Be yourself; Everyone else is already taken.
— Oscar Wilde.
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MIDWEEK MANTRA : LOVE THYSELF
INSPIRATION AND IDEAS TO HELP YOU GET THROUGH THE REST OF THE WEEK AND RECHARGE THE BATTERIES SO YOU CAN BE YOUR BEST SELF.
START A LOVE AFFAIR………..
WITH YOURSELF. WE SPEND ALL OUR LIVES LAYING LOVE ON EVERYBODY ELSE IN OUR LIVES. BUT HOW MANY OF YOU SPEND CONSCIOUS TIME LOVING YOURSELF. SO TODAY YOU ARE GOING TO ARRANGE A DATE WITH YOURSELF……
- START BY WRITING A LOVE LETTER TO YOURSELF. THE QUALITIES YOU LIKE AND WHY YOU LOVE TO SPEND TIME WITH…YOU.
- SEND YOURSELF A LOVELY BUNCH OF FLOWERS
- WHEN YOU GET READY FOR YOUR DATE BUY A MINI BOTTLE OF THE FINEST CHAMPAGNE AND A MINI ( 4 IS ENOUGH!) BOX OF CHAMPAGNE TRUFFLES.
- GOOD VENUES FOR SELF DATES…..ART GALLERIES, SHOPPING AND LUNCH, HIKING, SPA DAYS OR EVEN STAY AT HOME WITH A MOVIE OR A BOOK. BUT HEY THIS IS NOT ABOUT ME ….ITS ALL ABOUT YOU !
- BUY YOURSELF A LOVELY LITTLE PRESENT.
WE SHOULD ALL SPEND THE ODD DAY RECONNECTING WITH OUR SENSE OF SELF AND APPRECIATE WHO WE ARE. THE TIME ALONE IS GREAT FOR FOCUSSING ON YOUR OWN NEEDS. YOU MAY HAVE MISSED OUT ON VALENTINES DAY LAST WEEK OR FELT UNDER APPRECIATED. TODAY REDRESS THE BALANCE.
SELF LOVE DEVELOPS FROM ACTIONS THAT SUPPORT OUR PHYSICAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH
HAVE FUN! ENJOY YOUR DATE.
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: LOVING YOURSELF MAKES IT EASY FOR OTHERS TO LOVE YOU TOO !
Mwah Mwah
JOJO xxxxx
LIFESTYLE: BE A RADIATOR NOT A DRAIN !
RADIATING HAPPINESS
Its one thing to have a feeling of happiness but to radiate happiness to people around us is something we need to practise. Happiness is one contagion we do understand, the more we radiate happiness the more people want to be with us and more opportunities flow towards us.
Now doesn’t that sound good ?
Yes when you devlop the light within you and radiate the energy outwards it becomes a ripple effect. The best of you brings out the best in others. Can you imagine if this thought process spread throughout the world . What an amazing place this would be !
True happiness comes from our true self not our physical self, of limiting body , thoughts,fear and emotions. The true self is limitless and lies in the silence wisdom and grace that can be found in meditation. It has no bounds and is infinite. So you can tap into as much happiness that you choose.
Tune into your own thoughts and recognise how you are really feeling. The n notch it up a few levels on your “mood-o-meter” when you surrender to the joy and focus on the good things in your life and recognise that the bad moments are just distractions treat them as positive life lessons. Even forcing a smile releases endorphins and changes your mood in an instant.
DEPRESSED PEOPLE LIVE IN THE PAST
ANXIOUS PEOPLE LIVE IN THE FUTURE
HAPPY PEOPLE LIVE IN THE PRESENT
Deepak Chopra expresses some Do’s and Dont’s in order to radiate happiness.
- DO express appreciation in others.
- DO be open to the other persons truth. Respect their point of view.
- DO wear a smile
- DO share your laughter
- Do contribute to the joy of another
- DO turn your inner happiness to an outer activity
- DON’T make other people feel wrong. As your self judgement decreases so should judgement of others.
