woman's essence magazine december/2011

2 Woman’s Essence Magazine,

Woman’s Essence Magazine 3,

It’s Christmas! WE bring you yet another special edition. There’s going to be lots of feasting, so first you may want to go through our Cuisine tips and grab some ideas on lovely Christmas dishes you can prepare for the family, such as the old-fashioned holiday glazed ham. While you gear up for a memo-rable event, WE plan to make it big for you. The cover is an instruc-tive write up from the team on Celebrating Christmas the Fami-ly Way. Some ideas expressed are making Christmas cooking a family affair, and sharing love this season through gift giving. Also is an interesting writing from one of our readers, Vicki Griffin, on what Christmas means to her. While Tiffany Jasper gives you clues on how to celebrate Christmas with your kids and Jemima Owen helps you plan that dream wedding of yours, WE also would love you to experience how Christmas events are celebrated round the world, from Bethlehem where it began to Romania’s important Christmas custom called ‘Ignatius’, celebrated every 20th of December.

From the world of Fashion and Beauty, WE offer you makeup ideas for a New Year eve party, while you update your winter look with the classic hat and fabulous winter je-welries. To cap this up is Evan Ra-chel Woods’ celebrity look. Read about Adriana Noton’s article on music education benefit for children. From asking yourself what you need in a mentor, to being one yourself and doing an advanced search on LinkedIn, allow Maxine Wagner take you through 12 steps on how to find a mentor. Say goodbye 2011 and welcome the New Year watching spectacular fireworks at Times Square USA, join the crowd at either Champs Elyse or Eiffel tower. Or at the sound of a bell in Tokyo Japan, enter a temple and pray for happi-ness and prosperity in 2012. You can also watch the final countdown alongside the Big Ben and see Lon-don explode in brilliant lights and colours. Remember to drop us an email and let Aunty Neenee answer your hearts deepest questions.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New year to come!

Edito r’s note

Ojay MilahEditor

Your comments, letters and Suggestions are most welcome.

Write [email protected]

www.womans-essence.co.cc

Editor-in-chiEfojay Milah

contributing writErsJemima owenojay Milah

tiffany JasperJohneen JonesKerry hannon

Adriana notonsam sampleVicki griffin

Morgan c. schimmingerPat strawbridgecharles garnett

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www.thefashionspot.com

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14 the cover storyChristmas Celebration the family wayBeing one of our Special Months, WOMAN’S ESSENCE has decided to bring you best possible ways women all over the world celebrate Christmas with family

Jewelry fashion

the cover story - special issue

career Management

career Management

6 12 STEPS How to find a Mentor

14 Christmas Celebration the family way

8 Christmas celebrations around the world

health & fitness12 Give yourself a Gift This Christmas - Stay healthy this season

culture & Art

Education7 Music education benefits for children

fashion trends22 Update Your Winter Look With Classic Hat

celebrity style25 Evan Rachel Wood’s Masculine Meets Feminine Style

beauty tips

30 weddingsAll I want for Christmas Is YouThis festive season means something differ-ent to everyone, but this year, it holds some-thing a lot more sentimental to those awaiting their wedding day.

26 The jewelry trends for this Winter and how to wear it

contEnts

20 New Years Eve Party Makeup Ideas


weddings30 All I Want For

Christmas Is You

relationships34 Save Your Relationship - Forgiveness

Let’s Ask Aunty neenee

cuisine

home & decor

travel & destinations

35 Who Will Be Blessed By What You Plan To Do For Christmas?

36 Lovely Christmas Dishes for the Family

42 Give Your Home That Christmas Festive Feel

44 “White Christmas” Destinations45 New Years Destinations

Marriage & divorce28 Christmas Ornaments and a Successful Marriage

Parenting29 To be or

not to be... Santa!

20 beauty tipsNew Year’s Eve party Makeup Ideas

Prepare your holiday look beforehand in order to rule out the chance of beauty disasters.

29 ParentingTo be or not to be... Santa!As we begin to bring in the holidays, parents usually have traditional ways of celebrating with their kids.

contEnts


I t pays to have a helping hand to get ahead in the workplace whether you’re transitioning to the non-

profit world from the for-profit one, or switching into a whole new field. Most of us can benefit from having a mentor or sponsor at our back to teach, promote and encourage us.

1. Ask yourself what you want in a men-tor or sponsor. Is it an expert who can help with a specific business challenge—asking for a raise, say, or ways to spiff up your image with the proper dress for success attire? Do you want someone inside your workplace who has the inside track to be an advocate for your project or promotion, or someone who can act as a more general sounding board and big-picture guide?

2. Check your employer’s human re-sour-ces department to see if they have a mento-ring program. Many big corpora-tions– General Mills, Intel, Ernst & Young, Proctor & Gamble, American Express, Cisco, Citi, Deloitte, Intel, Morgan Stanley and Time Warner offer sponsorship and mentoring programs. Entrepreneurs might tap into industry associations or SCORE.org, a nonprofit association and resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Ad-ministration (SBA).

3. Look outside the office. Mentoring doesn’t have to be a “business” relation-ship. You can find mentors outside the workplace from associations you belong to, activities you’re involved in, neighbors, and relatives.

4. Do an Advanced People Search on LinkedIn. You might search for someone from your alma mater. College ties do bind. You type in a title and your university, for example, current vice presidents of marke-ting and attended Duke University. You can focus the search on your zip code or town, so you can connect with someone nearby.

5. Consider a mentor younger than you. 50-plus workers might want to tap some-one who may be junior in age, but can offer more experience and guidance when it comes to new fields and areas like tech-nology where they might not be quite as fluent.

6. Practice your “Why Me” speech. This is a sales job. Landing a sponsor calls for self-promotion. You must toot your own horn, aka, your accomplishments to get a higher-ups attention. They aren’t going to back someone who doesn’t have the potential to be a winner and make them look good. Skip the modest approach.

7. Steer clear of the formal request. The “Will you be my mentor?” invitation can be stiff and off-putting. Sounds like way too much work and responsibility. This is an inner endeavor. The main reason most mentors and sponsors say they take the time to counsel and help is the intangible

satisfaction they get in paying it forward. Start by simply asking for advice on one action or problem.

8. Show them how to help. If you truly have a pressing need, take the plunge and make a specific request when you want someone to speak up on your behalf. Most people don’t know where to start to help you.

9. Make it fun. When asking, don’t make it sound like work. Exude a sense of excite-ment, smile, and laugh a little. Mentorship and sponsorship is an energy-boosting opportunity for both of you, and it often turns into a friendship. Find ways to meet regularly, even without an urgent agenda. Nurture the relationship.

10. Do something for them. Show your gratitude. Make the relationship reciprocal by serving as a source of information and support for your mentor in some way. It’s the proverbial two-way street.

11. Be a mentor. This will give you a better idea of how to work with a men-tor yourself. Even if you are at the bottom of your hierarchy at work, you might find mentees through alumni associations or non-profits where you volunteer.

12. Listen. Whether you are the mentor or mentee, you can cultivate the relation-ship by asking questions and sincerely listening to the answers. Sometimes a men-tor’s most important input is to give practi-cal feedback. Resist the knee-jerk urge to respond defensively.

byKerry Hannon

12 STEPS

How to find a Mentor

A study published earlier this year by economist Sylvia Ann Hewlett found that both men and women who have a sponsor behind them are more likely to ask their boss for a “stretch” assignment and are more likely to ask for raises than those without one.

But landing the right person to have in your corner isn’t always easy. Here are twelve steps to find a mentor.


M usic has always played a big part in children’s lives, from their favorite children’s songs to the music played on children’s television programs. The educational benefits that music provides have been known for centuries. For

children, research has shown that the effects of music education have had a positive and long lasting impact. As well, studies now show that music education will have a positive impact well into adulthood.

Below is a list of the music education benefits for children:

Physical Development of the Brain: The brain of a child is con-stantly developing. Early musical training helps a child’s brain

physically develop the part of the left side that is involved with processing language. Musical training can actually wire the brain’s circuits in specific ways that improves brain’s function.

Boost Spatial Intelligence: There have been many studies that have shown that music education helps a child develop the abi-

lity to form mental pictures and perceive the world correctly. That is, a child will better develop the ability to visualize how things are put together which helps with the development of keen problem solving skills. A child is better able to develop critical thinking skills.

