Month: July 2022

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STYLE : THE GENTLEMANS GUIDE TO WEARING SHORTS

by jojobatemanLeave a Comment on STYLE : THE GENTLEMANS GUIDE TO WEARING SHORTS

Many of you have requested some style articles for men. Many of my clients are men so let’s start with shorts. One of the most difficult things to get right……. men in shorts. Indeed Tom Ford himself said”shorts should only be worn on the tennis court or on the beach” BUT that was in 2011 and today they are at the forefront of mens fashion. Many men carry off the ‘shorts style’ with great aplomb but there are still many disasters out there in the city sidewalks. So lets keep it hot in the city !!

So lets take a closer look how and when we should wear these bad boys……

OCCASION

Firstly let us consider where we are going to wear them, yes Mr Ford we are kind of listening. Of course shorts are acceptable in a sports environment and on the beach (the current trend is shorter the better) but we are talking about updating your everyday wardrobe. In a formal office situation then shorts are still unacceptable. Also not good at an evening event. Unless of course you are Pharell Williams. But during the day , for days out, at lunch, at the pub, shopping meeting your blood brothers all good. so to sum uo when temperature, environment and location call for it.

CUT

The trend is for tailored slim shorts that follow the line of the leg and are flat fronted.. But you have to take into consideration your body type. If you are a muscular mesomorph than obviously you don’t want it too tight around bulky thighs so you may want a little bit more room here. Also endomorphs with a more rounded tummy may opt for a single or double pleated front to flatter the area. No baggy/excess fabric and no cargo pockets they will add bulk—– this applies to every body shape when it comes to shorts. Just not a good look. So try to stay with a tailored straight short .

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SHOP THE SHORTS

LENGTH

The length should fall 1 or 2 inches above the knee. If you have skinny legs a turn up can add a bit of bulk . Men under 25 can wear the fashionable trend for even shorter shorts. But mature adult males please stick to the just above the knee rule !

COLOUR

Stick to the muted/classic colours. The same colouring rules applies to men as well as women (please see my earlier blog on assessing your colour season).So tan/cream for Autumns/Spring, Navy for winters/Summers and even pastels can look great on Summers. But stick to one basic anchor colour. Save the florals and bright prints for the beach. Checks and stripes can look good on dramatic personality types but can be trickier to match so unless you are shopping with your stylist lets keep it foolproof. Solid colours are traditional and therefore more stylish.

SHOP THE LOOK PASTELS

MATERIALS

Keep it breathable in cotton or linen……natural fabrics. Linen has a tendency to crease and normally I hate that crumpled look but it works in a short.

WHAT TO WEAR IT WITH

No baggy t shirts try to keep the top as neat as slim as the bottoms. Polo shirts are a good look if you are going somewhere more casual. The best look is a fitted button through shirt with a collar. if long sleeved roll the sleeves up or a fitted short sleeve can look good too. The big question to tuck or to untuck ? Keep it untucked. . But bear in mind your height if you are taller you will want a longer fitting shirt and certainly if you are short ensure your shirt length is shorter in the body.

SHOP THE LOOK POLO SHIRTS
SHOP THE LOOK SHIRTS

FOOTWEAR

NO SOCKS. Loafers or deck shoes worn with invisible/ballet socks so your feet do not sweat and smell. Save the flip flops and sliders for the beach and NO sandals whatever age you are. Yes I am talking to you !!!

SHOP THE LOOK FOOTWEAR FOR SHORTS

So there you have it the foolproof guide to keeping the men stylish in shorts so you can dare to bare without putting a step wrong.

JOJOS STYLELIST TIP:AS WITH ALL THINGS STYLE YOU HAVE TO HAVE A FULL TRYING ON SESSION IN FRONT OF A FULL LENGTH MIRROR . IF YOU ARE A GUY READING THIS I HOPE YOU FOUND THIS USEFUL. IF YOU ARE A GIRL THEN ITS OVER TO YOU TO ENSURE THE MEN IN YOUR LIFE GET IT RIGHT !!! GOOD LUCK GIRLS.

