Be yourself; Everyone else is already taken.
— Oscar Wilde.
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BEAUTY: EYE CREAM WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
As you get older you realise that the beauty industry is largely a huge money making scam. You discover the promises sold to millions of consumers are mostly lies to get us to part with our money.
Eye creams are one such product . Beauty Companies, marketeers and beauty editors (with the promise of advertising revenue) tell us that it is essential. Tag lines inform us that this product will banish our fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness and dark circles. Wow a miracle product !! Well it would be if it worked !
I have heard from surgeons carrying out eye bag surgery that on incision they find congealed creams that have not been absorbed. So could eye creams actually be making the problem worse ???
Eye creams contain exactly the same ingredients as your normal moisterizer but they need to appear heavier so have thickening agents/chemicals added to them so now bear in mind that the skin around your eyes is thinner so more is absorbed and in our conquest to fight our eyebags we use far too much of it naturally exasperating the problem.
The biggest ageing factor of eyes by far are uv rays from the sun but very few eye creams even contain SPF !
On carrying out further research for this article I was astonished to find out that Eye Creams by law do not have to be FDA approved in the US for effectiveness or safety. Under EU regulations in Europe there is a larger scrutiny of ingredients and rules and regulations exist preventing the use of words such as ‘replenish’ ‘restore’ a quick glance through my bathroom shelves or a flick through a magazine will tell you these are simply replaced with phishing words such as ‘anti age’ , ‘hydra plumping’, ‘advanced repair’. These ‘slogans’ have exactly the same effect of drawing you in.
Okay so why am I best placed to talk to you about the negative impact of eye cream. I have always been sceptical about them and early on investigated the pros and cons only to discover cons. So from a young age I have NEVER used eye creams or concealers in fact the less you touch and drag that whole area the better. I do not have any eye bags or wrinkles now in my fifties. So let me give you some alternatives that GENUINELY work without loading your body with chemicals as I can feel many of you nervously twitching when I am telling you girls and boys to toss them in the bin today !
- All beauty starts with our nutrition. Too much salt and alcohol causes puffy eyes. You all know what you need to be eating without me preaching but do you do it? Flush out toxins with lots of water and food with high water content . Curb processed food. Like eye creams they contain chemicals.
- Make it cold. Cold spoons over the eyes are very effective. Freeze a pack of baby wipes to place over your eyes. I keep a gel eye mask in the fridge and a rose quart roller just to revitalise my eyes in the morning.
- Use natural products. Slices of cucumber contain mild astringent and antioxidants to reduce inflammation. Egg whites under the eyes have a temporary tightening effect for a night out much better than any product can deliver.
- Under eye dark circles are usually because of congestion around the area . This can be down to blocked sinuses. I cannot recommend enough the regular use of a Neti Pot with saline solution to flush out the area. You will definitely love me for this and I am sure this weekly use has prevented me getting a cold in the last 10 years. It makes your whole face look less puffy and congested.
- Pressure point massage around the eyes . So NO rubbing by just gently press with your ring finger in the corners of your eyes and either side of your nose and squeezing along the eyebrows to keep the blood flowing.
- Sleep. Your eyes need rest too. T o replenish your eyes try to get at least 7 hours sleep every night.
- AND the best way to prevent the UV rays ageing your eyes is to wear sunglasses with UV protection lenses. Wear them all year round . Look mysterious and stylish with the right pair.
Every one of these solutions reduce puffiness, stimulate blood supply restore and replenish in fact all those promises made to you on those expensive little jars can be fulfilled simply and cheaply without exasperating the problems with any chemically laden heavy creams and serums clogging up the area.
SHOP FOR YOUR NEW EYE ROUTINE BELOW if you are having trouble viewing these images click on the URL link at the base of this communication.
Let me know of any home made solutions you use for your eye area and share them with the rest of my subscribers we would love to hear from you !
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: I AM SO AWARE OF THE MANIPULATION THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY SUBJECTS US ALL TO. YOU WILL ACHIEVE BETTER RESULTS WITH THE ABOVE SUGGESTIONS BUT IT DOES REQUIRE CONSISTENCY AND ROUTINE AS WITH ALL SUCCESSES IN LIFE.
