Be yourself; Everyone else is already taken.
— Oscar Wilde.
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LIFESTYLE: CREATE A HOME OFFICE
As many of us have been forced to work from home over the last two years and we still do not know when the lockdowns will truly end, we may be looking for some inspiration for your workspace at home. This could be an alcove, a cupboard under the stairs, a corner of a room or some of you could be lucky enough to have a dedicated room already as a home office. Who knows ? Now lockdown is lifted it may become a more permanent and suitable arrangement for you to continue working from home so why not start planning a fabulously stylish office where you just LOVE to go to work everyday.
COLOUR SCHEME
Light or neutral colours make a space look larger. You certainly don’t want it too dark and cosy or you will fall asleep !! keep it clean and tonal. The simple Scandinavian look is very on trend right now. Walls, ceiling and shelves in the same colour works very well which allows you to add some of your personality and a pop of colour with accessories.
Light or neutral colours make a space look larger. You certainly don’t want it too dark and cosy or you will fall asleep !! keep it clean and tonal. The simple Scandinavian look is very on trend right now. Walls, ceiling and shelves in the same colour works very well which allows you to add some of your personality and a pop of colour with accessories.
WINDOW TREATMENTS
As much light as possible is preferable to keep you alert but it is important to reduce any glare on your screen. Shutters make a good option or venetian blinds as they let enough light in whilst giving you the option to adjust to minimise glare. They also maintain the clean lines of your office scheme.
LIGHTING
Try to position your desk by a window to enable as much light as possible. Too bright lighting can cause headaches and difficulty concentrating. Softer lighting to minimise the blue light from computer screens is a better idea and a good desk lamp for when you are burning the midnight oil !
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SHOP HERESTORAGE
Filing cabinets and storage boxes are where you can add some of your personality either go bright or just keep it tonal with the walls and floor depending on which look you are opting for. But check out some of my ideas below.
SHOP HEREDESK AND CHAIR
You may opt to save your statement pieces for your desk and chair. A statement desk does not have to be about colour there are some super stylish natural wood or stone desks around that are real art pieces. Be sure that both are ergonomically suitable. When seated your feet should be flat on the floor with a 90-120 degree bend at the knee. The top of your screen should be eye level if not this is easily remedied by standing your screen on some books etc to raise it up higher. the desk height should enable your elbows to be close to your waist and body.
SHOP HEREART
Place some art on the walls that mean something to you and reflect you as a person. Art is very subjective so it has to be a piece that you LOVE to look at. That inspires YOU. Even memo boards or calendars can be artistic . How about purchasing some chalkboard paint and designing your own wall workboard. This can create an ultra modern image.
SHOP HERE FOR INSPIRATIONAL ARTACCESSORIES
Add some bold and stylish accessories to make the space yours that accent your personality. Items that pull the look together. Find some ideas below.
SHOP HEREJOJO ‘s STYLELIST TIP: NEVER UNDER ESTIMATE THE INFLUENCE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS ON YOUR PRODUCTIVITY AND MOTIVATION. TAKE A FRESH LOOK AT YOUR WORKSPACE TODAY. THIS MAY BECOME YOUR FOREVER WAY OF WORKING.
MWAH MWAH XXXXX
JOJO
MIDWEEK MANTRA:DISCONNECT TO RECONNECT
YOUR WEEKLY CLUB OF INSPIRATION, POSITIVITY AND TASKS TO UPLIFT YOU, STRENGTHEN YOUR MENTAL HEALTH AND JUST GET YOU THROUGH THE REST OF THE WEEK !
OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS WE PROBABLY HAVE NEVER BEEN MORE DISCONNECTED FROM SOCIETY. BUT AS WE ARE ALL NOW LIVING LIFE PRETTY MUCH TO THE FULL AGAIN. BUT THERE ARE MANY LESSONS TO BE LEARNED BY BEING LOCKED DOWN FOR SUCH A LONG PERIOD AND DEALING WITH ALL THE ADVERSITY THAT LIFE THREW AT US DURING THIS PERIOD. SOME OF US FLOURISHED AND FOR OTHERS IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT. BUT ONE THING IS FOR SURE WE ALL LEARNED A LOT ABOUT OURSELVES AND ALSO GAVE US A N OPPORTUNITY TO LIVE WITH LESS AND DE CLUTTER DEADWOOD FROM OUR LIVES AND HOMES.
SO BEFORE YOU RUSH HEADLONG BACK TO THE CHAOS OF NORMAL LIFE SPEND SOME TIME TODAY REFLECTING ON THE POSITIVES THAT CAME OUT OF BEING DETACHED FOR THIS PERIOD.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN ABOUT YOURSELF ?
WHO WAS THERE FOR YOU DURING THIS PERIOD ? WHO WAS NOT?