MWAH MWAH

JOJO XXXXXX

MIDWEEK MANTRAS

MIDWEEK MANTRA: MENTAL HEALTH START TALKING

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YOUR WEEKLY DOSE OF INSPIRATION, TASKS AND WORDS TO UPLIFT YOU AND BUILD MENTAL STRENGTH AND CLARITY FOR THE WEEK AHEAD.

NEXT TIME YOU ASK SOMEONE HOW THEY ARE DOING SHOW A REAL INTEREST IN THE ANSWER, DONT JUST ACCEPT “FINE”.

THE MENTAL HEALTH FOUNDATION BELIEVE THAT HALF OF ALL ADULTS IN UK BELIEVE THEY HAVE A DIAGNOSABLE MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEM. EVERY WEEK 1 IN 6 OF US EXPERIENCE FEELINGS OF ANXIETY OR DEPRESSION. SO THE CHANCES THAT SOMEONE YOU ASK “HOW ARE YOU REALLY DOING?” THEY THEN WON’T BE ABLE TO RESPOND IN A ONE WORD ANSWER. IF YOU ARE WORRIED TRY TO GET SOMEONE TO OPEN UP TO YOU.

“CAN WE TALK ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ?”

“WHO WOULD YOU BE COMFORTABLE TALKING TO, IF NOT ME?’

“IT SEEMS LIKE YOU ARE GOING THROUGH A DIFFICULT TIME. HOW CAN I HELP YOU FIND THE HELP YOU NEED?”

“I AM SOMEONE WHO CARES AND WANTS TO LISTEN. WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO KNOW ABOUT HOW YOU ARE FEELING?”

TODAY TRY ONE OF THESE QUESTIONS IN RESPONSE TO SOMEONE WHO YOU MAY FEAR IS NOT JUST “FINE”.

REACH OUT TODAY.

JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: IF YOU ARE READING THIS AND ARE SUFFERING PLEASE TALK TO SOMEONE TODAY. IF NOT A FRIEND OR RELATIVE THEN CALL MIND 0300 123 3393.

JOJO XXXXXXX

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BEAUTY: BODY THERAPY

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There is a heavy concentration in these present times on mental health but let us not forget therapy for our bodies. We invariably neglect our bodies as the nights draw in and we start to layer on the clothes but our bodies are truly amazing complex structures that need to be nurtured and maintained. It is time to devote more concentrated time to the body so lets start by having a body therapy day that ideally would be scheduled once a week.

photo of a topless woman

Here is a list to structure into a BODY THERAPY DAY to restore and revitalise.

  • On waking BEFORE getting out of bed start the day (every day) with the 6 way stretch. Catch the video on a previous blog (August 2019) on this site. I guarantee by performing these stretches before rising will ensure you move with grace throughout the rest of the day.
  • Brisk walk to your local Greengrocers for your food for today. Nutritious soups, cleansing smoothies and crunchy fresh salads and herb teas are the order of the day. Grab a lemon too for plenty of water during the day with some lemon slices. It is important to go to just a fruit and veg store. NO SUPERMARKETS, NO SWEETSHOPS…..NO TEMPTATION ! Focus today on gut health to and increasing your microbiomes introduce raw sauerkraut, kefir, kimchi and kombuchka into your diet.
  • Once home discover a gentle yoga class on youtube. Denise Austen is very good and offer 100s of different classes and duration. Choose a stretching and breathing on hour class. Breathe into your stretches and love your body get to know any stiffness and work through those movement. Listen to your body.
  • Follow this with a full body self massage with organic sesame oil. Start with a body brush to remove dead skin cells. Then massage your body paying particular attention to your joints. Really wring those tissues out. Use this time to check your breasts too if you do this massage weekly you will recognise any differences in your breasts more easily. also don,t forget to massage your feet and any reflex points. Your feet deserve a treat when you think how hard they work for you.
  • Shower the oil off alternating the water from hot to cold to stimulate the blood in your body.
  • After lunch time to get your IPL handheld out we all have one of these now don’t we ?? If not book a session at your local salon. Its time to depilate and remove any unwanted body hair. This also must be a regular practice to semi- permanently remove hair.
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  • Hopefully after reading my previous articles you would have purchased my cannot live without PRANA MAT. If you lie on the needle like protrusians it really is like an at home acupuncture session and great for cellulite and back problems. Invest in one.
  • Evening time light some candles and time for some meditation. Again there are many downloadable meditations. Meditating regularly has proven benefits for your body as well as your mind. Cleansing your organs and clearing your body of so many harmful stressors and focussing on bringing light into your body and expelling the stale dark negative air. Practise daily .
  • Finally draw yourself a warm not hot bath and fill with Epsom Salts to soothe your muscles and rid your body of impurites and water retention. Create a peaceful ambiance in your bathroom with aromatherapy candles , soft lighting and warmth. Ensure you have a warm fluffy terry towelling robe to wrap yourself in. Bodies love texture and touch.