MWAH MWAH
JOJO XXXXXXXX
MIDWEEK MANTRA
VIEWS
TAKE TIME OUT OF YOUR SCHEDULE TODAY TO ENJOY A VIEW. EITHER TAKE TIME TO GO AND ENJOY A VIEW YOU KNOW OR JUST STOP, AND TAKE IN THE VIEW AROUND YOU.
SPEND 10 MINUTES ABSORBING THE BEAUTIFUL CONTRAST IN COLOURS. NATURE OR THE ARCHITECTURE BEFORE YOU. CALM DOWN, TAKE SOME BREATHS AND PRACTISE SOME MINDFULNESS . APPRECIATE THE BEAUTY OF THE WORLD AROUND US . LIVING OR STATIC WE ALL EXIST IN THE SAME VIBRATIONS OF ONE BIG UNIVERSE.
JOJOS STYLE LIST TIP: DONT JUST EXIST APPRECIATE THE BEAUTY THAT IS ALL AROUND US…….WE JUST HAVE TO OPEN OUR EYES.
JOJO XXXXXXX
DISCOVER HAPPINESS YOGA
DID WE FIND MUCH TO LAUGH ABOUT OVER THE LAST YEAR ?? My guess is that many of us cannot remember the last time we had a good belly laugh. Many people suffer SAD syndrome during the winter months and laughter seems in short supply. On a positive note (as I always am) I love the first couple of months of the year , a new fresh start, new habits to form, cosy nights in catching up on whole series I missed in my long going out Summer days.
LAUGHTER is something we do often as children but it becomes more infrequent as the seriousness of life takes hold. So my fellow stylistas its time to laugh ……..be loud and proud. Laughing is proven to have many benefits.
- Relieves physical tension and stress
- Diffuses anger and conflict. Do this exercise with a partner if there is hidden resentment.
- Decrease pain.
- Boosts the immune system
- Increases blood flow which can strengthen the heart
- Burns calories
- Releases endorphins the “happiness drug”
As part of my training in the old days to become a Sound Therapist I had to learn and experience Happiness Yoga or…….Laughter Yoga as it is commonly known. This REALLY works and I GUARANTEE will have you laughing and releasing those feel good hormones and lift your happiness levels and fill your endorphin tubes to the brim. It is such fun if you do it with others but even on your own can start your day off the right way. Equally if you have had a hard day do it in the evening and laugh your way into bed great for relaxation and get rid of the days negative energy.
This is SOOOO good I wanted to share it with you………..
- No special clothing required . Location your own choice. Get the office involved.
- We are going to laugh your way up the body.
HUH
Stand with your feet apart shoulders relaxed. Hands on your hips. Bounce your body up and down on your heels. On the out breath vocal a series of rapid HUH, HUH sounds (as in the word hug). Feel your abdominal muscles tightening as you make the sound. Focus the sound into your hip/pelvic area. Rest
HO
Place your hands on your belly. Bounce up and down on your heels. On the out breath utter a series of rapid HO, HO sounds (as in the word holy). Feel your abdominal muscles tightening as you make the sound. Focus the sound in your belly area. Rest
HA
Place your hands on your chest. Bounce your body on your heels. On the out breath vocal a series of rapid HA, HA sounds (as in the word happy). Focus the sound in your chest/heart area. Feel your heart muscles vibrating with the sound. Rest.
HEH
Place your hands on or near your throat. Bounce your body by lifting your heels. on the out breath vocal a series of rapid HEH, HEH sounds (as in the word heaven). Focus the sound in your throat. Rest.
HEE
Bounce your body on your heels. On the out breath vocal a series of rapid HEE HEE sounds (as in the word Heal). Raise your arms above the head as you make the sound. Focus the sound at the top of your head. Rest
FLOW
Use all five sounds at random moving from one sound to another in no particular order. Keep the body moving. When you have finished laughing up and down your body, lie down and rest.
