gone by, Gillian is able to give you your eyebrows back!She does this by tattooing on each individual hair stroke with her tattoo machine, leaving you with very natural looking eyebrows. She calls these her WoW Brows’ and you can see in the picture just how natural the fi nish looks. Again, the brow is numbed fi rst before Gillian sets to work drawing on the individual brow hairs. I’ve come across a number of ladies in and around the local area and when I mention Gillian’s name they are so proud to show off their ‘WoW Brows’ as it has given them their confi dence back in their appearance.

appearances4u - Transforming the way we look

• Skin Tag / Clear Mole Removal

So many of us simply accept things that grow on our bodies, assuming they are there to stay and that’s it. Well it doesn’t have to

be that way. With the use of an electrolysis machine, Gillian is able to direct heat to the affected area using the most appropriate sized probe. A numbing cream is applied to the area to be treated beforehand and this keeps any discomfort felt during the procedure to a minimum.

This picture shows Gillian removing a skin tag from the side of her client’s eye.As with any procedure Gillian undertakes, she will go over everything in detail and give the area to be treated a thorough examination to make sure that she has no concerns. If she ever does fi nd anything that could potentially cause problems then Gillian will refer her client to a doctor.In Picture 1 a clear mole has been identifi ed which is safe to work on. Judging by the smile on the client’s face in Picture 2 the procedure is going well. There will often be redness on the face (Picture 3) following this treatment although the amount varies between clients.

A few days after this treatment scabs will appear on the face and aftercare instructions must be followed to ensure the best healing possible for the treatment undertaken.

• Medical Tattooing

This is an advanced level of semi-permanent make-up, treating other areas of the body. The work is mainly creating areolas for breast cancer patients but also can help scars (burn’s victims), scalps (alopecia and hair loss), and even ‘fi xing’ webbed toes. This treatment basically replaces what is not there or camoufl ages what is there. To fi nd out more about these or the other treatments Gillian offers, or to book an appointment, contact her on 07711 067 789 or email [email protected]. You can also fi nd lots more information on her website at www.appearances4u.co.uk or fi nd her on facebook, twitter or YouTube.

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Dawn Pearson9 Whittington Street

NeathSA11 1AN

01639 646425 • 07902716620

www.bijouxlane.co.uk

07939 956630

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