So that completes our body therapy course now get plenty of sleep to ensure its recharged for a more strenuous day tomorrow !!!

JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: BE YOUR OWN THERAPIST ITS SIMPLE AND CHEAPER WHICH MEANS YOU CAN RECEIVE IT MORE REGULARLY. HOPEFULLY YOU CAN ESTABLISH A REGULAR ROUTINE IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME AND BEGIN A LOVE AFFAIR WITH YOUR OWN BODY.

MWAH MWAH

JOJO XXXXXXX

MIDWEEK MANTRAS

MIDWEEK MANTRA: THOUGHT OF THE DAY

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YOUR WEEKLY CATCH UP ON ALL THINGS POSITIVE. TASKS, MANTRAS OR JUST A SPECIAL MESSAGE TO STRENGTHEN YOUR MENTAL HEALTH AND TOP YOU UP TO GET YOU THROUGH THE WEEK .

YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT SOMEONE ELSE IS GOING THROUGH. THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK………

MWAH MWAH XXX

JOJO XX

JOJO STYLELIST TIP: BEING KIND DOES NOT MAKE THE OTHER PEOPLE FEEL BETTER RESEARCH HAS SHOWN IT MAKES YOU FEEL BETTER TOO !

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BEAUTY: RETINOL V RETINAL

by jojobateman2 Comments on BEAUTY: RETINOL V RETINAL
woman in white crop top
Invest In A Good Skin Care Regime

Are you as surprised as me to discover this is not the same product just spelled differently but they are completely different products. Retinal is the new girl on the block. so let us look at the two products individually as the world of beauty becomes increasingly confusing with hew products and science hitting the stores on a daily basis.

Firstly retinol/retinal forms an important part of any skin regime. Retinol is Vitamin A that creates retinoic acid this plays an important role in cell growth and regeneration of cells and also increases collagen production. If you are new to retinol start by using a low strength product two or three times a week for the first month , then build up gradually to a higher strength and using more regularly .

The benefits are an even toned compkexion, wrinkles and lines are diminished. Age spots appear more faded. Skin has a more radiant look …..and it works.

RETINOL

So hands up those who have not been using retinol in their beauty regime ? Go straight to the bottom of the class ! Whatever age you are retinol should be used as part of your daily regime preferably at night. Retinol is the gentler of the two and it is great for younger skins to prevent ageing, it is also great for acne and blemishes.

Retinol has to be converted to retinal then to retinoic acid by the skin so is slower to act but great for a long term approach to skin care.

A Retinol for Every Skin

RETINAL

Now for the new girl on the block. Even though retinal has been around for a long time it was difficult to isolate and frm a topical solution. But thanks to advances in beauty science and technology this has now finally reached our beauty shelves. Retinal is the stronger sister, it is proven to work 11x faster than ordinary retinol. It is ideal for mature skins wanting to see a significant improvement on lines and wrinkles. it also has an accelerated action on blemishes. the exfoliation rate is much higher making the skin instantly more radiant. This may prove too harsh for youthful skin.

The accelerated action of retinal is based on the fact that it converts directly to retinoic acid so it becomes a two stage process instead of a three stage one.