- DON’T draw attention to how much you have changed and how happy you now are as it arouses distrust.
- DON”T point out how unhappy someone else is. They are doing the best they can from their own level of awareness.
Psychologically studies show that positive behaviour spreads virally to others.
As more people see the change and the light in you those closest to you will see a new radiance , a new kind of lightness and vibrancy.
LET’S CHANGE THE WORLD TOGETHER !
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: THIS IS ONE INFECTION WE DON’T MIND CATCHING ! STAY HAPPY AND CARRY ON.
Mwah Mwah
JOJO XXXXXXXX
MIDWEEK MANTRA : RIP QUEEN ELIZABETH II
THOUGHTS, INSPIRATION OR TASKS TO REJUVENATE AND LIFT YOUR SPIRITS TO GET YOU THROUGH THE REST OF THE WEEK.
WALLOW IN SORROW
AFTER THE LAST TWO WEEKS WITH THE PASSING OF QUEEN ELIZABETH II MANY OF YOU MAY STILL FEEL GRIEF STRICKEN AND LOST. YOU MAY FEEL AS THOUGH YOU LOST YOUR ANCHOR IN LIFE OR FEEL YOU CANNOT ACCEPT CHANGE.
WELL IT IS NOT OFTEN THAT YOU HEAR THIS FROM ME, OR ANYONE ELSE FOR THAT MATTER. OUR MIDWEEK MANTRA IS FOCUSSED ON STAYING POSITIVE AND FIGHTING ANY NEGATIVE NOTIONS IN YOUR MIND. BUT I FEEL THAT INCREASINGLY WE ARE SURROUNDED BY MEDIA AND “EXPERTS” THAT ARE CONTINUALLY TELLING US ITS BAD TO FEEL DOWN AND WE ARE BEING FED AN IDEALISED WORLD WHERE WE ARE ONLY WORTHY IF WE ARE SMILEY AND POSITIVE.
BUT LIFE IS A ROLLERCOASTER (THANKS RONAN FOR THAT ONE !!) A SERIES OF UPS AND YES DOWNS AND WE CAN ONLY RECOGNISE THE UPS BY ACKNOWLEDGING THE DOWNS TOO.
SO THIS WEEK I WANT YOU TO EMBRACE THE IDEA THAT FEELING LOW OR SAD ON ANY GIVEN DAY IS OKAY AND IS IN FACT TOTALLY NORMAL. IT WOULD BE ABNORMAL TO NEVER FEEL DOWN.
THE NEXT DAY YOU FEEL LOW TOTALLY EMBRACE IT . ACKNOWLEDGE HOW YOU FEEL . DO NOTHING BUT …..WALLOW. DONT FIGHT IT , FEEL IT !
JOJO STYLELIST TIP: SADNESS IS NORMAL BUT IF YOU ARE FEELING SAD FOR A PROLONGED PERIOD AND FOR NO IDENTIFIABLE REASON. THEN SEEK HELP AND TALK TO SOMEONE.
MWAH MWAH
JOJO XXXXXXX
STYLE : 5 AUTUMN/WINTER COAT TRENDS TO INVEST IN RIGHT NOW
We are all tightening our budgets this Autumn especially with the impending energy price rises. The real key is planning ahead and setting budgets . So let’s just concentrate on a few key COATS just to freshen up your Autumn wardrobe . A large part of your Autumn clothing budget should be a great coat it is the one piece you will wear more than any other so the price per wear (PPW) will add value to your wardrobe.
I have selected 5 key coats that are prominent AW2022 . Depending on your personal style, your current wardrobe edit on what you REALLY need, clothing personality and body shape , all you have to do is select the right one for you.
THE QUITED COAT
Back for another season. I love the longer line of this one from SUPERDRY. Nice and warm for walking the dogs, those chilly mornings watching the children play sport, bonfire night etc. Head to stores aimed at teenagers for more value. This coat is superb value at £154.99.