WHAT ARE YOU GRATEFUL FOR IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
CHANGES THAT NEED TO BE MADE IN YOUR LIFE?
REWORKING YOUR WORK/HOME LIFE BALANCE ?
APPRECIATION OF NATURE ?
APPRECIATION OF CULTURE THEATRE, ART GALLERIES, GREAT RESTAURANTS ?
MORE TIME FOR YOUR CHILDREN, FRIENDS,HUSBAND,LOVER ?
CONTINUE TO COOK HEALTHY MEALS AND KEEP UP THAT DAILY WALK ?
CHOOSE THE LIFE YOU NOW WANT TO LIVE. SOMEHOW IN THE WAKE OF THIS PANDEMIC LIFE SEEMS MORE COLOURFUL, FREEDOM IS SOMETHING TO TREASURE AND LIFE IS SOMETHING TO VALUE SO LIVE YOURS WITH INTENTION FROM TODAY !
MWAH MWAH XXXXXX
JOJO X
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: DO NOT WASTE THE LESSONS THAT THIS PANDEMIC HAS TAUGHT YOU REFLECT, REINVENT AND LIVE YOUR LIFE IN A BETTER WAY THAT MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD. RECONNECT STRONGER THAN BEFORE.
LIFESTYLE:HOLIDAY READING LIST
Throughout lockdown I have had an array of books on my bedside table. I have rediscovered my love of reading. I generally love to read books that are going to improve me in some way so that I feel my time has been invested wisely.
So these are the last four books I have read that were simply so good that I wanted to share them with you.
Now we are all actively booking holidays what better time to get through that reading list. I was lucky enough to just return from a beautiful Villa in Kefalonia so I took a couple of these with me and I must say actually reading these book created a harmonious mindset and I have come back truly relaxed and enlightened. So much more refreshing than my usual fashion magazines.
THINK LIKE A MONK by Jay Shetty is everything I already do but reinforced in a different mindset. The read itself was an enjoyable journey of peace and tranquility. I was lucky enough to read this ensconced in a beautiful Villa by the ocean so the setting could not have been more perfect to put into practice of all Jays’ learning objectives contained within the book. A definite holiday read when you are fully relaxed enough to take it on board once you resume your busy lifestyle. An easy read reinforced by Jays experience adopting the Monks lifestyle for three years. I can honestly say my mind had never been more peaceful on any break and i think it was largely due to the content of this book flooding my brainwaves each day combined of course with the beautiful surroundings of FZEEN in KEFALONIA.
LET THE SOULS OF OUR CHILDREN SING by teacher and Journalist LEONORA LANGLEY is a must read for any parent, or teacher in an educational establishment. LANGLEY explores the increasing emphasis and value we place as a society on academic development at the detriment of creative exploration both in educational surroundings and at home. Could this be the link to the mental health epidemic in young people today ? How do we navigate our children’s development to ensure their needs are being listened to and their specialities are being discovered and nurtured. Are creative children happier children ? I would definitely recommend this book if you are responsible for children in any way. You can really make a difference to a child’s wellbeing , 140 pages long, set aside a weekend. A small book with a big message !!
BALANCE YOUR AGNI by CLAIRE PAPHITIS. As an ayurvedic indulger for many years now I understand the benefits in aligning our diet and behaviour with nature and the seasons. A large part of the the Ayurveda principle is really just listening to your body and ‘tuning up’ the senses. This is one of the best books if you are new to Ayurveda with a simple approach to adopting it into your everyday life. Once you have sorted out your Agni from your Doshas and Ojas you are good to go. Learn to use food as medicine and find balance and calm in your life you really can transform your life. A lovely short book packed with information you can get this read in one day on holiday. FZEEN the wonderful resort where I was staying even made some of the smoothies up for me .
Anyway enough already of the self improvement books (although I do think that is what makes holidays so transformative). Sometimes though you may just want pure escapism. As I live pre lockdown partly in LA I was eager to read DAVID NIVENS book on old school Hollywood, BRING ON THE EMPTY HORSES. Cited as one of the most honest books about Hollywood , its focus is from the mid-thirties until1960. Not so much of an autobiography but centring more on his famous Hollywood friends such as Errol Flynn, Clark Gable and many more. A fantastic romp and many of us reflect back on the good old days certainly on the surface much has changed but scratch the surface and the insecurities and ruthless behaviour are pretty much the same. This book provides a follow up (part two) to Niven’s autobiography THE MOONS A BALLOON. This book kept me riveted and I became lost in a bygone era. Maybe a book you may not have thought about reading as was first published in 1975 and like most of us too busy to read these days, but perfect for a good long holiday read to transport you a legendary Hollywood era with the superstar legends that made it legendary. Hear it first hand from someone that was there, something that any new book on Hollywood cannot claim to do !