Once you really start laughing its a good idea to keep stamping your feet to keep you grounded and stop getting too light hearted.
If you have enjoyed your Happiness Yoga check out this video we did at The Edinburgh Fringe How TO Laugh More.
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: LAUGHING WHETHER FORCED OR NATURAL HAS EXACTLY THE SAME EFFECT ON OUR ENDORPHINS. TRY IT…..AND OFTEN. COME ON GUYS LETS HAVE AGOOD LAUGH TOGETHER !
Mwah mwah
JOJO XXXXXX
MIDWEEK MANTRA
UPLIFTING MESSAGES AND POSITIVE LESSONS TO GET YOU THROUGH THE WEEK.
THIS WEEK I WANTED TO REACH OUT TO YOU THROUGH ALL THE DIVISION THAT IS HAPPENING ON THE WORLD POLITICAL STAGE. POLITICS HAS ALWAYS DIVIDED OPINION OF COURSE . BUT WE SEEM TO BE GOING THROUGH A PERIOD OF EXTREMES AND UNCERTAINTY . THE POLITICIANS GIVE US THE POWER TO VOTE THEN LEAVE US POWERLESS IN THEIR INITIATION.
ITS A POWERFUL TIME TO LIVE IN, BOTH THE BEST AND WORST IN HISTORY. THERE IS SO MUCH PAIN AND MISERY, YET NEVER CERTAINLY IN MY LIFETIME HAVE I SEEN SO MANY PEOPLE TAKING CONTROL OF THEIR PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES. RE EVALUATING AND TRANSFORMING THEIR LIVES AND AWARENESS OF SELF.
SO HARNESS YOUR PERSONAL POWER. STUDY MORE, CHANGE MORE, SHARE MORE AND BE THERE FOR OTHERS MORE. WE ALL NEED EACH OTHER. ULTIMATELY ALL WANT THE SAME THINGS. THATS WHAT THIS TIME IS ALL ABOUT. LEARNING, TALKING, GROWING.
SO THIS WEEK THINK ABOUT THE THINGS YOU WANT TO LEARN FOR SELF IMPROVEMENT AND MAKE A START !
CHANGE IS USUALLY A GOOD THING A CHANCE TO MAKE A FRESH START TO DO THINGS IN A BETTER WAY MOVING FORWARD AND TO LEARN PAST LESSONS.
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: CHANGE CAN BE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH AND TO MAKE MORE INFORMED CHOICES. EMBRACE WHAT IS TO COME.
JOJO XXXX
TRAVEL: THE TIEPOLO BALL VENICE
AS THE COVID CRISIS FINALE IS HOPEFULLY IN SIGHT IT IS TIME TO AT LEAST START PLANNING TRAVEL . I AM SURE WE HAVE COME THROUGH THIS AND REALISED THAT SHARED EXPERIENCES WITH OUR LOVED ONES HAVE BECOME A PRIORITY. SO I HAVE REPUBLISHED THIS ARTICLE FROM MY VERY SPECIAL TRIP THIS TIME LAST YEAR, ONE THAT I WISH I HAD DONE SOONER. TRULY SPECIAL THE TIEPOLO BALL IN VENICE…….PERFECT VALENTINES GIFT….. BOOK IT NOW FOR 2023 AND START PLANNING THOSE BALLGOWNS !
Many people think these sort of events are not open to them . That they are exclusive and you have to be invited by someone ‘on the list’, but these days nearly all events are accessible. I was lucky enough to be invited to this ball but I discovered that these tickets can be bought through many travel and event Companies either as packages or just the ticket alone. Not too expensive either for a truly magical experience. Unfortunately the carnival was halted for the final two days due to the spread of Coronavirus in Italy.
THE VENICE CARNEVALE
An annual carnival held for two weeks in February ending on shrove Tuesday. It initially began in 1162 but really became official and firmly established as a part of Venetian life in the 17th and 18th centuries but was outlawed in 1797 and really did not return in full force until 1979 ! Elaborate masks and full venetian dress are the order of the day not just for the ball but to parade around St Marks Square. But be prepared to have thousands of photographs taken and your lunch continually interrupted. Now I know how Lady Gaga feels.