Improve Creative and Innovative Thinking: Music education helps children learn to imagine various solutions to a problem and pro-

cess these solutions to rule out possible solutions in an effort to come up with the correct solution. Children will learn to think outside the box when faced with a challenging problem. There have been studies that have shown that students who have had a musical education, score higher on standardized tests and achieve higher grades in school.

Appreciation for Hard Work: Children who have a music edu-cation will learn the rewards of working towards and achieving

a specific goal. They learn the value of a sustained effort to achieve

excellence and the discipline that is required to accomplish a goal. They learn that the rewards of hard work results in a successful performance.

Teamwork Skills: When in a school band or another music or-ganization, children develop a strong work discipline and team-

work skills. They will work with other music students as a team to achieve excellence in their musical performance. As well, they will benefit from practicing with other students in a harmonious manner.

Self-Expression: Music education helps children learn how to ex-press themselves in creative and healthy ways which will lead to

developing excellent communication skills. Through self-expression, children’s self-confidence and self-esteem will be boosted. They will be more likely to take on challenges in other areas of their lives. Children will get in touch with their feelings and will be able to un-derstand and manage their emotions in a productive way. As well, it teaches them to conquer their fears, insecurities, and overcome shyness.

For parents who want their child to have every opportunity in life, providing them with a quality music education will help them

open many doors of opportunities in the future. Music is a power-ful tool and can dramatically improve and enrich the lives of the children. It just makes sense for parents to encourage their children to participate in a music education program.

Music educationbenefits for children

byAdriana Noton


ChrISTMAS celebrations around the world


Christmas is one of the biggest celebrations for the people belonging to the Christian faith. But it would be wrong to assume that it is only ce-

lebrated among the Christians. With the world becoming a global village, Christmas is now celebrated in many countries around the world. Caroling , feasting , and gift-giving along with the prayers and wishes - Christ-mas is celebrated with high spirits in various parts of the world. Though the mode of ce-lebration, the dates and the traditions vary, the spirit remains the same everywhere.

Read on to have a glimpse of the different ways in which it is celebrated in several countries of the world.

Bethlehem is the town where Jesus Christ is said to have been born. Naturally, Christmas here is a major event and the festival is celebrated in a grand manner. From a few days before 25th December, the town is decorated with flags and other items of adornment. Streets are strung with Christmas lights. A Christmas market comes up and Christmas plays are performed. A cross is painted on the doors of every Christian home and Nativity scenes are displayed in every household.On Christmas Eve, annual Christmas processions are taken out. Residents of the town as well as tourists crowd the doorways and roof of the Basilica to get a view of the parade, led by horsemen and po-lice mounted on Arabian horses followed by a man riding over a black steed and carrying a cross. After him come the churchmen and government officials. The procession quietly enters the doors and puts an ancient effigy of the Holy Child in the Church. The visitors are then taken through deep winding stairs leading to a grotto where a silver star marks the site of the birth of Jesus.In Bethlehem, Christmas Day is observed not on a particular day. Bethlehem consists of people of different Christian denominations - Catholics, Pro-testants, Greek Orthodox’s, Ethiopians, Armenians and more. While Roman Catholics and Protestants celebrate Christmas Day on December 25, Greek, Syrian and other Orthodox Christians observe it on 6th January. For Armenian Christians, Christmas Day is on January 18. Hence, Bethlehem witnesses a longer and glamorous Christmas celebrations than many other places.

ChrISTMAS celebrations around the world

Christmas in Bethlehem


In Brazil, Christmas is one of the most important festive days, or “dia de festas”. It is celebrated on 25th December. On Christmas Eve, thousands of devout Catholics attend the “Missa do Galo” or Midnight Mass. Masses are also organized on December 25 in the morning and later afternoon.

Christmas decorations in the country involve setting up Christ-mas trees in individual homes and adorning them beautifully with decorative items such as lights, plastic balls and glass balls. A high-light of Christmas celebrations in Brazil is making huge Christmas “trees” of electric lights that can be seen against the night skies in major cities such as Brasilia, São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro.

Caroling is quite a popular custom here. Various christmas carols are sung during Christmas to commemorate the birth of Christ.Like Santa Claus in the U.S., Papai Noel (Father Noel) is the gift-bringer in Brazil. According to legend, he lives in Greenland and resembles Santa in many ways. Papai Noel can also remind you of Chile’s “Viejo Pascuero” (Easter Old Man). This gift-giver of children is depicted as wearing a red fur coat with boots and carrying a bag full of presents.

Except for the high temperatures and the absence of snow, Christ-mas here is pretty much the same as it is in other countries.

Popularly called ‘Craciun’ in Romania, the festival until the country was declared a communist republic in 1947, and Roma-nians were forced to abandon many of their Christmas traditions was once observed in the country with much fanfare. However, the festival has again begun to be observed since the country regained its independence in 1989, with young adults now experiencing the Yuletide traditions they previously heard their parents and grandparents talk about.

A very important Christmas custom practiced in Romanian villages is ‘Ignatius’, the sacrifice of a pig in every house in the honor of Saint Ignatius, five days before Christmas, on 20th of December. A small portion of the pig’s meat is fried and a feast is held. This feast is known as the pig’s funeral feast.But the real celebrations begin with the decoration of the Christmas tree on “Ajunul Craciunului” (Christmas Eve). Gift exchanges take place in Romania in the evening of Christ-mas Eve. Romanian children believe that ‘Mos Craciun’ (the

Romanian equivalent of Santa Claus) is the one who delivers them their presents.Christmas dinner in Romania is a rich, multi-course meal of various kinds of pork sausages, along with plum brandy and homemade pickles, ‘Sarmale’, an indispensable item for the fes-tive dinner that consists of pickled cabbage leaves stuffed with a combination of pork and beef, along with rice, pepper, thyme and other spices and red wine. The wine is consumed to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

In the People’s Republic of China, December 25 is not a legal holiday. However, it is still desig-nated as a public holiday in China’s special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau, both former colonies of Western powers with (nominal) Christian cultural heritage.

The small percentage of Chi-nese citizens who consider themselves Christians un-officially, and usually pri-vately, observe Christmas. Many other individuals celebrate Christmas-like festivities even though they do not consider themselves Christians. Many customs, including sending cards, exchanging gifts, and hanging stockings are very similar to Western celebrations. Commercial Christmas decora-tions, signs, and other symbolic items have become increasingly prevalent during the month of December in large urban centres of mainland China, reflecting a cultural interest in this Western phenomenon, and, sometimes, retail marketing campaigns as well.

In Hong Kong, where Christmas is a public holi-day and a major retail period, many buildings facing Victoria Harbour will be decked out in Christmas lights. Christmas trees are found in major malls public buildings and in some homes as well, despite the small living area. Catholics in Hong Kong can attend Christmas Mass.

Christmas in Brazil

Christmas in romania

Christmas in China


Popular cultural traditions in Mexico, called “posadas”, have given rise to several traditions observed here during Christmas. Mexican Christmas celebrations begin on December 12, with the birthday of “La Guadalupana” (Virgin of Guadalupe), and end on January 6, with the Epiphany.

Like Santa Claus in the US and other western nations, the Three Wise Men are the ones believed to bring gifts not only to baby

Jesus but also to millions of Mexican children who have placed written requests in their shoes. Also unlike in

the US where children get presents on 25th De-cember most Mexican kids receive their gifts

at Epiphany ( January 6th).

At midnight on Christmas Eve, da-zzling fireworks, ringing bells and

blowing whistles announce the birth of Christ. The bell-sounds

beckon families to the Mid-night Mass.

Families after the mass

return home for a sump-

tuous Christmas

dinner of tradi-tional Mexican foods.

Though the dishes vary from region to region, common foods are “ta-

males,” rice, rellenos, “atole” (a sweet traditional drink) and “menudo”.

In the final days leading to December 25, small evergreen trees are seen to be established in every

home and beautifully decorated with colored lights, tin- sel, angels, stars and bright ornaments. The exterior of

almost every house and the adjoining shrubbery is adorned with strands of electric lights.In New York City, holiday shoppers stop to watch skaters on

the ice beneath the tree at Rockefeller Center

while others gaze in awe at the magnificent Neapolitan Baroque figures on the Angel Tree at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Christmas Eve is not an official holiday here. Hence most people have to work. However, many workplaces hold Christmas par-ties or celebrations, so there is a celebratory air to the day. The Christmas dinner in the U.S. includes turkey or ham, potatoes and pie, also consists of a lot of desserts such as the “Crostoli,” fried bread spiced with orange peel or the “Pfeffernuesse”.