So there you have it folks my four books I have read so far this Summer , on holiday …….. and my subsequent self inflicted post holiday quarantine ! I sincerely hope you pick up one of these excellent literary donations to my mental health and enjoy them as much as I have.
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP:I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR ABOUT THE BOOKS OCCUPYING YOUR BEDSIDE TABLE RIGHT NOW….WHAT YOU HAVE. BEEN READING IN LOCKDOWN……….ANY GOOD HOLIDAY READS…………OR WHATS ON YOUR FUTURE READING LIST ?
SHARE IT HERE. WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU !!
MIDWEEK MANTRA:THIS WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE
YOUR WEEKLY DOSE OF EXERCISES FOR THE MIND. YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR ALL THINGS INSPIRATIONAL AND POSITIVITY TO UPLIFT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH FOR THE WEEK AHEAD.
GRATITUDE
OKAY OKAY I KNOW I GO ON ABOUT BEING GRATEFUL BUT I CAN TOTALLY GUARANTEE YOU THAT THIS IS THE ONE THING WHEN PRACTISED ON A DAILY BASIS CAN MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE TO YOUR MENTAL HEALTH. I DO IT AND IT WORKS. MANY OF MY CLIENTS HAVE DISCOVERED THIS TOO.
IF GRATITUDE WAS A PILL WE WOULD BE PAYING A FORTUNE FOR IT. IF A DOCTOR TOLD YOU HE COULD IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH IN ONE WEEK AND IT IS GUARANTEED YOU WOULD BE RUSHING TO THE CHEMISTS.
THIS IS THE MOST PRODUCTIVE ACTION FOR CONTENTMENT.
WE HAVE TALKED OVER MANY YEARS OF KEEPING A GRATITUDE JOURNAL WRITING 3 THINGS EVERY MORNING THAT YOU ARE GRATEFUL IN YOUR LIFE SO HOPEFULLY MANY OF YOU ARE TAKING THIS ON BOARD.
BUT TRY SPEAKING IT OUT LOUD. IF YOU ARE FEELING VERY LOW AND ARE HAVING DIFFICULTY THINKING OF THINGS TO BE GRATEFUL FOR HERE IS A PRAYER/MANTRA TO BE RECITED OUT LOUD EVERY MORNING THIS WEEK UPON WAKING. THIS WILL CHANGE YOUR MIND SET AND STRENGTHEN YOUR NEURAL PATHWAYS AND INCREASE ENDORPHINS IN YOUR BRAIN. REALLY FEEL THE PRAYER AS YOU SAY IT OUT LOUD.
GRATITUDE PRAYER
THANK YOU FOR THE SUN RISING EVERY MORNING SO I CAN SEE THE FACES OF THE PEOPLE THAT LOVE ME AND FOR THE THE STRANGERS WHO REFLECT MY SMILE BACK AT ME AND THE WARMTH IT PROVIDES TO GROW THE SEEDS TO NOURISH MY BODY.
THANK YOU FOR THE SUN SETTING EVERY NIGHT ALLOWING ME TO REST AND NOURISH MY BODY AND MIND AND ALLOWING ME TO RECONNECT WITH MY SUBCONSCIOUSNESS,
THATS IT ! SOMETHING WE CAN ALL RELATE TO. TRY IT. EVERYDAY. OUT LOUD.
MWAH MWAH XXX
JOJO X
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: I HAVE KEPT A GRATITUDE JOURNAL FOR 7 YEARS AND IT DOES PUT EVERYTHING INTO PERSPECTIVE. IF THERE IS ONE THING TO CHANGE YOUR OUTLOOK IN LIFE AND MAINTAIN POSITIVITY THIS IS IT. YOU ONLY KNOW IF YOU TRY IT AND SEE IF IT WORKS FOR YOU TOO !!!!
TRAVEL: ROME IN 24 HOURS
AS WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE GREEN LIGHT FOR AMBER TRAVEL (well you know what I mean!)I THOUGHT I WOULD REPUBLISH SOME OF OUR QUICK GETAWAY ARTICLES. DESPERATE FOR A CHANGE OF SCENERY THAN THOSE FOUR WALLS YOU HAVE BEEN STARING AT FOR TWO YEARS. TRY ROME FOR 24 HOURS… YES START SMALL AND WORK YOUR WAY UP TO THOSE LONG HAUL DESTINATIONS. LIVE LIFE. START NOW.
HAPPY Birthday to me ! I was lucky enough to be taken to Rome for dinner on my birthday to one of my favourite restaurants. Sometimes as you get older we need to throw caution to the wind and embrace adventure. At this age we are able to be more spontaneous. Now most people would not do a travel guide in less than 48 hours but 24 hours allows you to shoot off without too much planning or even booking time off work ! So lets do it !!