THE TIEPOLO BALL
Held at the world famous Palazzo Pisani Moretta this is considered one of the most anticipated events of the carnival. In one of the most beautiful palaces with ceiling frescos and masterpieces adorning the walls. Chandeliers lit by candlelight, grand staircases and situated right on the Grand Canal. Arriving by water taxi to be greeted by handsome footmen adorned in their finery is a memory to be cherished.
Following prosecco and canapes we sit down to a four course meal prepared by a Michelin chef whilst a renaissance quintet play, magicians and opera singers follow. A full entertainment programme throughout dinner. After dinner a Master of Ceramonies leads us through some traditional dances, a word of warning you are seperated from your partner most of the evening as you are required to dance with several partners.
The evening culminates with a chocolate fountain and very naughty pastries, coffee, hot chocolate and copious amounts of prosecco !
TICKETS
Tickets for the Tiepolo ball vary from £500-£750 depending on if you want to be seated in the main hall or side hall. Venetoinside.com or Veniceoperatickets.com. Or you many operators include special packages to the Venice balls . Take a look at the following Companies to tailor yours weekendalacarte.co.uk or Italien-short-breaks.co.uk. Many of the package Companies pre book water taxis and Ateliers for your costumes.
COSTUMES
I would totally recommend La Venexiana Atelier, Frezzaria, San Marco 1135. (tel 041/5286888) . We sent our measurements ahead for them to tailor our outfits. I have to say I do think our costumes were the best that we saw. Beware though wigs are £100 extra. They are just for hire but at least you don’t have to pay excess baggage to get them home. Although I have just checked on Amazon and they do have stunning Venetian Ballgowns for £30! So this works too. Although this was part of the special experience visiting the Atelier by the Rialto Bridge with lots of Italien seamstresses fussing over you.
Definately buy your ornate masks whilst in Venice. Usually handmade in Venice and beautiful masks from 20 euros are a lovely keepsake. Although I went all out with a Swarovski crystal mask for 180 euros…….I got carried away ! The ‘bodyguard’ went for a large beaked mask which seemed to have a rather exciting effect on all the ladeeeez !
FLIGHTS AND HOTELS
Easyjet and BA flights start at a very reasonable £45 round trip for a 2 hour flight. Prices are excellent at this time of year and do not seem to get hiked up like other festivals. But bear in mind if you are not on a package a private water taxi transfer can be about 150 euros. Although the vaporetti is cheaper at 15 euros but instead of 20 mins will take twice as long.
Travelling around venice on the vaporetti is cheap 7.50 euros for a single trip one direction (valid for 75 minutes) .
There are hotels to suit ANY budget in Venice and hundred to choose from. There are the big grand ones like The Cipriani and The Gritti Palace. Medium level The Danieli and The Monaco. But even the smaller ones on the canal can give you more of a traditional Italien flavour with Gondoliers passing by the window singing. This one is over to you and your own personal taste and budget. Stay close to St Marks Square/Rialto Bridge, if it is your first visit . Easy to get lost in the winding back streets of venice.
THINGS TO DO
If you are staying longer some places I love in Venice:
- Morning coffee and croissants at The Florian in St Marks Square
- Guggenheim Museum (vaporetti stop ‘Salute”) view the Jackson Pollock collection.
- La Terrazza Restaurant by the Rialto
- A gondolier ride (approx 80 euros for 30 mins). More expensive at night.
- A Bellini at Harrys Bar
- A Rossini at The Gritti Palace made with fresh strawberries.
- Lunch at Hotel Monaco
- People watching at The Londres on the terrace.
- St Marks Basilica for culture but pre book skip the line tickets.
- Get away from the crowds for a romantic meal and great pasta cross to the other side of the canal (Salute stop) . Ristorante Cantinone Storico is my secret place sssssshhhhh dont tell anyone ……please.
- Oh and at Carnevale time PARADE PARADE PARADE ! Such fun to be immersed in the whole experience.