After dinner on Christmas Eve, children go to bed early but not before hanging up their stockings on the fireplace or the end of their bed to be filled with gifts and goodies by Santa Claus. On the following morning, children wake up to look for their de-sired items in their stockings and also find nicely wrapped presents under their Christmas tree.

Christmas is celebrated with great fun and fervor all across the African continent. Christmas preparations in Africa start with the annual Christmas pageant.

During Christmas worship in Africa, one of the most significant things is the love offering to Jesus. These gifts are meant to honor Jesus. Birthday of Baby Jesus is celebrated around 8 or 9 O’clock. In Africa, it is the tradition of offering gift on the raised platform close to Communion table during Christmas celebrations.

During Christmas decorations, people in Africa decorate their homes with pine branches, along with Christmas fir. In order to get beautiful and attractive Christmas presents, small kids hang up their stockings. Another major highlight of Christmas celebration in Africa is buying new set of clothes for church services.

Traditional Christmas delicacies in Africa are turkey, roast beef, mince pies, suckling pig, yellow rice, vegetables, plum pudding, crackers and paper hats.

Western Coast of Africa features oil palm as Christmas tree. People express their love by exchanging gifts with each other. Truly, being a part of Christmas celebration in Africa promises to be a lifetime experience for you.

Regardless of the component (gift giving , carol singing and dinner), Christmas is a festive vacation for everyone the world over. So wherever you are spending Christmas this year, at home or away, let it be a very merry one. And if you are spending it overseas embrace the local traditions and cultures and make it a truly memorable occasion.

Christmas in Mexico

Christmas in US

Christmas in Africa


With the risk of sounding a little like the Scroodge, please be sensible. It’s not called the silly season for no reason. Partying, drinking, indulging, overeating and running around like a headless chicken from event-to-event and shop-to-shop, it’s no wonder many of us feel tired, rundown, overweight and stressed as the new year comes around. What if this year you honored YOU and entered the new year feeling refreshed, energized, slim and relaxed It’s really not so difficult. Just a little discipline and will-power, that’s all.Here are a few tips to help you keep on track.

Top 5 Tips to help you stay healthy over Christmas

1. ExerciseRemember to keep up with your exercise routine. Just because you were out and about the night before is no excuse to sleep in and forego your workout. Staying active will help you feel better. I promise! My favourite hangover cure used to be a run on the beach and swim in the surf. Great way to sweat out those toxins! Try and exercise outside as much as possible and take advantage of the bright sunny summer days. If a run is too much, how about calling a friend who was out with you the night before and take a brisk walk around the park.

Give yourself a Gift This Christmas

Stay healthy this season

2. RelaxationAs much as Christmas is a lovely time to catch up with all your friends and family, remember to take some time out for YOU. Take a few moments in the day to prac-tice meditation or stress-relieving breathing techniques. We’re condi-tioned to think that Christmas is all about giving, so how about taking the time to give to yourself as well this year. Don’t get stressed out over Christmas present buying. Plan your shopping in advance, write a list of all the presents you need to buy and avoid the frenzied crowds.

3. NutritionRemember to make healthy choices this Christmas. It’s easy to get carried away with all the puddings and chocolates and shortbread and party food, but before over-indulging remember how it’s going to make you feel the next day. Remember to eat plenty of veg-etables, fruits and whole grains. If you do like enjoying Christmas treats, limit your portion size. Read Dr Naras Lapsys article on the top 10 things to avoid when eating at Christmas.

T t’s that time of year again. Although it’s hard to believe another year has flown by, I am clearly not mistaken as today I heard my first Christmas song on the radio, shops are displaying their Christmas themed windows, and my inbox is full of “Christmas Gift Idea” emails from all my favorite brands that I subscribe to.

bySam Sample

health & Fitness


4. WaterDrink plenty of water to keep you hydra-ted. If you do drink alcohol, remember to alternate every alcoholic drink with a glass of water and please don’t drink on an emp-ty stomach. Best to have a healthy snack before you go to the party as it will also prevent you from snacking on unhealthy party food. Dandelion tea is a great herbal tea to drink throughout the days when you know you’re going to be out and about, partying and drinking alcohol at night, as it helps to detoxify the liver.

5. SleepGet plenty of rest and aim for 7-8 hours of sleep every night. It’s not going to make or break your life if you don’t go to EVERY party. How about having a night in Create a relaxing spa experience at home, snuggle up on the couch with a good book or DVD and get to bed early.

And if all that fails, please don’t beat yourself up about it. Take each day as it comes and strive for a healthier day the next day.


Christmas CelebrationChristmas Celebration

the Family Waythe Family Way

ByOjay Milah


Being one of our Special Months, WOMAN’S ESSENCE has deci-ded to bring you best possible ways women all over the world ce-lebrate Christmas with family, so we could learn something for that special family occasion we’ve been planning since the year began.B

Christmas for the loving wife and caring mother who is business or work busy, aside maybe Easter, Valentine and Birthdays, is the most im-portant festive time she has for family. As reported in the Daily Mail, the average mother spends 13 whole days preparing for Christmas. According to the survey of 3,000 women by the mail order cata-logue Kaleidoscope; it says they spend 288 hours shopping, 4.19 hours wrapping presents, 3.03 hours decorating the house, 4.27 hours preparing the main Christmas meal and 4.38 hours cooking it.

To make this rare occasion memorable, the woman’s been known to be inventive in creating avenues for expressions. Through the ages, various avenues employed ranges from gift giving to the traditional snowman. All these we’ve sam-pled here for you. We know you have your Christ-mas all planned out since the last one ended, but we urge you to read on. You just might have missed something special in your well thought-out plan.

Celebrate in God’s PresenceCelebrate in God’s PresenceCelebrate in God’s PresenceCelebrate in God’s Presence

Even with a helpful family, Christmas stress can weigh heavily on your physical strength. To help you create a sanctuary of peace in your home this season, turn off the superficial revelry and turn on the pure, clear light of Jesus with some Christ-centered activi-ties. Sing together! From psychologist’s advice, it lifts depression. We all know a few Christmas carols, so teach children words of the Bible. The most important is to give God time, atten-tion and affection through family worship, praise and prayer. Remember the family that prays together stays together. Read or tell stories; play games by firelight or candlelight. The soft, flickering lights have a soothing effect. Enjoy Gods nature by taking the family outdoors and to church. Build a snowman or make angels in the snow. Create a manager scene with twigs and branches and remember the humble beginning of the first Christmas at the manger.


Too many hands is Good for the BrothToo many hands is Good for the Broth

Whether it is turkey in America, Chicken in Nigeria and lamb, beef, pork or turkey in the UK, Christmas cuisine’s been known to be that which every member of the family looks forward to. Unlike nor-mal days when its mostly the mother doing the cooking all alone, with the father watching TV or reading the papers, while the children play outside, for Christmas cooking, you should try doing it the family way.

Christmas cooking is usually very stressful for you the mother, who is the family cook. During Christmas, dinner is enjoyed with a number larger than normal days. Since you know you are going to be

cooking for a larger crowd, you may need to get an estimate. This you can know by sending out invitations for Christmas dinner at least a couple of weeks in advance and ask that every recipient RSVP.

While you prepare for cooking, the best way to keep you out of panic mode would be by del-egating some of the cooking work to family members. Children can help with simple recipes. Having multiple people in the kitchen can increase the sense of chaos, but lighten the load on you the mother. If only for this once, you should ignore the saying that “too many hands spoil the broth.”


Let the home have a feel of everyone

You and your children could benefit from decorating your home for Christmas together. This experience is good for the children to be more proud of their work or their accomplish-ments. They will also be proud of the fact that you asked them for assistance, as well as how their decorations turned out. If you are really looking to make Christmas decorating a family fun event, you and your family could also make some of your own Christmas decorations.

While the majority of the benefits, to having your whole family help you decorate your home for Christmas is centered on family, there is another benefit that is not really. By having your whole family assist you with decorating your home for Christmas, you could save yourself a fairly large amount of time. The time saved can be used then for other stuffs. Since Christmas is all about family, you should let your family help you prepare for and celebrate the upcoming holiday.


On this great occasion, you can be a Santa to those around you; your family and strangers. The great joy of Christmas is not only the wonder of nativity, but the opportu-nity to practice generosity. Gift giving is much more than an obligation. It is an opportu-nity to love somebody else. In your quest to find that perfect gift, remember it takes time to understand what a person truly needs and loves. So take time and get your children that gift they’ve been tugging at your skirt all year long.