Firstly im assuming by your fifties most of you reading this would have visited the tourist sites of this eternal city. So there will be no queueing for the coliseum (although they now do a moonlight tour..) or visits to the Trevi Fountain or Pantheon. If you haven’t seen these then AUGUST is NOT the time to do it !!! So this is my 24 hours……………..
ARRIVE 2.30pm ( I never do early morning flights !!)
Our Chauffeur (BLACKLANE) takes us to the Hotel de La Ville located at the top of the Spanish Steps. I love to stay around this area personally there are many choices to suit all budgets here and along the VIA VENETO. a beautiful spa and rooftop bar overlooking the city. No need to spend time unpacking the beauty of a one day stay ! so head to the spa for a massage to prepare me for the evening.
5.30pm
A lovely evening stroll down the Spanish Steps (low heels only girls) and into PIAZZA DE SPAGNA. Great buzz on a warm balmy evening. Continue along the VIA CONDOTTI one of the most fashionable and stylish streets in Rome. Window shopping or otherwise ! Gucci, Hermes, Dolce and Gabbana, Harry Winston you name it they are all here .
7.30pm
Arrive at ZUMA , one of my favourite restaurants located in FENDI SQUARE. Head straight in the elevator to the rooftop terrace for a RHUBABU a rhubarb infused sake and vodka martini cocktail. Views across Rome.
8.30pm
Head down to the restaurant. Booking is absolutely advised. Whether in London, Dubai, Hong Kong, Miami or Rome the menu and format is never strays to far. We order my favourite dishes Tuna Tartare, Shrimp tempura , jumbo shrimp (the size of a lobster in its shell !!) spicy beef tenderloin and a selection of sushi. The food has to be tried to be believed please everyone just go at least once it never disappoints. Phenomenal !!
THE FOLLOWING MORNING
8.30am
Don my trainers and shorts for a brisk morning power walk along the VIA VENETO and down through PIAZZA DE SPAGNA a useful way of avoiding the thousands of steps. End up at CAFE VITTI in PIAZZA di SAN LORENZO a quiet , picturesque square with the best breakfast menu. Italian for 8E or an American breakfast for 20E if you want to go all out.
11am
After changing into our lunch attire and checking out of the hotel we leave our small amount of hand luggage with the concierge and head to an art gallery before lunch.
Now there are obviously many art galleries in Rome but not many people have heard of the VILLA AURORA on VIA LOMBARDIA. A spectacular 16th century villa full of art. Once one of the most spectacular gardens in Rome. This Villa has the only painting that Caravaggio executed on a ceiling ! A private visit can be organised by your concierge but needs to be booked in advance.
12.30pm
If we are going to make our flight we opt for an early lunch. We discover a fabulous restaurant away from the busy crowds close to the art gallery IL PICCOLO MONDO on VIA AURORA I do not hesitate in sharing this little gem with you. Freshly made pasta and market fish of the day. Reasonable prices and great service very relaxing. We dined on lobster pasta and beautifully fresh sea bass grilled.
2.30PM
After a few more glasses of wine and complimentary limoncellos we enjoy a sleepy one hour journey back to the airport where prior to boarding we find time for a “dry flotation tank” why have I never seen one of these in UK?? Fabulously relaxing and a perfect way to end our whirlwind 24 hours in ROME.
JOJOS STYLE LIST TIP : TRAVEL LIGHT TAKING HAND LUGGAGE IS THE ONLY WAY THIS CAN BE DONE. DONT OVERTHINK IT JUST DO IT 24 HOURS IS ALL IT NEEDS TO GET YOU OUT OF A RUT !!!!!!!
CIAO!!!
JOJO XXXXXX
MIDWEEK MANTRA
YOUR WEEKLY DOSE OF POSITIVITY TO UPLIFT YOUR SPIRITS IN AN UNCERTAIN WORLD. LETS EXPLORE TOGETHER FOR INSPIRATION THROUGH MANTRAS, TASKS AND THOUGHTS TO EXERCISE OUR MENTAL HEALTH AND LIFT US TO A BETTER PLACE.
IS YOUR BIGGEST ENEMY YOUR OWN MIND ?