I currently use the MEDIK 8 Retinal and have just progressed to level 6.

MWAH MWAH XX

JOJO. XX

JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: I WOULD RECCOMEND YOU DO NOT TAKE THIS ON VACATION WITH YOU, GIVE YOUR SKIN A BREAK IF YOU ARE SUNBATHING. I DO THINK IT IS RATHER HARSH TO DO BOTH. STICK TO THE SPF. I CURRENTLY USE MEDIK8 CRYSTAL RETINAL 6 AND LOVING IT. THE INKEY LIST ALSO DO A VERY REASONABLY PRICE HIGH QUALITY RETINOL REGIME.

MIDWEEK MANTRAS

MIDWEEK MANTRA: BANISH NEGATIVITY

by jojobatemanLeave a Comment on MIDWEEK MANTRA: BANISH NEGATIVITY

YOUR WEEKLY DOSE OF ASPIRATION, INSPIRATION AND POSITIVITY TO STRENGTHEN THE MIND AND RESTORE MENTAL HEALTH TO ITS OPTIMUM LEVELS.

woman with smeared eyes in studio
Stop The negativity

SO TODAYS TASK IS TO AUDIT YOUR NEGATIVE REMARKS . THIS WEEK WRITE DOWN ON A PIECE OF PAPER EVERY TIME YOU MAKE A NEGATIVE COMMENT ABOUT ANYONE OR ANYTHING ………OR EVEN YOURSELF.

IT MAY SHOCK YOU HOW MUCH TOXICITY IS IN YOUR LIFE. BY NOTING IT AND BEING AWARE OF IT YOU CAN CHANGE IT.

WE LIVE IN A SOCIETY OF FREE SPPECH WHERE WE THINK WE CAN SAY ANYTHING WE WANT ABOUT ANYONE , PARTICULARLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA. BUT THE REAL FREEDOM IS NOT FEELING THE NEED TO SAY THOSE THINGS ! IT IS THE JUDGEMENT OF OTHERS THAT GIVES THE ILLUSION OF FEELING BETTER ABOUT OURSELVES.

UNDERSTAND THE ROOT OF YOUR NEGATIVITY.

TRY TO TURN A NEGATIVE COMMENT INTO A POSITIVE ONE. IF THIS IS DIFFICULT THEN DO NOT SAY ANYTHING, DO NOT INVOLVE ONESELF IN NEGATIVE GROUP CHATS WITH FRIENDS. TO SPEAK WITH A FORKED TONGUE CAN IMPACT ON OUR OWN MENTAL HEALTH. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH POSITIVE PEOPLE TO BRING JOY AND HAPPINESS TO YOUR LIFE.

MWAH MWAH XX

JOJO X

JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: IF NEGATIVITY IS DARKNESS AND POSITIVITY IS THE LIGHT IMAGINE A BODY AND MIND FILLED WITH LIGHTNESS.

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COVID CURES : 10 REASONS TO BE POSITIVE POST LOCKDOWNS

by jojobatemanLeave a Comment on COVID CURES : 10 REASONS TO BE POSITIVE POST LOCKDOWNS

This post is dedicated to my best friend Dinx who suggested this article. Thank you for bringing positivity into my life on a daily basis x

The curse of Covid continues to live amongst us and is undeniably having a growing effect on health and finances but let us try to look at the positive effects this has had on us as individuals and globally. You subscribe to this blog because you subscribe to positivity so it is my task to find joy and purpose in life on a daily basis.

So lets focus on some positive points as after all we are going to have to live with this virus on a permanent basis. The Spanish Flu epidemic of 1918 is still with us today mutated into our regular Influenza.