For the business mother and wife who have worked round the clock 365 days

through the year with little time for family, Christmas can be that getaway holiday. So, this Christmas holiday, don’t forget to enjoy all of the amazing Christmas Gifts that the season of goodwill always brings. These gifts come in a number of different forms, and aren’t always wrapped and placed under-neath the tree. So why don’t you get all the family involved by decorating the house to-gether, spend fun time by going outdoors and let the children help with cooking.

Unleash Your Family’s Art of Giving GiftsUnleash Your Family’s Art of Giving Gifts

An act of love is to bring the gift of giving to the children around you; children other than your own. As a family, fill a shoebox for a needy child through an orphanage. Make sure you include your children in wrapping presents or even have them create the wrapping paper. Give them the opportunity to physically pass the presents out on Christmas. This really is the fun part! Let them enjoy the act of giving. So in simple terms, give gifts to family members and en-courage a trip together to the orpha-nage or needy.


Christmas for me is fun time – By Vicki Griffin

Christmas lunch is always at my place, my grown children, grandchil-dren, sisters and friends who have no-where to go on Christmas day arrive, and it’s like Central station! First how-ever comes breakfast, a family affair of sliced ham, eggs, croissants and fresh orange juice that’s after unwrap ring the presents. Scooters, bikes, perfumes and chocolates are frequently on the giving list. Nom, nom! The table is set with a red and gold Christmas theme complete with Bon Bons, nuts pretzels, lollies and white Christmas.

We have lunch out the back in the cool in the carport which has been de-corated in a Christmas theme also then we have ‘a help yourselves cold banquet ‘and yes we all wear silly hats. The kids

play in the pool with their new water toys and adults exchange token gifts. After filling our stomach with prawns, chicken, salads of all different combi-nations such as rice, potato mango it is dessert time.

We always have a choice of hot plum pudding and custard or ice-cream and fruit salad. Then we all sit around either playing cards or catching up on much needed family news whilst liste-ning to children’s delightful laughter in the background. Lunch never fini-shes until around 6 pm! You got to love Christmas day in Australia!


New Years EveParty Makeup Ideas

P repare your holiday look beforehand in order to rule out the chance of beauty disasters. These New Years Eve party makeup ideas will suit the preferences of the beauty-aware pack thanks to the versatile quality of each and

every design. Pair the right shades and styles with your character, skin tone as well as eye color and make sure you polish your application skills with the best products and tools.

Special moments as the New Years Eve scream for a special and refined look. What could be more easier to find than

a makeup that would offer you the best accessory to be spotted right away. Break out of the box and prepare for this cool mo-ment beforehand. Look for the best shades, textures and also designs that would highlight your radiant sex-appeal and best

assets. Play up the eyes, the lips or in the case of bold makeup designs both features for the desired effect. Go through these fabulous Holiday makeup ideas that help you make the most fla-ttering decision and arm up your beauty kit with the must have elements from lipsticks, mascaras as well as eye shadows


These romantic makeup ideas have the power

to bring out the classy beauty of your character and look. Choose red lips as the secret weapon to shift the attention immediately to your kissable lips. In order to achieve suc-cess it is also essential to spot

the best shade from the end-less red tones. The principles you should follow is indeed skin tone. This factor would ease your decision and would guarantee the successful out-come of your selection.

Pair the stylish red lips with nude eyes or you

can also tint your lids with a less flashy shades that would perfectly complement your lip makeup. White is fabu-lous and would give you an ice queen appearance which is lovely for these special events.

If you wish to make a more impressive statement you can also try your hand at the oh-so-popular smokey eyes in a muted and more classy ver-sion.

Flirting with the idea of sporting a more extravagant

and bold makeup is not a bad trick either. These makeup designs however would definitely attract the attention of your entourage therefore wear them if you have the proper attitude to show off your style-consciousness. Choose the eyes to highlight your mesme-rizing glimpse and create a piercing look with the help of vibrating shades as turquoise, red, purple and other tones. For a mysterious and sultry eye look you can also appeal to the infi-nite smokey eyes ideas that are just fabulous when paired with any eye color and shape. Copycat these looks and make sure you adapt them to your skin tone and features

makeup.beautyhill.com


D espite the fact many girls think there is no place for fashion during winter as we have to put as many layer as possible to keep warm, we say there is a way to stay in style during these month. And the easiest thing to

do is to choose the right accessories. A great hat can update your look in no time, make it classier and more stylish.

Update Your Winter Look With Classic Hat

While in some parts of the world hat is a beautiful and stylish accessory for many re-

gions it becomes a necessity when temperatures drop below zero. And at such time nearly every girl asks herself what kind of hat she would like to wear to both feel warm and look trendy. Con-sidering the latest fashion trends we advise you to try a classic hat which will update your look in no time and protect from winter cold.

By ‘classic’ hat we imply fedora hat or a wide brim hat. Both these style are absolute hits

this season and designers presented them in a huge variety. So, we definitely have a lot to choose from.

My favorite fedoras come in Kenzo Fall/ Win-ter 2011/ 2012 collections. They look fan-

tastic and are easy to wear with almost any type of clothing. Fedora is the most versatile hat style of all.

Wide brim hats are even more popular du-ring Fall/ Winter 2011/ 2012 fashion season

than fedora hats. Gucci, Dsquared2, Reiss, Mon-soon, Miss Sixty, Christian Dior and other desig-ners and brands have offered their vision of this type of a hat.

Christian Dior Dsquared2


Miss sixty hats are made of luxurious fa- bric which looks similar to velvet, Nina

Ricci trimmed hats with fur and changed the shape of brims. Lanvin hats have very wide and stiff brims, and Dior hats are softer and more feminine.

Wide brim hats are also very versatile. You can wear them with chic classic coats or

free spirited Bohemian outfits.

www.millionlooks.com

Kenzo Nina Ricci

Gucci

Lanvin Miss Sixty


Evan Rachel Wood’s Masculine Meets Feminine Style

Evan Rachel Wood has been busy promoting her latest film, The Ides of March, and standing out on the red carpet in the process. Her unique ensembles usually inspire rave reviews or utter disappointment. Regardless of the outcome, this young actress certainly has mastered the art of experimenting with style.

Flash-forward to 2011, when Evan became more bold when it came to her wardrobe. The Conspirator premiere in April took place in Washing-ton, D.C. and Evan picked a Jill Stuart Fall 2011 long-sleeve printed frock with necktie for the occasion. She styled the dress with rust-colored Gucci suede peep-toes, a gold-trimmed Salvatore Ferragamo clutch and Neil Lane jewelry. Evan arrived at the True Blood Season 4 Premiere in Hollywood this past June in a gray vest and trouser combination from Dolce & Gabbana. Loose red suspenders, Jimmy Choo Balance patent-leather mesh pumps and C. Greene Jewelry stud earrings pulled the unique look together.

For The Ides of March photocall at the 2011 Venice Film Festival in August, she suited up in a black Dolce & Gabbana menswear ensemble combined with a delicate ruffled ivory blouse. Salvatore Ferragamo houndstooth pointed-toe heels rounded out the look. Alessandra Rich’s Autumn/Winter 2011-12 shantung shirtdress which featured striped lace details was Evan’s premiere attire at the festival. Accessories included black Giuseppe Zanotti mesh ankle strap pumps and chandelier earrings by Bulgari.


Evan Rachel Wood’s Masculine Meets Feminine Style

It was a different Dolce & Gabbana suit at the political drama’s premiere during last month’s Toronto International Film Festival. This pinstripe ver-sion was paired with black Christian Louboutin pumps and a porkpie hat. The actress wore a red Preen Line Prym belted stretch cotton-drill dress outside a New York City hotel earlier this month. A black leather jacket, textured tights, Christian Louboutin Metalipp boots and Prada Baroque shades all served as accessories.

Images: Apega/WENN.com, Flashpoint / WENN.comhttp://www.thefashionspot.com

This Gucci Fall 2011 merlot-colored dress was Evan’s daring selection for the New York premiere of The Ides of March that same day. Another standout hat, coordinating Salvatore Ferragamo pointed-toe pumps, a Judith Leiber bag and jewelry by Fred Leighton com-pleted the look. Evan once again opted for leather when she sported this mini dress as she exited the Chelsea Lately studio after taping an appearance last week. Both the dress and that funky zebra belt were by Preen Line.