YOUR SUBCONSCIOUS CAN BE YOUR BEST FRIEND OR YOUR WORST ENEMY. IT IS WISE TO BE AWARE OF YOUR SUBCONSCIOUS MIND AS MUCH AS YOUR CONSCIOUS MIND. YOUR LIFE EXPERIENCES HAVE PROGRAMMED YOUR SUBCONSCIOUSNESS AND MAKE YOU THINK AND BEHAVE IN A CERTAIN WAY. SELF AWARENESS IS HUGELY IMPORTANT AND HOPEFULLY BY FOLLOWING THE TASKS ON THE MIDWEEK MANTRA OVER THE YEARS WE HAVE BECOME INCREASINGLY AWARE OF SELF. THIS IS WHY MEDITATION AND SOUND HEALING IS FAST BECOMING A REGULAR PART OF SO MANY PEOPLE LIFES AS THEY DISCOVER THE INCREDIBLE BENEFITS OF DISCOVERING THE DEEPER PART OF OUR BRAINS.
YOU CAN TALK TO YOUR SUBCONSCIOUS THROUGH YOUR CONSCIOUS MIND.
ITS NOT WHAT OTHERS TELL YOU WHO YOU ARE ITS WHAT YOU TELL YOURSELF THAT REALLY MATTERS. SO PROGRAM YOURS TO BE JOYOUS AND POSITIVE.
NEGATIVITY IS THE ENEMY OF THE MIND. WE ALL KNOW PEOPLE THAT CAN ONLY SEE WHAT IS WRONG IN THEIR LIFE EVEN THOUGH THERE WILL BE POSITIVES TOO THEY PREFER TO DWELL ON ALL THAT IS NEGATIVE, DOING THIS WILL LEAD TO YOU MISSING WHAT IS WONDERFUL RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW AND LEAD TO A MISERABLE EXISTENCE.
SO TODAY TEAM THERE ARE TWO TASKS TO CHALLENGE YOURSELF WITH:
TASK 1 – TELL YOURSELF WHO YOU ARE. WRITE DOWN 10 GREAT THINGS ABOUT YOU AS A PERSON. THIS NOT ONLY MAKES YOU SELF AWARE BUT MORE POSITIVE ABOUT YOURSELF TOO. HOW OFTEN, IF EVER HAVE YOU GIVEN ANY TIME TO GET TO KNOW YOURSELF AND REALLY THINK ABOUT WHO YOU REALLY ARE ?
TASK 2- OVER THE NEXT WEEK, UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN I WANT YOU TO CHALLENGE EVERY NEGATIVE THOUGHT AND ANY NEGATIVE VERBAL SPEAK WITH A POSITIVE ! THIS MAYBE DIFFICULT IF YOU HAVE PROGRAMMED YOUR MIND TO LOOK AT THE NEGATIVE IN EVERY SITUATION , BUT THERE WILL BE A POSITIVE TO EACH SITUATION AND I WANT YOU TO FIND IT. START RETRAINING THAT CONSCIOUS MIND AND YOUR SUBCONSCIOUS WILL TAKE IT ON BOARD.
I LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING UP WITH MORE HAPPY CONTENTED PEOPLE NEXT WEEK !
MWAH MWAH XXX
JOJO X
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: ITS ALWAYS BETTER TO HAVE FRIENDS RATHER THAN ENEMIES. SO MAKE FRIENDS WITH YOUR SUBCONSCIOUS TODAY. LOVE IT, NURTURE IT AND SHOWER IT WITH GIFTS OF BEAUTIFUL THOUGHTS.
FOOD: 5 HERBS THAT SHOULD BE IN YOUR DAILY DIET
Herbs add flavour and enhance the blandest of meals but how many of you are aware that they have contain health and medicinal properties that can contribute a great deal to your daily wellness levels. Dried or fresh ! They are easy to add to EVERY meal whether in smoothies, salads, soups or sprinkled onto raw or cooked meals.
It is time to develop your own medicine cabinet in your own back yard with a highly nutritional herb garden to alleviate a wide range of symptoms.
So here are five herbs (out of a list of hundreds) but use this list as a basis to start or even start growing some in the garden. These ones I have selected are particularly easy to incorporate into your daily meals.
OREGANO
This herb is familiar to nearly everyone but actually has MORE flavour dried than fresh. So a great store cupboard essentials. Very easy to grow in a pot in your garden.
BENEFITS
Antibacterial defending the body against bacteria in the gut and the skin. A high content of manganese, calcium, vitamin k and fibre therefore an ideal herb to detoxify the body by assisting the liver function. Also excellent for bone health very useful in later life for protection against osteoporosis. A natural form of Omega 3 fatty acids can rebalance cholesterol and help prevent heart attacks and strokes.
DIET
Great with pasta particularly good with tomato based sauces in its dried form. Or incorporate into homemade burgers including vegan ones.
ASHWAGANDA
This ancient herb I take in the form of a powder EVERY morning in my smoothie. It has very powerful properties and is an important herb in Ayurvedic medIcine.