10 POST COVID CURES

  • Time to press the pause button. A period of reflection and thinking. Press the reset button. What a luxury rarely afforded to ourselves.
  • Decluttering the home in a mindful steady way. Bit by bit room by room . Developing a charity pile to take to donate to starved charities in this time. We also have learned to live without so much excess and from speaking to you all your needs have been differentiated from your wants.
female shopaholic with laptop shopping online in messy living room
  • Discovering new ways of working. Ways that work for you. Creating lovely office spaces at home. It is great if you have now been given options to combine the two. Many new jobs have been created for homeworkers helping stay at home Mother/Fathers. People have found new outlets for untapped creativity e.g writing books, TikTok, fashion design, Pet youtube videos.
  • Cooking healthy nutritious meals from scratch and more importantly eating them. No need for fast food now ! A skill that hopefully stayed with you when we returned to normal. You will never return to junk food once you have been eating so healthily and realise it takes less time to put a healthy meal together than to order a takeaway.
  • Catching up on movies you have been meaning to watch for years. Even live theatre streaming on YouTube channel The Show Must Go On a front row seat that you may not have had the time or money for pre lockdown.
  • Nature appreciation. Long walks in the Countryside. Noticing colours, smells and the visual stimuli for the first time in many cases. A time to build up an exercise regime that you enjoy and to continue an appreciation of the beautiful Country we live in that we may only have noticed the first time during lockdown.
person wearing yellow jacket walking in forest
  • Less pollution on the roads. A chance to reset globally. It took a surprisingly short period to improve air quality substantially globally proving a massive health benefit for many. Although the current rail strikes have not helped the situation. But what was apparent there were much more car sharing happening more thought and planning had gone into our daily commute. The challenge is to use this time to maintain the low levels by reassessing working practices. I personally can notice a difference in the air quality in Central London even today compared to pre lockdown.
  • Appreciate friends and family more. Spending more time together, talking , playing board games, eating together. I know this has exposed some weaknesses in relationships but this provides a chance to air grievances. Or indeed walk away, it is a true test of a relationship tif you enjoying staying in with someone as opposed to going out with them.
  • Restaurants are much more enjoyable now with more appreciation for more distancing between tables. A direct result from the socially distanced covid requirements. Less people less noise and no one sitting right next to us listening into(and sometimes joining in) conversations makes the whole experience infinitely more enjoyable. I am sure as Customers we will become increasingly demanding on this and not put up with being squashed into tight spaces. I have been campaigning for years to put more space between tables in restaurants as I don’t particularly want people I have not invited to join me for lunch. I consistently ask to be redirected to a table with more space and now I don’t have to ! Loving this point.
interior design of a glass wall restaurant
  • Stimulating my mind with the huge growth of on line courses. Art,wine,photography, piano ,poker, just a few ways I have found to educate myself further.
  • Helping the planet by buying less clothing . No more fast fashion fixes. After all there is nowhere to go ! It does reassess your values and you probably found pieces lurking at the back of the closet when you were doing all that cluttering !

You I am sure noticed that there are in fact 11 post Covid Cures and not 10 , testament to my positivity. In fact I could think of several more. Why not try writing your own list.

JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: New routines take 21 days to become a habit and a consistent part of our new normal. We have had a good deal longer than 21 days so get going Stylistas !

MWAH MWAH

JOJO XXXXXXXXX

MIDWEEK MANTRAS

MIDWEEK MANTRA

by jojobatemanLeave a Comment on MIDWEEK MANTRA

THOUGHTS, TASKS AND INSPIRATION TO LIFT UP YOUR SPIRITS AND INJECT SOME POSITIVITY INTO YOUR LIFE .

” AVOID EVERYTHING AND RUN…………….

OR FACE EVERYTHING AND RISE “.

-ZIG ZIGLAR

JOJO STYLELIST TIP : EVERY OBSTACLE YOU OVERCOME YOU ENRICH YOUR LIFE WITH VALUABLE LESSONS LEARNED. DONT SWEEP PROBLEMS UNDER THE CARPET SHINE A LIGHT ON THEM AND DEAL WITH THEM TODAY.

SENDING LOVE AND HOPE TO YOU ALL

MWAH MWAH XXXX

JOJO XX

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LIFESTYLE: LIVING A MORE BEAUTIFUL LIFE

by jojobatemanLeave a Comment on LIFESTYLE: LIVING A MORE BEAUTIFUL LIFE
woman in the back of a van looking at mountains

Well you guys I hope you utilised your time in lockdown effectively to make your surroundings more beautiful and streamlining your routines. It is so important to envelop yourself with a gorgeous environment and lovely rituals. Making every day as beautiful and pleasurable as possible is a way to live a happier life. A word about rituals , they are established patterns that make our every day existence and the journey of life, our real life, more enjoyable.