We can’t wait to see what fashionable risk this star takes on next!

byMorgan C. Schimminger

She is fearless when it comes to fashion and isn’t afraid of showing off her masculine as well as feminine sides. Back in January 2009 at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, Evan was more femme fatale than tomboy. The actress impressed in a teal Monique Lhuillier Pre-Fall 2009 gown complemented by an eagle brooch, purple Sergio Rossi pumps and a matching clutch. Evan was draped in an elegant red Gucci with gold fringe detail for Fashion Group International’s 26th Annual Night Of Stars in October 2009. Her coor-dinating cage buckle heels and gold python clutch were also Gucci.


In today’s cosmopolitan age, both men and women display a weakness for trendy jewellery. In this article we will focus on Jewelry Trends Winter 2011 and how the same can be imbibed in everyday life. Jewelry pieces are an integral part of a woman’s wardrobe and are easily her favorite accessory that she uses to jazz up any outfit.

Though each of us has one or more classic jewelry pieces in our wardrobe, wearing them on a daily basis hardly inspires any sense of excitement. (foto 1)

The jewelry trends for this Winter

To ensure that your look does not get stereotyped, it is im-portant that you diversify your jewelry collection and include some in vogue pieces that can be paired with various outfits and worn on various occasions. If you like experimenting with different jewelry pieces, you will have great fun mixing and matching the jewelry trends for Fall/Winter 2011. Some of these are listed in these pages. (foto 2)

Foto1

Foto2

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Foto 4

Go bold with statement jewelry that is available in bright colors and comprises mostly of chunky pieces. The keyword while choosing these pieces is that they should stand out rather than blend with the outfit. Go for extra-large bracelets, shiny danglers for ears, flashy necklaces. (foto 3)

Metal jewelry has also made a splashy return on the fashion runways this winter. However, do not confuse this with classical pieces made of gold or silver. Instead go for jewelry pieces made of lightweight metals that are available in shiny white and yellowish hues. The structured pieces are a major hit as they look quite beau-tiful composition wise. However, you can also go for oversized metal jewelry available in angular and asymmetrical shapes. (foto 4)


The jewelry trends for this WinterFoto 5

Foto 6

www.fashionstyleme.com

Foto 7

Foto 8

If you are a fan of motifs in jewelry, now is your time to show them off as strong motifs are being used by jewelry designers across the world. Do not hesitate to mix and match various elements such as animal motifs, floral mo-tifs and religious motifs. Simply combine these pieces in such a way that they create a unique look to complement your ensemble. (foto 5)

The fringe is back in fashion this winter season and it is no longer restricted to adorning outfits, handbags and shoes. (foto 6)

This style can be seen in jewelry pieces as well that are quite a craze this season, thanks to similar pieces being worn by cele-brities on the red carpet. Another hot jewelry trend this season is the layered neck-laces. To carry off this look you need to exercise greater caution in the selection of your outfit rather than the jewelry. (foto 7)

Do not forget to invest in a few square bangles this season. These are a must have for every fa-shionista. Those who are in love with chunky rings can flaunt huge Retro inspired rings that not only look great but are easy on the pocket as well. (foto 8)


A s we hang ornaments on Christmas trees, we are reminded of the characteristics that make a successful marriage. The stress, the tension, the busy life-style or financial worries often cause a marriage to hang by a

thread at Christmas; you may be thinking about divorce. As you decorate this season, it is a good time to evaluate the success of your wedding vows.

Marriage

byPat Strawbridge

Christmas OrnamentsAnd a Successful Marriage

As you hang the fish ornament for the fisher-man of the family, think of the blessings that you have shared with your spouse-the love, children, trips, and gifts.

Maslow said that to have success, people should have love, food, a dwelling and security. After that all thinks fall into place. Hang a house ornament to remind your family of the foundation of a home.

Many ornaments have hearts on them. A heart reminds a couple that true love creates a las-ting relationship that goes into eternity. Why did you marry in the first place? Was it for love? Love covers a multitude of mistakes; one Writer in the Bible says.

Do you have an ornament with a rose on it? Let that remind you of the honor and affection that you have for one another. Think about the smiles, the laughs, the hugs, the kisses and the intimacy you’ve shared during your life together.

Most trees have angel ornaments. The Bible says that angels guard and protect us. Some-times angels come in human forms. They come in the form of pastors, friends or relatives who can be role models and give you guidance in making decisions about your marriage and even pray for you, if you desire.

Some people collect teapot ornaments, which represents hospitality and openness of heart. Recall the good times that you’ve had at so-cial events or doing something that may have meant sacrifice on the part of the partner.

Occasionally you have an ornament or decora-tion that has a rabbit. Rabbits represent hope in the future. Make a list of the things that would make your marriage successful in your eyes. Take time to talk with your spouse. Co-mmunicate about the blessings you enjoyed, the sad times and the future.

Find a bird of joy and hang on your tree. Let this represent the joy and faith that your ma-rriage will last a lifetime.

Your live tree represents the lasting power of your marriage. As you view the pine cones on it, evaluate the fruitfulness or blessings of your marriage. Think about children, your surroun-dings, your health and most of all your love.

Hang a fruit basket on the tree to remind you that with prosperity comes responsibility. Men-tally fill that basket with peace of mind, love for one another, joy of sharing a life together.

Hang a flower basket on the tree to remind you to fill your life with happiness, understanding, compassion and communication.

Don’t let your marriage hang by a thread this Christmas. Keep your marriage from falling and shattering in divorce. Use some of this ad-vice to hang onto your wedding vows and keep your commitment to have a lasting relationship through your marriage.

Decorating a tree takes time, energy and pa-tience. Yet it is a work of art when you finish. Your marriage requires the same effort.


To be or not to be…

byTiffany Jasper

The holiday season is upon us and it is that time again! Our kids are seeing the toy and winter time commer-cials, sitcoms and cartoons that are centered around the winter weather, Christmas and of course, the infa-

mous Santa Clause. As we begin to bring in the holidays, parents usually have traditional ways of celebrating with their kids. Here are a few of mine:

But somehow over the years my daughter has taken every myth of Santa and his red suit, with his coming down the chimney, giving presents in one night to all the good little girls and boys and di-ssected it. Is it now time that I really break it down to her now that she is questioning? Many parents at some point have had to face revealing to their children the myth of Santa. It can bring anxiety and sometimes a bit of sadness. This may be my year. My daughter is on the fence about if Santa is real; she is siding more on not. I am prepared to tell her the truth; I buy gifts for her because I love her and I continued the spirit of Santa because I love happiness. The thought of Santa brings joy, fun and anticipation. So why not believe? The best part of it is that as I end the myth of Santa with my daughter, I can start the spirit of Santa all over again with my toddler son!

Remember, there is not a right way when it comes to holiday traditions and beliefs. Only individual families and members are allowed to begin, continue, change or terminate traditions. This is a time of year where we can dream and believe beyond the norm. The Christmas holiday is more than just giving presents; from my experience, the holidays are for families and making your children’s dreams come true.

1) Three weeks before Christmas I have my (now) 11 year old daughter write out her “list” which includes the items she would like “Santa” to bring her on Christmas morning.

2) After she mails it to “The North Pole” she and I consisten-tly talk about my daughter’s love for the holiday and what she thinks Santa will bring her from the list she wrote him.

3) I choose a few favorites from her list, buy them and place them in my closet. I wrap them on Christmas Eve and sneak them under the tree while she sleeps.4) Christmas Eve we have pizza and popcorn while watching holiday movies such as “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer”, “It’s Christmas, Charlie Brown” and “Polar Express”.

5) Before I tuck her in bed we make Santa some cookies and pour him a glass of milk that are placed neatly on the living room table. Santa (really me) eats a few cookies and drinks some of the milk on Christmas Eve.

Santa!


byJemima Owen

All I Want For Christmas Is You

Bells ringing, children singing, lights glowing, mistletoe hanging; it’s that time again. Advent calendars appear at the front of every supermarket, fairy lights are flashed on around the streets in the bitter cold nights and fireplaces are lit to keep the family warm. Christmas is back. The wish lists are being drawn up, the family politics are being dealt with and the Paul

McCartney songs are repetitively starting to belt back out of that radio station that you once loved. Maybe the advert breaks weren’t so bad after all. This festive season means something different to everyone, but this year, it holds something a lot more sentimental to those awaiting their wedding day.