BENEFITS
There have been many studies that have proven that this herb substantially reduces anxiety and depression and is great for menopause symptoms. reduces cortisol levels if over stressed. Also reduces inflammation. I credit Ashwaganda to significantly alleviating my arthritis. Many studies also link this powerful herb with reducing cancerous tumours when taken regularly. Although I cannot personally lay claim to this it is worth adding this to your diet to see if it is of benefit to you.
DIET
I buy this in powder form and add to my smoothies and green juice every single day. Or add it to your soups.
MINT
This is so easy to grow even I can grow it . Right now I have an abundance of mint in my garden for my daily use.
BENEFITS
The benefits of mint are widely documented. It is uplifting and a fantastic aid to digestion and bloating. Can really help with IBS symptoms. Relieve congestion from colds and bronchitis. Mental clarity and of course mask bad breath.
DIET
Great with boiling water as a mint tea. Fresh leaves incorporated into salads both savoury or fruit salads. Try to introduce after meals. This leaf is more potent fresh and unbruised as opposed to dried but easily picked fresh straight from your herb garden you are now cultivating !
NUTMEG
Known as the sexy spice. Although considered a spice it actually is a seed from a herb the nutmeg tree that bears two fruit mace and nutmeg. Although a word of warning can be dangerous in large quantities as can be hallucinogenic and is actually banned in Saudi Arabia ! so we are just talking about a sprinkle here definitely no more than a teaspoonful. Great in a dried powder form and keeps for many months in the store cupboard.
BENEFITS
A nerve relaxant therefore excellent for inducing sleep and relaxation. Raises sexual libido and improves memory. swap the nightly glass of wine out for a sprinkle of nutmeg.
DIET
Perfect with spinach as an accompaniment to your evening meal. In a glass of hot milk before bed . Commonly used in the Ayurvedic ‘golden milk’. Sprinkle on coffee. Would tend to use this later in the day because of its relaxant properties.
PARSLEY
Native to the mediterranean light scented and fresh taste makes it very versatile and pretty much can be added to most dishes for maximum benefit raw or cooked. Also it is easy to grow in your own backyard. I have included it on this list for its ease of use and availability and its impressive nutritional value.
BENEFITS
Great source of vitamin A and C therefore making it high in anti oxidants so good for the blood and the skin. Helps protect the eyes and help prevent age related macular degeneration . Reduces water retention and neutralises bad breath.
DIET
Add to almost any food dried or fresh, raw or cooked. Add to green juice if suffering from puffiness or water retention or simmer with water then strain to make a tea. Or just chew on a fresh sprig for fresh breath and to neutralise odours such as garlic. This wonderful herb is often not given credit for its amazing nutritional value and is often overlook as just a piece of green garnish so do not push it to one side consume it.
WARNING: DUE TO THE HIGH POTENCY OF HERBS AND THEIR GENUINE EFFECTIVENESS DO NOT CONSUME IN LARGE QUANTITIES. LITTLE AND OFTEN IS THE KEY FOR MAXIMUM HEALTH BENEFITS.
MWAH MWAH XXXXXX
JOJO X
JOJOS STYLIST TIP: THERE ARE MANY MORE HERBS AND SPICES WITH INCREDIBLE HEALTH BENEFITS YOU HAVE TO SELECT WHAT YOUR BODY NEEDS RIGHT NOW. INSTEAD OF REACHING FOR THE MEDICINAL CABINET IN YOUR BATHROOM WHY NOT TRY THE ONE IN YOUR GARDEN AND SEE IF IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE !
MIDWEEK MANTRA
YOUR WEEKLY DOSE OF POSITIVITY, INSPIRATION AND TASKS TO GET YOU BACK ON THE RIGHT TRACK AND UPLIFT YOU TO A BETTER PLACE FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK. JOIN US FOR YOUR WEEKLY INJECTION OF THE HAPPINESS VACCINE !!
SEEDS AND WEEDS
AS WE APPROACH THE END OF LOCKDOWN AND THE DAWNING OF A NEW ERA IT IS TIME TO SHAKE UP OUR OWN IMMEDIATE ENVIRONMENT. TO ADOPT A FRESH APPROACH TO OUR OWN MENTAL HEALTH.
WE NEED TO PLANT MORE SEEDS IN OUR LIFE. SEEDS GERMINATE HOPE, FLOURISH , SUPPORT US AND PRODUCE GROWTH. WEEDS, ON THE OTHER HAND ARE THINGS/PEOPLE PRESENT IN OUR OWN LIFE THAT HOLD US BACK, SLOWLY STRANGLE US AND INHIBIT US MOVING ONWARDS AND UPWARDS. WEEDS CAN CAUSE US TO GET BOGGED DOWN AND BLOCK OUT THE LIGHT. WE CAN ALL IDENTIFY THE WEEDS THAT EXIST IN OUR OWN LIVES WE ALL HAVE THEM. WEEDS CAN BE TANGIBLE, PEOPLE OR JUST THOUGHTS THAT EXIST WITHIN OUR OWN MINDS.