THE CAMEL COAT
The eternal classic. The camel wrap around shawl collared coat, and no one does them better than Max Mara. Definitely an investment piece and will last for many winters to come.
THE BRIGHT COAT
Beautiful brights with a black polo neck and black leggings to make the colour pop. Wow what a look to shake those winter blues. Red, purple, turquoise, fuchsia anything goes !
THE HIPPY PRINT COAT
Great for the not too cold Autumn nights. Laid back, casual with a frisson of boldness and excitement. Throw over Jeans and a tee shirt for instant stand out from the crowd glamour. Loving this one of a kind ETRO coat , go on dare to be different AND it is in the sale right now.
THE MILITARY COAT
The hardy perennial of the coat world. Popping its head up every Autumn winter. Great investment buy. Sportmax and Holland Cooper get it right every year so two great labels to check out. Smart, elongating and dramatic. Is this you ? then snap it up today.
These are my five style picks today if you see anything you like then just click the pic and buy here today. if you subscribe to this magazine and receive it direct to your inbox then click on the URL link at the bottom of this page to view the images.
MIDWEEK MANTRA : 12 MANTRAS TO SOLVE THE HAPPINESS COMPLEX
Your weekly catch up on all things positive to help strengthen your mental health, give the mind a workout and get you though life one week at a time.
Each week I concentrate on the following 12 mantras but today I am giving you a bumper edition. 12, yes 12 mantras , just one word to focus on . Take one word for each week and make it your own whatever this word means to you and how you can incorporate the thinking into your life. 12 weeks will take you up to Christmas ( yes I said the C word , I wanted you to hear it here first ) so think of this as the advent calendar of happiness. Please notice there is no mantra for money. But with these 12 core values money you will see is not an indicator of happiness it is a short term motivator. Of course we need enough to pay the bills but is not a solution to happiness by concentrating on the following you may find that money flows to you anyway.
- GRATITUDE
- KINDNESS
- PURPOSE
- JOY
- AWARENESS
- FORGIVENESS
- MINDFULNESS
- AUTHENTICITY
- POSITIVITY
- LOVE
- COMPASSION
- PASSION
MWAH MWAH
JOJO XXXXX
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP : By ensuring these 12 mnatras exist in your life is the ket to happiness not just in your own soul but for those who you share your life with too. Lets practise together and trust the ripple effect to make the world a happier place .
MENTAL HEALTH: BE YOUR OWN THERAPIST
With mental health problems continuing to soar in these anxious times and access to NHS services severely restricted it is not time to give up ! Do not disappear further down a deep dark hole if you feel there is no outside help, it is time to help yourself. Let us do this together.
Here are some helpful points to give yourself a therapy session. After all no one knows you better than you know yourself The worst thing you can do is nothing at all while you are on the waiting list for professional help and who knows by time you have practised this list you may decide you no longer need professional therapy.
The following methods have helped many of my clients with their mental health who have sought my help in my capacity of a professional Sound Healing Therapist and have certainly helped myself too. It is very important to examine your own mental health regularly as you would examine say your breasts for lumps.
So here are the 5 rules:
RULE ONE
What do you need when you find yourself in a difficult period ? Most people at this time will NOT feel like going out to clubs and socialising but you may feel like walking your dog in the countryside or curling up on the sofa with a great movie. So identify what YOU need to feel better and allow yourself the time to do WHATEVER COMFORTS YOU .
RULE TWO
Define the situation. Write it down. relationships, money, friends or general lethargy. Be brutally honest with yourself . Are you part of the problem? Self examination is a great tool. But if you are really finding this difficult or this does not fit with your personality type then enlist the help of a friend to talk it through with, but ask them to be honest and open too. The method of self examination works for many but it depends on the type of person you are.
There is a danger of thinking none of this is your fault otherwise then you cannot effect change.
RULE THREE
Analyse the situation. How it happened ? Why it happened ? When did you start feeling this way ? What prompted this feeling? Again write it down.