A Christmas Themed DayIf the theme sets the tone for a wedding day, then a winter wonderland would set a very elegant and classic one. With the fresh crispy air swirling outside and the buoyant carols dancing around the town, a wedding with warmth crackling amongst the vows could be the perfect way to begin your life together. It is important though at this time to decide whether you want to embrace the festive season, or distance yourselves from it. For someone, it might be their dream to sing carols in their ce-remony, but for another, it could be their worst nightmare. Decide what works for you – colour palette themes, such as, royal dark purple, glamorous tiffany blue or vibrant reds. Instead, emphasise Christmas with cosy log fires and silver and gold decorations.

A CHRISTMAS WEDDINGA CHRISTMAS WEDDING


Make Your Flower Selection BroadIn winter, there are not fewer options for flowers, but broader choices; we have our rich camellia, euphorbia which is useful in more elaborate bouquets, various coloured tulips, delicate snowdrops, small pansy’s, the iris and many others. The broader options, especially if you’re going down the direction of festivi-ties is to include seasonal greenery; bright red berries, holly, pomegranates, fir leaves and pine cones. You can find them anywhere, why not take advantage?

Locate a Fine AtmosphereEveryone has a different vision of their we-dding day, some prefer to stay traditional and others can’t wait to get their hands dirty and try out new things. After whipping up the theme, and understanding exactly what you want for your day, you are ready to choose the location where you and your partner will tie the knot and make life long memories. For a traditional, more Christmassy ceremony, a country side church wedding would be perfect, bringing out the most symbolic ele-ments of Christmas within your wedding and providing a cosy, classic tone. Another, out of an abundance of options, is to hold your wedding at a hotel, or even a medieval castle. The opportunity for log fires is available and there is also the assurance that the cold tem-peratures would not be an issue, especially in a hotel. To completely distance yourself from Christmas, as some people might opt for, it might be a good idea to have a destination wedding, planning your big day abroad in some sunny, fantastic landscape.

Matching Colours for the Bridal PartyA bride can look magnificent and magical in the snow, without any wintry crisis – it can be done. When you start looking for your bridal gown, it may be around the warmer months, and therefore you’ve got to remember just how cold it will be when your wedding actually arrives. Don’t get too optimistic. For every dress you look at, keep in mind par-ticular features, such as, elegant long sleeved


dresses, a cinematic lace bolero, a draped chiffon shrug, and heavier fabrics like Duchess satin. There are ways to combat the icy bite in the air, don’t let it put you off your charming winter wedding. To avoid any apprehensions with your bridesmaids, look for dresses that are adaptable; long sleeves, covered shoulders and a shrug or bolero available to them. Darker colours are better off for a winter wedding as they are bolder and richer amongst the whiter canvas. However, if you chose a bold colour for your own dress, a rich red, champagne gold or burgundy, give some careful conside-ration so that your bridesmaids don’t overshadow you with a bolder shade.

It Suits the Groom Party WellAs the groom, groomsmen and best man don’t have so much choice other than to attend the wedding in a suit or in kilts – A-line dresses aren’t really a popular choice, keep that on the stag night lads – there are a range of different styles such as, the classic tailcoat and a variety of accessories such as the cravat or a bowtie. However, the main things to remember for a winter wedding are the traditional tasks and how they might be more of a challenge than if it were a summer wedding. Weather disasters such as snow or storming gales can be avoided by organisation; oversized umbrellas in each car going to and from the venues, specialised wellies for the girls, and extra coats and scarves in case anyone turns purple on the day. Con-sequently, if the weather does turn for the worst, be much more alert with keeping in contact with the transport company, and think about having a backup plan before it nears the day.

For Rings, Go PlatinumTo evoke the season, a preferred option for your rings might be platinum; the white metal wedding ring. Platinum is 95% pure, hard wearing and never fades. Because it is rarer than gold, the price is obviously substantially higher. This may be a turn off, but if money is saved on a few other wedding items and spent on the rings, it is well worth investing in platinum, simply due to its high resistant to da-mage; it does the job and lasts a life time. Other choices include yellow gold which is traditional, white gold that will compliment other silver jewellery but may not wear for long, and titanium that is growing more popular with its durability.

Whatever path you choose to go down – personal theme or Christmas theme – make sure you end up simply having a wonderful... wedding.


Save Your Relationship - Forgiveness

Many relationships have been destroyed because one or the other party would not forgive. And many times it was over something that, in the long run, was not very important at all. Your ability to forgive might make the difference as to whether your relationship is restored or destroyed.

We all do things to hurt each other. Sometimes we do it uninten-tionally and sometimes we do it for petty and selfish reasons. But you must come to understand that when you are in a relationship with someone, there are times when you will get hurt mentally and emotionally. The fact of the matter is, you’ll probably get hurt more than once, and your ability to forgive your loved one and move be-yond the hurt will depend largely on you.

Relationships require love, commit-ment, sacrifice, a good sense of hu-mor, and a not taking yourself too seriously kind of attitude. Just having a fuzzy feeling about your mate is not enough to keep a relationship toge-ther. There will be times when your love and commitment will be tested and you will be required to sacrifice things on a personal level in order to keep the relationship alive.

Many times we feel that we have been wronged so severely or hurt so deeply that we are unable to forgive the other person. But you must understand that forgiveness is a choice. It is something that you choose to do. It may not be easy at first but if you really, really want to, and you really care about the other person, and you really want to save your relationship, you will find a way.

One thing to remember is that unfor-giveness does not hurt the other per-son nearly as much as it does you. Sure, your mate may suffer emotionally for a little while knowing that you have not forgiven them, but eventually they will get over it and move on. While you on the other hand will continue to suffer under the weight of whatever you are holding against them.

You see, it takes a lot of thought, effort, and energy to hold a grudge or unfor-giveness in your heart against some-one. In order for us to hold onto un-forgiveness we must feed it constantly

by thinking about it and rehearsing the hurt. This will eventually drain us of all positive energy and leave us fee-ling depleted and depressed. We end up spending all our time and energy holding on to these thoughts and fee-lings and we lose our ability to enjoy life and all its blessings.

So ask yourself What is most impor-tant to me My hurt feelings or my re-lationship with the one I love Then sit down and talk to your loved one and explain to them why you feel so hurt by their actions. And then forgive them. Yes, really forgive them, and don’t bring it up again. And don’t try to use it as a weapon to punish them with in the future. If you do, it will only prove that you really didn’t forgive them in the first place.

When you forgive the other person you will find that you experience a new sense of freedom in your own life. You are no longer bound by the chains of unforgiveness and can now enjoy life and your relationship as it was meant to be. Forgiveness will help to strengthen you and your relationship.

Relationships require forgiveness. Great relationships, the kind that last a lifetime, demand it. It is an essential part of every great relationship and if you want to save your relationship, you will learn to make this awesome gift one of the many that you have to give to your loved ones.

byCharles Garnett

Relationships can be very complicated. When a rela-tionship is in trouble, there can be many different rea-sons for the trouble. But no matter what the cause of the difficulty, if you want to save your relationship, there is one thing you can never leave out. And that one thing is forgiveness.


Let’s Ask Aunty Neenee

Though American traditions for Christmas call for a deco-rated pine tree to be raised as a center piece in each home, with presents stacked high around it for the family, and huge meals that could fill a “Horn of plenty”, and feed a small country; the true meaning and purpose of Christmas has been completely, commercialized and filled with pagan practices that rarely benefit anyone but merchants, whom anxiously await the opportunity to accommodate your every whim to spend, spend, spend.

Who Will Be Blessed By What You Plan

To Do For Christmas?Need some advice? You can have yourdilemma solved by our advice columnist Aunty Neenee, email [email protected]

From this month your question and answer will be in Woman’s Essence monthly magazine

You may ask yourself, “What’s so “pagan” about that?” Is Christmas not supposed to be about giving? This writer contends that it’s not just giving gifts, or eating as many sweets as you can hold, but rather, your heart condition. Is your heart in line with the Biblical principles of Christmas? Acknowledging the day most Christians celebrate the birth of Christ; edifying The Father, and The Son, rather than our selves.

(John 3:16), “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son”. We can’t top God in giving in this sense; nor any other. He is the giver of all things. However, we can have our hearts, and minds more spirit filled, than filled with want for earthly riches that we can’t get into heaven with.

(1John 2:16-17), “For the world offers only the lust for physical pleasure, the lust for every-thing we see, and pride in our possessions. These are not from the Father. They are from this evil world. And this world is fading away, along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live forever.”

This gift is not something “Santa Clause” can pile on a sled, and shimmy down a fire place to deliver.