So get planning Stylistas for 2022 for one of the most stylish events of the year. YOU SHALL GO TO THE BALL CINDERS. Have fun !
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: I HAVE VISITED VENICE SEVERAL TIMES BUT I HAVE TO SAY I ENJOY IT FAR MORE IN THE WINTER MONTHS THAN THE SUMMER WHEN IT IS AT ITS MIST HAUNTING AND ROMANTIC……AND LESS CROWDED. BEAUTIFUL SUNNY CRISP WINTER DAYS.
MWAH MWAH
JOJO XXXXXXX
MIDWEEK MANTRA
INSPIRATION AND SUPPORT TO GET YOU THROUGH TO THE END OF THE WEEK. A WEEKLY MESSAGE AND TASKS TO STRENGTHEN THE SOUL.
THREE MANTRAS TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE
OUT OF MY LITTLE BOX OF POSITIVE MESSAGES I WANTED TO GIVE YOU THESE THREE. VERY POWERFUL TO CHANGE HOW YOU THINK ABOUT THE WORLD AROUND YOU.
BEING GRATEFUL FOR WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU HAVE IS EXTREMELY EMPOWERING AND INDUCES FEELINGS OF CONTENTMENT.
BEING KIND TO OTHERS IS VERY IMPORTANT. HOW WE TREAT OTHERS IS A REFLECTION OF SELF. SOMETIMES YOU WILL NOT ALWAYS HAVE YOUR KINDNESS RECIPROCATED BUT KNOWING YOU HAVE BEEN YOUR BEST SELF CAN ELEVATE YOU.
BEING GENTLE WITH YOURSELF AND LOVING YOURSELF IS FUNDAMENTAL TO YOUR MENTAL HEALTH. RECOGNISE WHEN YOU ARE NOT DOING THIS AND TAKE STEPS TO CHANGE IT. YOU ARE YOUR OWN BEST FRIEND FIRST AND FOREMOST.
SO I AM NOT GOING TO TELL YOU HOW TO INSTALL THESE MANTRAS INTO YOUR LIFE BUT FOCUS ON THESE MESSAGES ON A DAILY BASIS AND I PROMISE YOU YOUR LIFE WILL BE FAR MORE COMFORTABLE AND LOOK INSTANTLY MORE BEAUTIFUL.
GOOD LUCK TEAM!
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: WRITE THESE MANTRAS IN YOUR JOURNAL OR STICK THEM ON THE FRIDGE DOOR AS A GENTLE REMINDER TO LIFT YOUR SPIRIT.
MUCH LOVE
MWAH MWAH
JOJO XXXXXX
TRAVEL: 48 HOURS IN BERLIN
AS THE TIME IS DRAWING NEAR WHEN WE MAY BE ABLE TO RESUME OUR LOVE OF TRAVEL I AM GOING TO REPUBLISH SOME TRAVEL BLOGS IN THE COMING WEEKS TO ENABLE YOU TO START PLANNING MINI BREAKS IN SOME OF MY FAVOURITE PLACES. SO LETS START SMALL WITH A MINI WEEKEND BREAK TO ONE OF MY FAVOURITE CITIES. DO IT MY WAY !!!
Normally when I write the travel articles I have visited the places I write about several times. But I must confess I have never visited Berlin before until recently as it didn’t excite me. How wrong could I be !! I have totally fallen in love with the place and cannot wait to return . What an exciting, efficient intriguing city. Do not wait any longer like I did …..
So I am going to share with you my 48 hours of fun and culture
FRIDAY 4.30pm
Whisked to our Hotel The Ritz Carlton at Potsdamer Platz. Now on of my firm favourite hotels and perfectly situated between East and West Berlin. Undeniably chic with an Art deco design with three great bars and an award winning restaurant. Unpack and explore the local area.
6.30pm
Dinner at COA almost opposite the hotel. Asian fusion fresh healthy food. Woks and bowls lightly cooked. Dim Sum 5E for three so we ordered a whole selection. Prawn Massaman curry swiftly followed 11.90E . great value amazing food and cool surroundings.