THE TASK TODAY IS TO FIND A QUIET PLACE TO SIT DOWN WITH A PEN AND PAPER DIVIDED INTO TWO COLUMNS ‘WEEDS’ AND ‘SEEDS’. LIST IN YOUR LIFE THE PEOPLE AND SITUATIONS THAT ARE CAUSING NEGATIVITY IN YOUR LIFE UNDER ‘WEEDS’ AND THE GOOD THINGS THAT ARE IN YOUR LIFE THAT BRING JOY UNDER ‘SEEDS’. WE NEED TO ADDRESS THE WEED LIST AND JUST BY IDENTIFYING THEM MAY BE THE FIRST TIME YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THEY EXIST. CONCENTRATING ON THE SEED LIST CAN ENABLE GRATITUDE AND ALLOW YOU TO BUILD ON THE LIST YOU IDENTIFIED AS BEING PRODUCTIVE IN YOUR LIFE.
NOW, START TO SOW A NEW LIST TO ADD MORE SEEDS TO BE PLANTED READY TO FLOURISH. EACH MORNING ADD ONE THING TO YOUR LIST TO BRING JOY TO YOUR LIFE AND PUT IT INTO PRACTICE. THIS CAN BE A SMALL FAST FLOURISHING GROWTH OR A WHOLE FIELD THAT NEEDS CULTIVATING LONGER TERM. EG. SHORT TERM COULD BE TO PRACTICE MEDITATION AT A REGULAR TIME EACH DAY. SO TODAY I AM GOING TO DISCOVER ON LINE A DEEPAK CHOPRA MEDITATION COURSE TO FOLLOW. A MORE LONGER TERM PROPOSITION COULD BE TO RETRAIN FOR A CAREER THAT BRINGS JOY AND LIGHT INTO YOUR LIFE.
HAPPY SEED SOWING TEAM AND DON,T FORGET GET WEEDING !
MWAH MWAH. XXXXXX
JOJO X
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: IT IS VERY USEFUL TO THINK IN TERMS OF BRINGING MORE LIGHT INTO YOUR LIFE BY CLEARING THE PATHWAY AND WITH A LITTLE BIT OF PHOTOSYNTHESIS CAN TRULY NOURISH THE MIND. I REALLY HOPE YOU FIND PLEASURE IN THIS PRACTICE ON A DAILY BASIS. START TO THINK DIFFERENTLY TODAY.
BEAUTY: MY 10 HERO PRODUCTS
In my advancing years I have used and experimented with many products, have been lucky to work in the beauty business and offered many to try.
Do not always believe what you read in magazines as many beauty editors are forced to gush over beauty products in return for paid advertising space in the magazine. So I am going to espouse my favourite beauty products that I would like to share with you so you don’t have to waste tons of money (which we ALL do) every year on products that just do not work. These products have stood the test of time and in my mind are the best of the best. Try for yourself.
HERO SELF TAN PRODUCT
Nothing beats CLARINS SELF TANNING MILK . Always gives great coverage with no streaking or patches. which is down to the creamy moisturising formula. Beautiful colour unlike many of these modern ‘muddy’ tanning products. A beautiful natural golden glow. Equally good on the face too. No bad give away odour. I have tried many self tan products around the globe but nothing comes close.
HERO FOAM BATH
L’OCCITANE LEMON VERBENA FOAMING BATH. The suds last forever and are super moisterising. The scent stay throughout the bath time, and I spend a LONG time in the tub, beautiful grassy, citrus scents of lemon trees in Provence. I decant this into smaller bottles for when i am travelling and use it in the shower aswell as the bath.
HERO CLEANSER
I am a massive fan of ANTONIA BURRELL products . All completely plant based and paraben and preservative free , hence all packaged in black opaque bottles to keep the light out. The NATURAL GLOW CLEANSING OIL is the worlds first 100% pure plant 100% natural water soluble cleansing oil. The botanical oils makes it a truly holistic experience as you massage it into your face and rinse off with water. leaving you feeling radiant on the outside and radiant within. I must confess I sometimes just massage the oil in at night and leave it on for an overnight treatment. A little secret…..massage into the lashes it makes them grow more than any lash grow product i have ever used. Antoniaburrell.com
HERO MOISTURISER
I discovered TEOXANE after receiving some products in a goodie bag 2 years ago . A swiss pharmaceutical brand that was developed in 2003 but not widely known as yet in the UK. Don’t miss out ladies of a certain age ADVANCED FILLER Moisturizer makes a real difference to your skin in an amazingly short time.