Showing love for others is easy when you think that person loves you. It is to love those you don’t know at all, or those

who despise you, or wrongfully accuse you that is the true “Agape” love God wants us to show. Giving to those who don’t have, and being joyous while you are doing it.Survey your own heart, your own motives, and your own want for sacrifice. Do you have room there for anyone

less fortu-nate,

or that is all alone on the cold streets? Or are you caught up in the rush to get that last baby doll on the shelf , or race car set for little Suzy, or Tommy. To speed through traffic to rap those worldly gifts, and toss under a tree worshiped as

an idol. Then go further into sin, by lying to these children by making a false god out of Santa, having them believe he made all of this possible.

In these last days before Christ returns, it’s time to stop the wondering in and out of the promise land. The practice of wor-shiping false gods, and other forms of idolatry, must end.

This Christmas season, let us all get to the real deal of edifying God the Fa-

ther, and His will for our lives. We should Teach true, and holy

practices, and character traits to our children. Then they will not be lead astray

by this world.

Our goal should be that of everlasting life

with the Father, not a holiday filled with toys that end up thrown in a corner before the end of

the day; because we and our children are so

spoiled rotten, we don’t ap-preciate anything any way.

Bless someone that has nothing this Christmas not only with food, or

clothing, or even a toy. Bless them with a word from God that may save their soul. Allow yourself to be used by God to spread the good news to those who don’t know Him.

Draw nearer to Christ this year, for He said in His word He will draw nearer to us; wouldn’t that be the best gift of all?


Cuisine

The Christmas pizza-tree

Ingredients

1 package frozen, chopped spinach Yellow, red, and orange bell peppers Olive oil Cornmeal Pizza dough for one 12-inch round pie 1 cup tomato sauce 1/4 to 1/3 grated Romano cheese Feta cheese

Method

Heat oven to 450 degrees. Cook the spinach, drain, and press it to squeeze out excess liquid. Set aside.

Use tiny cookie cutters to shape circles and stars from the peppers. Set aside.

Coat a 12-inch pizza pan with olive oil, then sprinkle on the cornmeal. Roll the dough into a circle and place on the pan, pushing the edges to the rim.

Spread the tomato sauce on the dough and sprinkle on the grated Romano cheese. Top with the chopped spinach and then drizzle olive oil over the spinach. Sprinkle the crumbled feta over the spinach and arrange the pepper circles.

Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the bottom of the crust is browned. Cut the pizza into triangu-lar slices and then trim the crust to form a trunk. Finally, top each slice with a yellow star. Makes one 12-inch pizza.

This Christmas pizza treat will require an adult’s assistance, but the kids will love trimming the “tree” with spinach and feta snowflakes.


Old-Fashioned Holiday Glazed Ham

Roasted Salmon with Walnut-Pepper Relish

Ingredients

- 1 spiral-sliced half ham (Paula prefers Smithfield) - 1 20-ounce can pineapple slices, juice reserved - 15 to 20 whole cloves (optional) - 1 small jar maraschino cherries - 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar - 2 tablespoons yellow mustard

Method

Preheat the oven as directed on the ham package and follow the instruc-tions for baking the ham. Remove the ham from the oven about 30 minutes before the end of the warming time.

Decoratively arrange the pine-apple slices on top of the ham, securing them with whole cloves, if

10 minutes. Let cool, then finely chop and transfer to a bowl. Add the ca-yenne, lemon juice, ho-ney, roasted red pepper, walnut oil, 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 table-spoons parsley. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and black pepper to taste and toss to combine. (The relish can be made up to 1 day ahead; cover and refrigerate.)

Make the salmon: Raise the oven temperature to 425 degrees F. Com-bine the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons parsley, the chives, lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper to taste in a bowl. Rub the herb mixture all over the sal-mon. Lay skin-side down in a baking dish and roast until just cooked through, 12 to 14 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes, then transfer to a platter and top with the walnut-pepper relish.

Ingredients

- 1/2 cup walnuts - Pinch of cayenne pep-per - 1 tablespoon fresh lem-on juice - 1 teaspoon honey - 2 tablespoons diced roasted red pepper - 1 tablespoon walnut oil - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley - Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives - 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest - 1 2-to-3-pound piece wild salmon (about 1 1/2 inches thick)

Method

Make the relish: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet and bake until toasted, 7 to

using, or toothpicks. Place a cherry in the center of each pineapple ring and secure with a clove or toothpick.

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, mustard and just enough of the reserved pine-

apple juice to make a thick glaze. Spoon the glaze over the ham and bake for the remaining 30 minutes.

Remove the ham from the oven, transfer to a cutting board and carve.


Vegetable Tarte TatinIngredients

2 medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch-thick rounds 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch-thick rounds 2 medium parsnips, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch-thick rounds 1 small onion, cut into 1/2-inch-thick rounds 4 cloves garlic, halved 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper 3/4 cup sugar 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar 1 tablespoon small fresh sage leaves 1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves 6 ounces mozzarella, grated (about 1 cup) 1 8.5-ounce sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed All-purpose flour, for dusting

Method

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Toss both kinds of potatoes, the parsnips, onion, garlic, olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4teaspoon pepper in a bowl. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet; bake un-til tender, about 45 minutes. Let cool slightly.

Meanwhile, mix 2 tablespoons water and the sugar in a skillet and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook, swirling the pan, until amber, about 7 mi-nutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the vinegar and 1/4teaspoon each salt and pepper. Pour the caramel into a 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish and spread with a rubber spatula. Sprinkle the sage and oregano on top.

Arrange the roasted potatoes and parsnips in a single snug layer on top of the caramel. Scatter the onion and garlic over the roasted vegetables; sprin-kle evenly with the mozzarella.

Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface into a 9-by-13-inch rectangle. Pierce the pastry all over with a fork, then lay it on top of the mozzarella, folding the edges under to fit, if necessary. Bake 20 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F and continue baking until the dough is cooked through, 15 to 20 more minutes.

Let the tart cool 10 minutes in the baking dish, then carefully invert it onto a cutting board. Replace any vegetables that stick to the dish, if necessary.

Photograph by Anna Williams


Christmas Tree Sandwich

CookiesIngredients

1 package (13 oz) Pillsbury® Ready To Bake!® SHAPE® Christmas tree sugar cookies 3/4 cup vanilla frosting (from 1-1b container frosting) Candy sprinkles

Method

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake cookies as di-rected on package. Cool completely, about 15 minutes.

For each sandwich cookie, spread 1 tablespoon frosting on bottom of 1 cookie. Top with second cookie, bottom side down; press together gently. Roll cookie sandwiches in candy sprinkles to cover edge of frosting center. Store loosely covered. 12 sandwich cookies.

Vanilla frosting can be tinted with food coloring, if desired. Substitute any of the Pillsbury® Holiday Cookies shapes for the Christmas tree shape, if desired, for variety or to use this recipe for other holidays and occasions.

Petite Orange and Raspberry Pochettes

Ingredients

- 2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature - 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature - 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting - 1/3 cup orange marmalade - 1/3 cup raspberry jam Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

Method

Beat the butter and cream cheese in a bowl with a mixer until light and creamy. Slowly add the flour, mixing just un-til a dough forms (do not overmix). Divide the dough into 2 balls, then flatten each into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Roll out 1 disk of dough on a floured surface with a floured roll-ing pin to 1/8 inch thick. Cut out as many rounds as you can, using a 3-inch-round fluted cutter. Top each with a heaping half-tea-spoonful of orange mar-malade. Brush the edge of the dough with water, then fold the dough over to make a half-moon and press to seal. Place on an ungreased baking sheet. Reroll the dough scraps and repeat, then repeat with the remai-ning disk of dough, filling with the raspberry jam.

Bake the cookies until golden, 20 to 22 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool completely. Dust gene-rously with confectioners’ sugar.


Give Your Home That Christmas Festive FeelGive Your Home That Christmas Festive FeelC reate a holiday haven that will sparkle all season long with these festive decorating

ideas. Plus, bake delicious Christmas cookies and serve a memorable Christmas dinner friends and family will love. Make your own beautiful Christmas holiday

decorations. Create stunning outdoor decorations, festive window trimmings, and home-made Christmas wreaths. And don’t forget our Christmas mantel ideas!

Decorate your home for Christmas using glasses, ornaments, and more that you already own. Check out these inventive Christmas decor ideas that won’t deplete your pocketbook.

Need inspiration for your door decorations this Christmas? Deck your front door with simple and traditional wreaths,

fun stockings, festive garlands, and more.