RULE FOUR
How can you make this better ? What do YOU want ? Step outside of yourself and look in as an outsider. De personalise for a moment.
What would you tell your Son/Daughter/best friend if they were in the same situation ?
Visualise how you would like to feel. Dream how you would like to be. Write down your goals to achieving this.
RULE FIVE
TALK. To someone. Anyone. This does not have to be a trained therapist. Do not bottle things up. Sometimes just releasing pent up feelings can see a marked improvement in mood.
It is time to take control before it gets out of control.
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP:If it is a situation that is causing poor mental health just remember what looks bleak one day to remember there are good times ahead you just never know what is around the corner . Anticipate the good times. Think of a relationship break up you think your world has ended and you will never meet someone like them but the next one is ALWAYS better than the last one. How many of us can relate to that ??
MWAH MWAH
JOJO XXXXXXX
MIDWEEK MANTRA : FORGIVENESS
Your weekly club to help strengthen your mental health and develop positivity in your outlook for the rest of the week. Call in each week to this post to lift your spirits and help you to be your own therapist through tasks , mantras, ideas or just chat.
I think we probably all have someone in our life that have been bad to us or let us down. We probably feel deep anger and disappointment in these people we trusted and let into our lives. Why didn’t they treat us the way with the courtesy and kindness we showed them. The feelings get deep routed into our psyche more than we know and it impacts our other relationships and existing and future friendships.
Today I want you to practice letting go of regret, guilt, or resentment and to start making space for forgiveness, happiness , it is time to set yourself free.
Remember this exercise is about you not the other person . The other person has the problem not you. Forgiving them does not necessitate you talking to them this is about the relationship with yourself.
However if you feel the need to make yourself heard in order to heal. Then arrange to have a conversation with this person.
If you miss the person and want to repair the relationship then write a letter / e mail to this person and SEND it giving them time to digest your feelings without interruption or argument. After reflection you may find you contributed to the situation that arose. So, explore this.
MWAH MWAH
JOJO XXXXX
JOJO’s STYLELIST TIP:Both forgiveness of others or self forgiveness is extremely cathartic it is all about controlling ones own mind and feelings in order to heal oneself in order to move forward and find freedom.
BEAUTY: SPICE UP YOUR LIFE
I have talked about the powerful beauty and health properties of herbs but now it is all about the spices. so now it is time to put some spice back in your life. so let’s take a look at a few spices you can introduce into your life immediately.
TURMERIC
Sometimes called Curcumin. This bright orange spice has amazing anti ageing properties. Anti oxidant and anti inflammatory it has an ability to fight toxic free radicals in the body. Reducing the risk of free radicals forming and reducing stress in the body. It also has anti viral properties to protect the body from virus or eradicate what is already there.
Curcumin has also been found to increase the growth of new neurons in the brain to help fight degenerative brain diseases and boost memory and cognitive function.
It is good to consume with a fatty meal as it breaks down and dissolves in fat allowing for greater absorption. Try it as powder in soups , curries or golden milk (recipe given at the end to maximise all the spices in one drink ).
Turmeric should always be taken with black pepper tor maximum effectiveness which takes us to the next spice.
BLACK PEPPER
Often called the king Of Spices and has been used in ancient ayurvedic medicinal practices for many years. Black pepper contains Piperine which speeds up the absorption of turmeric so always add to your turmeric. Cn improve blood sugar control and increase metabolism. Other health benefits include anti-inflammatory and potential cancer fighting properties. Was used in ancient medicine for menstrual, ear, nose and throat disorders due to its anti bacterial content.
CINNAMON
The quality of the cinnamon is paramount here. Also I must point out that consuming cinnamon breakfast buns does not count ! This tends to be a cinnamon sugar so there are no benefits with these. Sorry folks !
Most of the cinnamon you see in supermarkets is “cassia” cinnamon which does not contain the same health properties as “true” cinnamon. So the only true cinnamon is Sri Lankan cinnamon. Many people do not realise there are two types of cinnamon. Cassia is considered a lower quality cheaper cinnamon. So look for TRUE cinnamon to enjoy its many benefits.