HERO SKIN TREATMENT
MEDIK 8 RETINOL 6TR INTENSE use this before bed 3 or 4 times a week to win the battle over fine lines. I personally love this Company. they have a full list of different strengths so if you have not used retinol before start with a lower strength and slowly work up to a stronger solution to suit your skin. If you are reading this I assume you are one of my over fifties followers so you should all be using a retinol !!! Except of course if you are exposing yourself to a lot of sunshine – so not on holiday.
HERO HAIR PRODUCT
BLEACH LONDON RESTORATION MASK has had many mentions on this blog. It is by far and the best hair product that genuinely does what it says on the box. My hair looks like it has been freshly coloured whenever I use it. So has been a Godsend in lockdown. Truly a miracle product. Usually it is hair products that I am most disappointed in for failing to live up to the hype but this one delivers every time.
HERO MASCARA
In my lifetime I have tried literally 100s of mascaras but I defy anyone to find a better mascara than ESTEE LAUDERS SUMPTUOUS EXTREME MASCARA it is both volumising and lengthening and judging by girlfriends asking if I have false eyelashes on, this works !
HERO PERFUME
For me personally TOM FORD WHITE SUEDE suits my body chemistry perfectly. But what I love about this perfume is how long it lasts and in such a subtle way. People actually stop me in the streets to enquire what I am wearing and writing it down……so it MUST be good. Also I love the minimalist classic packaging looks great in the bathroom.
HERO BEAUTY PRODUCTS
Well these two are definitely my heros they really work and are each under £5 !!!!!!!! But no beauty editor will tell you about these and EVERY girl needs them both in her make up bag and hey get a couple and keep them in your car and handbag too !!! Are you ready ??? Big build up>>>>> BARRY M DEWY SETTING SPRAY £4.99 spray over make up to set and to add a beautiful dewy healthy sheen to skin. There are more expensive pretenders to the throne as the dewy look is big business but dont go there this is the cheapest AND the best. Makes perfect sense ladies. My second hero beauty product is VASELINE ROSY LIPS and perfect for cheek gleam too. Pop in your pocket to moisterize and glamourise lips and cheeks with just a dab of the finger. Your look is instantly refreshed and can take 10 years off your age.
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: THE PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS ARE ALL TRIED AND TESTED AND MY OWN PERSONAL OPINION AND NOT SPONSORED OR INFLUENCED IN ANY WAY. SO TRY THEM WITH CONFIDENCE ….THEY WORK !!
MWAH MWAH
JOJO XXXXXXX
MIDWEEK MANTRA
YOUR WEEKLY VISIT TO THE MENTAL HEALTH CLUB WHERE WE WORK TOGETHER TO LIFT YOUR SPIRITS WITH WORDS, TASKS AND A HEAVY DOSE OF POSITIVITY.
THE WEAPON OF LOVE
LETS FACE T WE ALL HAVE ENEMIES WHETHER THEY ARE KNOWN TO US OR INVISIBLE THERE WILL ALWAYS BE OTHER PEOPLE THAT MAY NOT LIKE US OR APPROVE OF WHAT WE DO OR ARE JUST HATEFUL BECAUSE THEY ARE IN A BAD PLACE OR WE HAVE MORE THAN THEY DO. IT MAY BE JUST THAT YOU REMIND THEM OF WHAT THEY CANNOT BE OR CANNOT HAVE. THE IMPORTANT THING IS TO KNOW THAT THIS IS MORE ABOUT THEIR OWN FEELING, THEIR OWN PAIN.
SO WHETHER THESE HATEFUL WEAPONS COME AT YOU FACE TO FACE OR THE INVISIBILITY OF SOCIAL MEDIA THEN IT IS TIME TO FIGHT BACK……….WITH LOVE! LOVE IS A WEAPON OF LIGHT AND CAN BANISH THE DARKNESS OF HATE. SO OFFER LOVE AND KINDNESS THE NEXT TIME YOU ARE CONFRONTED BY A BULLY AND WATCH THE DARKNESS DISAPPEAR. IT WILL TAKE CONSIDERABLE STRENGTH NOT TO FIGHT BACK WITH ANIMOSITY AND BITTERNESS BUT I KNOW HOW FAR YOU HAVE COME ON THIS JOURNEY AND I HAVE TRUST IN YOU TO TAKE THE RIGHT PATH AT THE NEXT CROSSROADS.
JUST TRY IT AND SEE. GUARANTEED RESULTS WHEN YOU PICK THE RIGHT WEAPON !
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP; THREE THINGS ARE SURE IN LIFE. DEATH, TAXES AND PEOPLE PREFER KINDNESS OVER NASTINESS !
MWAH MWAH
JOJO XXXX