Let me share some of my own ideas with you:

BATHING

Use a beautiful bath oil or foam. Its no secret that mine is L’Occitane Lemon Verbena Foam Bath. Allow yourself time to soak. Have a glass of wine/champagne or freshly squeezed juice topped with spring water. Soft classical music. Neom candles. DOOR SHUT. Big warm fluffy terry towels and robe. Your whole evening has a fresh new beginning.

STATIONERY

I love to write notes in beautiful Smythson notebooks with brightly coloured inks. I have a beautiful set of Kate Spade cream and gold cards for thank you notes that actually make you want to write notes. Everyone should have at least one beautifully expensive fountain pen for ritual note writng i.e gratitude notes in the morning, To Do lists in the evening.

AT HOME MEAL TIMES

Always lay the table with the best tablemats, best china, fabulous cutlery and a charming set of colourful napkins. My mantra is save nothing for ‘best’ use them now, daily. Meal times should absolutely be a ritual to get into the habit with your family or loved ones or just make it special for one.

BEDLINEN

We spend a large amount of our time in bed. Keep your bed linen fresh, egyption cotton . Lots of comfy huge pillows on the bed and i beautiful cashmere throw . Stunning pile of books on the bedside table. Your bed is not just for sleeping but can be a sanctuary for rituals like a Sunday afternoon nap . Curling up under the throw with a good book early evening. Watching movies on a cold winters day. Saturday morning breakfast in bed on a tray.

EMRACE THE SEASONS

Mark new seasons with childhood reminiscences: In Spring fly a kite. In Summer, make a sand castle. In fall go for a brisk walk crunching in the leaves. In Winter build a snowman. Take time to look at the changing landscape as nature runs its course. Listen to the changing sounds too the different bird chatter from each season, the sound of lawns being mowed, the new buds on the trees.

autumn autumn colours brown countryside

BAKING WITH A FRIEND

Book a regular baking day with a friend in your kitchen. Then gift the goodies to elderly people in the area or friends that need cheering. This is a rewarding ritual both for your friendship and the recipients. If baking is not your thing then choose photography, pottery or Art classes with a friend, equally bonding while you learn a new skill.

ORGANISE A GIFT WRAP STATION

In my office i have on cupboard constantly stocked with beautiful gift wrap, ribbon, bows, labels and scotch tape. a beautifully wrapped present is a gift in itself. When someone spends time elegantly wrapping a gift for me it is immensely touching that they went to such effort. Make gift wrapping an enjoyable experience and never a chore with a hurriedly wrapped present. Get creative.

assorted gift boxes on red surface

DINE OUT WITH ELEGANCE

A weekly ritual of dining out at a special restaurant. Im not talking pub grub here or Nandos but an elegant, renowned restaurant in your area. The food and wine become the pleasure. Really admire the presentation, taste , smell and textures of the food and the wonderful service you receive. Choose your Company wisely an exceptional meal can be ruined by obnoxious company. Try to experience Michelin star restaurants whenever possible this is a real treat for the senses.

So there were some of my rituals to be enjoyed together or simply alone. but rituals are regular and require effort but they soon become encompassed within your regular life. But they all make life feel a little more special. Why wouldnt you build one or two or several into YOUR life.

SHOP BELOW TO MAKE YOUR LIFE MORE BEAUTIFUL TODAY. If you received this by e mail then click on the URL at the base of the mail.

JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: WE ALL CHOOSE HOW WE LIVE . LIVING A BEAUTIFUL LIFE NEED NOT BE EXPENSIVE BUT JUST REQUIRES A LITTLE EFFORT WITH GREAT REWARDS. CHOOSE SOME THAT WILL MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE TO YOU WITHIN YOUR PRICE RANGE.

MWAH MWAH

JOJO XXXXXXX