8.00pm
Back to the hotel and head to the Curtain Club. Live music and one of the most innovative cocktail menus that confuses the senses. We order a Prophecy which arrives smoking with wood chips to “let the reincarnation of your soul flow through your throat”. My ‘Mori San’ a sake based drink promoting positivity, security and balance. Mysterious venue I felt like Marlene Dietrich !
SATURDAY 10.00am
We embark on a day of sightseeing but not before heading to the Berlin Mall 15 minutes walk. The mall was so empty with some fabulous shopping and we were presented with maps on entering .Worth a visit and lots of coffee bars. We then grab a taxi which was fairly easy but the buses run every 10 minutes 24 hours a day, to what remains of the Berlin wall. 10 minute journey. The wall is steeped in history and the graffiti makes very interesting reading. ensure you visit the EAST SIDE GALLERY part of the wall. It is the 30th Anniversary of the wall coming down this November and there is a festival and concert planned. Checkpoint Charlie is another stop point but more central 10 minutes away.
1.00pm
We decide to lunch at Pirates Berlin with a view of the wall and the river on the other side. A club with a small beach we sit on the deck outside as it was a lovely sunny day. What a fun place great service and good food. This is the only restaurant on the east bank of the East side gallery. Would reccomend. Very much burgers, pizza and pasta. But had a sweet potato and avocado salad for 9 E and a German staple a half kilo of grilled tiger prawns.
2.30pm
After lunch ( we spent longer here than anticipated soaking up the atmosphere), grab another taxi to THE BRANDENBURG GATE. One of Berlins most important and historical monuments. It really is a lovely part of Berlin around this part the long Boulevards remind me of Paris in a bygone era. In fact its address is Pariser Platz.
We visit the ‘ Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe’ 2711 concrete slabs arranged in a grid. Haunting and very quiet.
The Reichstag Building and German Parliament is a short walk away but we discover you have to prebook to tour inside. Strolling through the park on our return we decide to sample Bratwurst hot dogs at one of the many kiosks. Wnen in Germany.
7.00pm
After my reflexology appointment in the wellness area this must be arranged in advance but a welcome relief from my day of walking. Still full from Bratwurst we decide to head out for cocktails. So we head for a legendary Kaiser Cup cocktail at the equally legendary HOTEL ADLON KEMPINSKI. This is a Hotel from the golden age. The hotel where Michael Jackson famously , for the wrong reasons, dangled his child from the window. Dietrich, Chaplin, Garland have all stayed here. A hotel from a bygone era. A pianist gently tinkling the ivories this was a very sophisticated setting. There is a reasonable light bar menu too if you should need sustenance with the very potent Kaiser Cup.
On our return to the Hotel we cant resist the call of The Fragrance Bar where Cocktails are made based on your favourite perfume . “A sensorial experience”. Guests are invited to discover their signature drink by finding their favourite elements of a fragrance. This is like a mad scientists laboratory with a long line of test tubes. One problem I love smoky woody perfumes but I didn’t love my smoky woody cocktail. Neither of which I remember the name, sorry, blame it on the Kaiser Cups. But this bar is one of a kind. Even if you stay at another Hotel, come here for this aromatic experience. After one cocktail (well at this bar !) we head to bed.
SUNDAY 10.00am
As we love our art we decide a visit to the Dali museum a short walk away is a must. We spend a morning here and buy some beautiful arty books. This was an impressive museum with some great works. Very quiet and nicely laid out. A real treat.
12.00pm
We head back to the hotel to checkout and leave the luggage with concierge. A table at POTS the widely acclaimed restaurant at the Ritz Carlton perfect for a special lunch to end a perfect trip in a perfect city.
My word the food here was special 26 euros for three course set menu !!
Beetroot,mozarella and pistachio to start , followed by red perch with saffron and fennel and banana souffle. The sommelier paired the wines perfectly and allowed us some tastings at the table. I have been saving myself for this lunch . Magnifique ! ( I know its French but my German is not good )
After lunch our driver is waiting in the foyer to whisk us on the short drive to the airport. Everything about this City is efficient, clean , spacious and surprisingly relaxing. I cant believe i waited so long I certainly wont wait too long to return. 10/10
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: BERLIN REALLY IS AN EXCITING CITY AND A GREAT PLACE TO START AS WE DIP OUR TOE BACK INTO TRAVEL AGAIN AND ONLY LESS THAN 2 HOURS FLYING TIME.