Just a sprinkle of cinnamon can reduce the fat and glucose absorption when taken with a meal. Very good for diabetics. Very rich in anti oxidants. Also sprinkled onto oats, coffee or milk can curb a sweet tooth. But can also be. used in curries, tagines and eggs and other savoury dishes. However cinnamon in large doses can be dangerous although it is hard to consume spoonfuls of cinnamon you only have to view the TIK TOK challenge to understand that !
CAYENNE PEPPER
Can help to reduce high blood pressure which also reduces the risk of developing heart disease. Also increases the production of digestive fluid to aid digestion and provide protection in the stomach against infections.
I also sprinkle this on food to speed up my metabolism. I am sure many of you tried Beyonces 3 day diet of lemon juice, maple syrup and cayenne before an important event to shed those pounds.
GINGER
This ancient spice has MANY health properties in both fresh root or powdered variety. Helps in the digestion of food and speeding it along the intestines. Great for lowering blood sugar. It is very well known for curing nausea and travel sickness, remember Granny giving you a piece of stem ginger in the car ?
Can also help to fight off chronic dieases and promote health ageing by preventing stress and damage to your body’s DNA. I also find it fantastic with migraines and colds.
I love the taste of ginger in both savoury or sweet dishes. Use in curries, soups, green juices,rice pudding ,porridge, cookies the list is endless to get a daily quota of ginger.
RECIPE FOR GOLDEN MILK
An ancient Ayurvedic recipe this comforting milk can contain all the above spices for amazing benefits and sending you off to a peaceful sleep.
Boil some coconut or almond milk in a saucepan .
add a teaspoon of turmeric, a quarter of teaspoon of ginger, a sprinkle of cinnamon and black pepper. Add a couple of cardamom pods. Simmer for 10 minutes. Strain into a mug and sprinkle the top with nutmeg. Do not add any cayenne as it will leave you awake all night.
This is delicious add some honey if you prefer it sweeter . I don’t know anyone who has not had an amazing nights sleep after a mug of Golden Milk at bedtime.
MWAH MWAH
JOJO. XXXXX
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: everyone needs some spice in your life time to get some in your store cupboard to add boost the health benfits of your food and liven up your taste buds. Visit your local Indian supermarket today for a wider variety and better quality spices.
NOTE OF CAUTION: AS SPICES ARE VERY POTENT ADDITIONS TO THE DIET TAKE IN MODERATION AND NOT AS A REPLACEMENT FOR ANY PRESCRIPTIONS.
MIDWEEK MANTRA : IT’S PLAYTIME !
YOUR WEEKLY GET TOGETHER TO EXPLORE IDEAS, TASKS AND MANTRAS TO HELP YOU LIVE A MORE POSITIVE LIFE AND STRENGTHEN YOUR MENTAL HEALTH. THINK OF IT AS A WORKOUT FOR THE MIND.
WHEN IS THE LAST TIME YOU HAD A GOOD BELLY LAUGH OR GIGGLED WITH A FRIEND. WELL ITS TIME TO TAKE A DAY OFF TO PLAY. LET US BRING SOME FUN INTO OUR LIVES.
TODAY I WANT YOU TO CAST YOUR MIND BACK TO WHEN YOU WERE A CHILD. WHAT DID YOU LIKE TO DO ? NOW START TO PLAN YOUR FUN DAY. SOME IDEAS MAYBE:
- GOING TO THE CINEMA WITH A BAG OF POPCORN CHOOSE A COMEDY AS TODAY IS ALL ABOUT LAUGHTER.
- FLYING A KITE.
- GOING TO THE BEACH TO COLLECT SEASHELLS AND MAKE SANDCASTLES.]
- GO TO A SWING PARK AND TRY OUT THE SWINGS, ROUNDABOUT AND SLIDE. PLEASE DO NOT SCARE THE CHILDREN THOUGH I RECOMMEND YOUY CHOOSE A QUIET DAY FOR THIS ONE.