Candle and Clementines Centerpiece

What You Have: oranges, candles, mirror This candle centerpiece looks intricate but takes

just minutes to create. To make, gather candles of varying heights and then

nestle them among clementines, pinecones, and small evergreen

branches for a fun Christmas decoration. Use a beveled edge mirror

as a sparkling base.

Stocking and Garland Front Door Decoration

This classic over-the-door gar-land frames a stuffed stocking to

add an interesting touch to a tradi-tional look. Stuff a plain stocking with berries, evergreen, and small

pinecones and hang it with ribbon from the middle of the front door.

Arrange a simple garland decorated with pinecones around the door frame, and complete the

scene with two miniature Christmas trees in matching pots

with pinecones at the base.

Wrapped-up Chair What You Have: chair, ribbonA simple bow tied with pa-tterned ribbon brings a nice Christmas touch to your everyday chair. Tuck in a sprig of greenery to add that classic Christmas tree scent. Editor’s Tip: No evergreens? Use artificial evergreens or mistletoe to decorate your chairs.

Red-and-Gold Christmas Tree Shimmery ornaments and eccentric accents give this tradi-tional red-and-gold Christmas tree gusto. Soft white lights, chorister ornaments, and sprigs of plastic holly look fancy and festive, while the red ruffle tree topper, thick strands of gold and red sheer ribbons, and glittery gold music note, angel, and bow ornaments add a distinctly modern feel. Editor’s Lighting Tip: If your Christmas tree can only be seen by passersby from the front, place all the Christmas lights to the front of the tree only.


Give Your Home That Christmas Festive FeelGive Your Home That Christmas Festive Feel

There’s no need to downsize your holiday expectations with a small space to decorate. Our space-saving ideas bring the

merriment of the season into even the tiniest corners.

There’s no need to downsize your holiday expectations with a small space to decorate. Our space-saving ideas bring the

merriment of the season into even the tiniest corners.

Decorate your Christmas tree with beautiful ornaments, garlands, and festive holiday lights. We’ve got decorating tips, ornament ideas, and lots of Christmas tree pictures and themes to choose from!

Be creative by decorating your Christmas tree with a favorite theme that suits your decora-ting style or your family’s personality. We were inspired by a local festival of trees and have included tips for bringing the looks inside your own Christmas home. Bonus: We’ve included lighting tips to make your tree beautiful.

Garden-Inspired Garland This large, leafy garland and matching front door swag is made from evergreen branches, pinecones, berries, apples, magnolia leaves, and festive holiday ribbon. Use it as inspiration for your front door or add your favorite festive elements. Editor’s Tip: Purchase a long evergreen garland to serve as the base, then use floral pins and hot glue to secure embellishments.

A Grand Entry Ornaments not only dazzle on the tree, but can also add Christmas cheer to other places throughout your home, such as your staircase. Knot a length of thin ribbon around an ornament hook and wrap the end other end of the ribbon around your banister, securing with a knot. Let ornaments hang down at different lengths for a variegated display. Consider topping an entryway table with a small tree

Blue-and-White Christmas Tree This little snowman must have

worked hard on this blue-and-white Christmas vision. Bedecked

with white and blue lights, stre-tchable fake snow, snowflake orna-

ments, ornament balls, and over-lapping blue-and-white beaded garlands, this Christmas tree is

beautifully busy. For more blue-and-white decor, craft an elaborate

tree topper from snowflakes, plastic sprigs of blueberries, and shimmery

white and blue ribbons. Editor’s Lighting Tip: Use Christ-

mas lights of all the same wattage. This will prevent power surges and

prolong the life of the bulbs.

Family Photos Christmas Tree Photocopy pictures, glue them to silver paper, and frame them with rickrack and other trims to turn your Christmas tree into a family scrapbook. Fill the boughs with small apples, kumquats, and vintage-style ornaments. Editor’s Lighting Tip: Pick lights in a color that match your key ornaments (in this case, orange). That way they enhance the color scheme rather than draw away from it.

Green-and-Silver Ornament Bouquet What You Have: tin can, ribbon, ornaments Use a simple tin can and a foam cone to transform leaves and a variety of orna-ments into a green-and-silver Christmas ornament bouquet. Tie a red ribbon into a bow to complete the deco-ration. Use as a centerpiece or as a part of your holiday side-table decor. Editor’s Tip: To expand on the display, decorate two smaller cans to place alongside the larger orna-ment bouquet.

Light a Candle Add some shimmer and shine to your holiday decor with candles and sparkly silver-and-white ornaments. Arrange chunky pillar candles (in varying heights) on a round tray and surround with Christmas ornaments, rhinestone jewelry, and baubles (search flea markets and thrift stores for inexpensive pieces).


I f you are dreaming of white Christmas this year and want to find somewhere that will let you celebrate the

festive season with presents and snow, here is the perfect guide for just that! Not only it suggests some of the top destinations for a white Christmas, but also recommends if they are sui-table for families, singles or couples!

Japan - Perfect for Families

If skiing is one of your favourite activities, then winter in Japan will offer unlimited satisfaction. There are a huge range of snowfields to visit, but Hakuba Valley is renowned as one of the premier interna-tional spots for snow sports, even hosting events for the 1998 Winter Olympic Games. Situated at the centre of the Japanese Alps, a four hour train ride north-west of Tokyo, Hakuba Valley hosts several ski resorts and magnificent landscapes with rugged peaks exceeding 1000 metres.

If all that time on the slopes calls for a rest, there is a great range of luxury tours departing from Hakuba including trips to Matsumoto Castle, Nagano's well-known Zenkoji Temple and the snow monkeys at Jigokudani hot springs.

New York - Ideal for Couples

For one of the most traditional Christmases, it's hard to go past New York City over the holidays. Ice skating in Central Park, seeing the Rockefeller Christmas tree being lit at night, watching the snow fall while standing in the middle of Times Square, shopping at the famed Macy's on 34th street and eating an extravagant turkey dinner at any of the incredible restaurants will undoubtedly make for a truly Merry Christmas.

Norway - For the Young at Heart

The untouched landscape of Norway, which stretches right across the Arctic Circle, offers an unforgettably enchanting winter escape sui-table for every age.

Hikers and skiers will be mesmerized by the mountains, lakes, wood-lands and waterfalls that Norway has to offer. Another extraordinary scenic feature is the Fjords. These ancient valleys, once formed by gla-cial activity, now provide long, narrow inlets of the sea held between towering cliffs. This white Christmas experience would not be com-plete without travelling north to see the world's most magical Christ-mas light show, the spectacular Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights), which shines more brightly in the winter months.

“White Christmas” Destinations


New Years Destinations

Times Square, USAOn the even of New Year Times Square in New York comes alive. The streets are jam packed, loud

music can be heard, sparkles and glitter of the crackers, oversha-dow the stars in the sky at night. Locals and tourists from far-flung areas opt New York as their New Year destination because of its liveliness that is exuberated on the 31st December. Times Square gets packed to the hilt and as the countdown begins, everyone shouts 10, 9,8…3,2,1 and HAPPY NEW YEAR. When you are here, you will agree with the fact that New Yorkers know how to party. Swanky hotels, local pubs, discos, delectable meals in res-taurants and cafeterias are all here to make your night special.

Sydney, AustraliaRing in the New Year with the spectacular fireworks over the Syd-ney Harbour Bridge. To accompany you will be the brilliantly co-ordinated music being played in the background. In the middle of all the celebration, a boat ride in the Sydney harbour is truly the perfect icing on the cake.

London, EnglandWatch out the final countdown alongside the Big Ben and see London explode in brilliant lights and colors. See the brilliance of fireworks over Thames River and join in thousands others to welcome the New Year with the big bang.

Paris, FranceOne of the beautiful cities: Paris is also one of the most popular New Year destinations in the world. On the New Year Eve the City of Light comes into full force. Two places which attract the maxi-mum crowd are the Champs Elyse’s and the Eiffel tower.

Tokyo, JapanFun and frolic on the streets of Tokyo elevates the New Year carni-val. The hangover of the New Year celebration prevails for about a week in Tokyo. In the midnight chortling of the temple’s bells can be heard. People visit temples and pray for happiness and prospe-rity for the upcoming year.

When the New Year festivity knocks at the doorstep; Gear up to pack your bags and fly off to the most sought-after and superb New Year destinations located round the world. You too, Welcome New Year in a great style. Select a New Year destination of your own choice and take your big bunch of friends and family. Get Top 5 New Year Eve Destinations around the world.


From Woman’s


Essence Magazine

woman's essence magazine december/2011

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