MWAH MWAH
JOJO XXXXXXXX
MIDWEEK MANTRA
A WEEKLY DOSE OF MANTRAS ,TASKS AND INSPIRATION TO STOKE YOUR POSITIVITY AND HAPPINESS QUOTA AND GET YOU THROUGH THE REST OF THE WEEK.
A FREE GIFT TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE
MY GIFT TO YOU THIS WEEK WILL HAVE A PROFOUND EFFECT ON YOUR BEING.
FIND A QUIET PLACE (TOTAL SILENCE) AND EITHER LIE ON YOUR YOGA MAT WITH A PILLOW UNDER YOUR HEAD OR USE YOUR BED . SITTING CROSS LEGGED IS FINE BUT IT IS IMPORTANT TO BE COMFORTABLE. CLOSE YOUR EYES OR USE AN EYE MASK. PLACE ONE HAND ON YOUR HEART AND THE OTHER ONE ON YOUR TUMMY. START TO CONNECT WITH YOUR BREATHING. BREATHING SLOWLY IN THROUGH YOUR NOSE AND OUT THROUGH YOUR NOSE IN DEEP LONG SLOW BREATHS. I LIKE TO CALL THIS OCEAN BREATHING THINK OF YOUR BREATH AS THE WAVES GOING IN AND OUT WITH THROAT BREATHING ON THE EXHALE.
CONCENTRATING ON YOUR HEART SPACE WITH YOUR BREATH MASSAGING THE WHOLE AREA . PEEL BACK YOUR PHYSICAL LAYER , THEN YOUR EMOTIONAL LAYER AND THERE YOU HAVE THE ESSENCE OF YOU. WHO YOU ARE. NOTICE HOW YOU ARE FEELING. HOW DO YOU WANT TO FEEL ? YOU ARE THE LEADER OF YOUR OWN INTERNAL COMMUNITY. YOU ARE ALONE WITH YOUR TRUE SELF.
DO YOU WANT TO FEEL HAPPY, CALM AND AT PEACE…….. OR ANGRY, HATEFUL AND NEGATIVE ? TAKE THE FEELING TO EVERY PART OF YOUR BODY, TUNE UP YOUR ORCHESTRA. FOCUS ON YOUR CHOSEN MANTRA FOR AT LEAST 5 MINUTES.
BRING YOURSELF BACK TO REALITY BY GENTLY TOUCHING YOUR THUMB TO EACH FINGER AND WRIGGLING YOUR TOES.
AS YOU OPEN YOUR EYES LIE STILL AND REFLECT ON YOUR NEW ENERGISED BODY AND MIND RENEWED AND FULL OF LIGHT. YOU JUST GOT TO KNOW YOUR INNER SELF A LITTLE BETTER.
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: EVERY TIME I DO THIS EXERCISE I FEEL IT IS A DEEPLY PROFOUND 10 MINUTES . DEVELOP A BEAUTIFUL FRIENDSHIP WITH YOURSELF TODAY IT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE AND YOUR THINKING. YOU DESERVE THIS.
PEACE AND LOVE
MWAH MWAH
JOJO XXXXXXXX
STYLE LIST LOCKDOWN HERO AWARDS
WHO WERE YOUR STYLE AND BEAUTY HEROES DURING THE PAST VERY DIFFICULT YEAR . NEVER BEEN A HARDER TIME TO BRING OUR STYLE A GAME TO THE FORE AND EVEN LESS PEOPLE TO APPRECIATE IT. SO WHO MADE IT ONTO THE LOCKDOWN HERO AWARDS IN MY OWN ISOLATED WORLD. ………
STYLE SERVICE
There can be no dispute over this one. AMAZON delivered EVERY product I could possibly need and usually in 48 hours. Easy return collection and refund. Always has been a good service but the team and the fantastic delivery couriers rose to the increased demand effortlessly. where would we be without you. Happy for you to pay less tax as you are investing it far more wisely than our Government could to make many peoples lives easier.