- TAKE A PEDALO BOAT ON THE LAKE.
- PLAY HIDE AND SEEK OR KISS CHASE WITH SOMEONE YOU (REALLY) LIKE.
- BORROW A POGO STICK AND A HULA HOOP AND SEE HOW GOOD YOU ARE. COMPETE WITH A FRIEND.
- GET SOMEONE TO TICKLE YOU AND SEE HOW LONG YOU CAN GO WITHOUT LAUGHING.
YOU PROBABLY HAVE MANY MORE IDEAS OF YOUR OWN. BUT THE MANTRA FOR TODAY IS “THINK LIKE A CHILD ” THAT IS THE ONLY RULE.
MWAH MWAH
JOJO. XXXXXXX
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP:REMEMBER TODAYS TASKS IS ALL ABOUT HAVING FUN AND LAUGHTER ONCE YOU START IT WILL IMPROVE YOUR WHOLE MOOD AND LIFT YOUR SPIRITS AND REMEMBER IT IS INFECTIOUS FOR EVERYONE AROUND. THOSE WHO LAUGH TOGETHER STAY TOGETHER. REDISCOVER YOUR INNER CHILD TODAY .
BEAUTY : THE HAMMAM MASTERCLASS
Having experienced Hammam in Turkey and Morocco and the UK I feel I am well qualified to give you a masterclass in the art of Hammam. Some of you may be filled with trepidation or not be versed in what is exactly involved when you sign up for one. Hammam was very popular way back in the Roman empire but is now a prominent feature in the culture of the muslim world. In recent years it has shown increasing popularity in the Uk with most Spas now incorporating a Hammam as the norm.
BENEFITS
- Intense cleansing
- Deeply nourishing
- Detoxification
- Skin regeneration
- Stimulation of blood circulation
- Decongestion of airways
- Invigorating
- Toning
WHAT TO WEAR
Many do a Hammam fully naked to get the greatest benefits. Or a towel wrapped around the lower half . But many Spas will issue paper panties. If feeling exposed you can opt to wear a bikini top. Be aware that many Hammam therapists will massage over your breasts so please indicate to your terapist if you would rather they omit this and opt for a towel placed to cover the area.
SEQUENCE OF EVENTS
Please note sequence of events will change dependent on your chosen location/Country but generally most of these next steps should happen.
On entering the steam bath and steaming for 15 minutes to open the pores…….
- Rubbed down vigorously with a black eucalyptus soap , decongesting and invigorating. A kessa glove is used to exfoliate all over the body , you will be surprised how much dirt comes off and how smooth your skin feels.
- Rinsed down. In Morocco and Turkey this is with icy cold water. Thrown over me in a bucket in Turkey ! But in Uk gentler with lukewarm water although I would recommend you try the cold and hold your breath . Feels great afterwards.
- Pat dry. You are taken to an adjoing room away from the steam area. Then apply the Rhassoul, a natural mineral clay mud mask. All over the body, face and hair to remove further dead skin cells and tighten the pores. Relax for 10 minutes once dried this is rinsed with warm water or you are asked to use a shower in the room to ensure all clay is rinsed off.
- The deep tissue massage is the final stage usually with an argan oil that can be neutral or you maybe offered an essential oil that can be added. Orange blossom oil is commonly offered which lifts the mood and refreshes the mind. I would not opt for a relaxing oil as the Hammam is not really meant to be a relaxing treatment but an iinvigorating refreshing wake up experience.
Do not shower off after the massage leave the oils on for as long as possible even if you have the oil in your hair just pop on a baseball cap go home and chill.
Well I hope that has dispelled some of the myths of the Hammam turkish bath and you feel confident to try one ! A monthly ritual is recommended for optimum benefit.
MWAH MWAH XXX
JOJO. XXX
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: When rinsing oil or clay from your hair always apply neat shampoo to hair BEFORE adding any water otherwise can take a while to remove !