STYLE PRODUCT
Okay so I may be a little late to the party but I discovered EVE LOMS RESCUE PEEL PADS. (£60 for 2 months supply) Using the Lockdown to invest and refresh my skin care routine I use these pads every night to resurface the skin with BH,PHA and AHA gentle acids. a non abrasive approach to exfoliation.It really makes a difference I swear I looked 10 years younger after just one day!!
STYLE PLACE
There has been no place like HOME in 2020. My home has become very Hygge (look it up !) We have all been on a home improvement drive in 2020 to make our homes more comforting and stylish and I have to confess I love being at home and have become somewhat institutionalised.
STYLE PEOPLE
This award HAS to go to my NEIGHBOURS, for shopping for me, leaving treats on the doorstep, making me laugh on our Whatsapp group. A whole army of heroes each in their own special way. I feel very privileged to live in such an amazing community. Thank you neighbours for giving me a lockdown to remember… for the right reasons and how we all pulled together in a time of crisis. True style.
STYLE FASHION
Well girls(and boys!) for all of us the winner is…………LOUNGEWEAR ! We all upgraded our PJS and leggings. If you are yet to upgrade yours, as we have a little more lockdown to go. here are some style picks below. what are you waiting for ?
If you are having any trouble viewing the images click on the URL link below at the base of this email.
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: THESE ARE MY PERSONAL STYLE HEROS OF THE LOCKDOWN LET ME KNOW YOURS ? OF COURSE WE MUST NOT FORGET THE REAL FRONTLINE HEROS, NHS, TEACHERS,RETAIL STAFF AND MANY MORE……..OUR THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU XX
MWAH MWAH
JOJO XXXXXXXXXX
MIDWEEK MANTRA
A WEEKLY COMBINATION OF TASKS, MANTRAS AND POSITIVE ENERGY TO GET YOU THROUGH THE REST OF THE WEEK WITH A RENEWED ENERGY.
IF YOU HAVE BEEN TUNING IN TO OUR MANTRA CLUB EVERY WEEK OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS YOU SHOULD BE FEELING STRONG AND POSITIVE. I KNOW I HAVE WORKED YOUR MENTAL HEALTH HARD, YOUR FITNESS REGIME FOR THE MIND! BUT GUESS WHAT TODAY I AM GOING TO PRESS THE PAUSE BUTTON………
TODAY IS A SIMPLE YET POWERFUL MANTRA , ONE THAT MY YOGA TEACHER HAS OFTEN ASKED ME TO CHANT OVER THE YEARS AND TODAY I PASS IT ONTO YOU.
I AM ENOUGH……..
REPEAT THIS MANTRA SEVERAL TIMES DAILY OVER THE COMING WEEK. LIE QUIETLY IN THE DARK OR SIT AND FACE YOURSELF IN THE MIRROR OR EVEN WHILE DRIVING! JUST SAY IT OUT LOUD. SHOUT IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS. HEAR YOUR VOICE.
THIS MANTRA IS PERSONAL TO YOU AND CAN BE INTERPRETED TO WHATEVER IS MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU.
EITHER
A) YOU ARE A WHOLE HUMAN BEING AND CAN USE THIS AS A RELAXATION TOOL THAT YOU ARE CONTENT AT THIS MOMENT AND DO NOT NEED TO PUSH YOURSELF. MAINTAIN THE STATUS QUO.
B)USE IT AS AN EMPOWERMENT EXERCISE THAT YOU HAVE THE INNER POWER TO GET THROUGH ANY STRUGGLES AND ACHIEVE WHATEVER YOU ASPIRE TO BE.
MWAH MWAH
JOJO XXXXXXXXX
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: I HOPE THIS MANTRA GIVES YOU THE STRENGTH AND CONFIDENCE IT GIVES ME JUST WHEN I NEED IT THE MOST !