Be yourself; Everyone else is already taken.
— Oscar Wilde.
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BEAUTY: DO CELLULITE CREAMS WORK ?
This is the shortest post ever…….. NO !
Let me expand
I have never believed that rubbing chemically laden product into toxic cells really worked. More toxins on toxins ? If anything, can further compound the issue and force the cells to have to work harder to expunge more chemical waste.
I am very careful about using chemical products on my body where I rarely see the benefits. I can recommend daily body brushing before your shower to boost the circulation and cold water on the area for the same reason. Any benefit from applying product is normally from the consistent massage but instead of splurging on expensive product selling you hopes and dreams the same benefit can be gained from organic ,virgin cold pressed sesame or coconut oil.
One of my rituals each morning is to massage organic sesame oil into my body paying particular attention to thighs, elbows and knees.Really squeezing the toxins out you can actually hear any fluid in the cells popping. On hair washing days I also massage into my hair. Leaving it to sink in as I do my morning meditation and gratitude prayer. After rinsing in the shower you are left with silky glowing skin . Not only does this aid smooth skin but also it is a beautiful ritual to thank your body for all it does for you. It is very easy to do for yourself. Although I use organic coconut oil for everything ( even cleaning my house!!) I prefer to use the sesame oil so I don’t smell like a coconut all day. Both are far cheaper than the chemically laden expensive cellulite creams that really don’t work and can actually exacerbate the condition. The power is in circulation and massage.
I am in my fifties and I really don’t have a problem with cellulite (although we all have a bit) after following this regular regime combined with daily yoga……oh and of course a good diet and cutting down on processed food. Back to those chemicals again that don’t belong in the body !
So Ladies I hope this helps build your army in the battle against cellulite.
Jojo xx
MIDWEEK MANTRA : THINK DIFFERENTLY
STILL HERE AFTER ALL THESE YEARS HOLDING YOUR HAND THROUGH THE WEEK. POSITIVE INSPIRATION,TASKS AND BABY STEPS TO MAKE YOUR WORLD A LITTLE EASIER AND STRENGTHEN YOUR MENTAL HEALTH.
THESE ARE DIFFICULT AND STRESSFUL TIMES FOR MANY AND IT IS EASY TO DROWN OUR MINDS WITH NEGATIVE THOUGHTS. SOMETIMES WE CAN GET SO LOW THAT WE STOP SEEING THE LIGHT, IT BECOMES HARDER AND HARDER TO ESCAPE THE DARKNESS.
YOU ARE WHEREVER YOUR THOUGHTS ARE. EVEN IF YOUR HEART IS HEAVY AND YOUR MIND IS CONSTRICTED, YOU STILL HAVE THE POWER TO LIFT YOURSELF UP BY CHANGING YOUR THOUGHTS.
TODAY COME UP WITH A THOUGHT THAT CHANGES YOUR VIEW OF THE WORLD FOR THE BETTER. AND STICK WITH THAT THOUGHT ALL DAY. THEN TOMORROW COME UP WITH ANOTHER THOUGHT THAT IMPROVES YOUR DAY AGAIN.
IT WON,T MIRACULOUSLY MAKE YOUR PROBLEMS DISAPPEAR BUT IT WILL MAKE THE WORLD SEEM A BETTER PLACE AND STRENGTHEN YOUR ABILITY TO COPE WITH LIVES DAILY MISSILES AND VIEW THEM FROM A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE.
TRY IT TODAY AND SEE IF IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE TO YOU.
MWAH MWAH XXXX
JOJO X
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: THE POWER OF THE MIND IS ONE THING YOU HAVE TOTOAL CONTROL OF, SO USE IT TO YOUR ADVANTAGE ! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR ??
BEAUTY: SAVE MONEY 10 MULTI USES OF COCONUT OIL THAT WORK !
Well girls and boys its time….. to let you into a little secret. Ditch those chemically laden expensive products coconut oil has so many uses and it works even better . One product multiple use.
Must be virgin and cold pressed. The oil has not been exposed to high temperatures therefore has a higher nutritional value and higher anti bacterial properties. Also chemical free . Now I could think of hundreds of uses but these are my top 10 !!
- HAIR MASK. Massage into dry hair either just on the ends or into the scalp too. It is beneficial for dandruff or itchy scalp. the unique structure of the Lauric acid means it penetrates the hair shaft better than other oils. I tend not to leave it on overnight but just for 30 minutes. A good tip when rinsing – apply shampoo before you wet the hair and massage it in it seems to remove the oil quicker. Can be a good hair mask on the beach too as it blocks some of the uv rays.
- BODY MASSAGE. Now I have stated before that I don’t massage any chemical products into my body as I do believe they put toxins through a large area of your biggest organ, your skin. Apart from creating health problems it can exasperate cellulite. Coconut oil is chemical free and really is great for massage. It is good to massage it into your scalp. and all over your body at the same time and just lie on your yoga mat and meditate before rinsing. Massage should be a daily ritual. Love your body.
- NIGHT FACIAL OIL/EYELASH LENGHTHENER facial massage and destress each evening before bed. You will wake up with soft glowing skin. this works better than any expensive night cream I have tried ! Massage into lashes at night for longer silkier lashes in the morning. Try it ! Many of my friends think I have false eyelashes …just coconut oil.
- TEETH WHITENER/BREATH FRESHENER known as “pulling” swirl the coconut oil around your mouth and pull through your teeth for 10-15 minutes. The anti bacterial properties kill germs and inflammation in the gums and combat bad breath. Also I swear it leaves my teeth whiter and glossier it appears to remove any staining.
- HANDS AND NAILS. rejuvenates the skin on hands making them instantly appear younger. Great for cuticle damage and repair and leaves nails looking glossy and healthy.
- FEET. I massage coconut oil into my feet once a month for an overnight treat. I pop on a pair of cotton socks to protect the bed linen. Your feet and heels are lovely and soft in the morning. Our feet deserve a treat.
- SMOOTHIES.Pop a tablespoon into a smoothie to moisturise your insides too. From brain membrane health to oiling your ligaments these are good fats ! Also don’t forget the skin and hair benefits from the inside. We still need to consume fats, folks !
- COOKING. A healthy cooking oil with a high smoke point makes it a great oil to cook with. It has a delicate coconut flavour so great in stir fries.
- ECZEMA/DERMATITIS. Its anti microbial properties make it effective in killing bacteria. Highly moisturising it may reduce inflammation and discomfort.
- CLEANING. I use it regularly to clean the stainless steel in my kitchen (and great for barbecues) just apply with some kitchen towel to make it gleam! Works great on granite work surfaces too and polished wood!! Time to throwout the cleaning box !
So , just a few uses for your coconut oil.
JOJOS STYLE LIST TIP : For £8 jar of cold pressed virgin coconut oil think of not only the money saving on expensive products that don’t work as well…… but what about the space saving !! Go buy a jar and judge for yourself !!
JOJO xxxxxxxxx
MIDWEEK MANTRA : BRIGHTEN SOMEONES LIFE TODAY
YOUR WEEKLY DOSE OF INSPIRATION, TASKS AND HOPE TO GET YOU THROUGH YOUR WEEK ON A POSITIVE STRONGER MINDSET. TOO OFTEN WE DWELL ON NEGATIVE ASPECTS IN THE WORLD . THIS WEEKLY SLOT IS HERE TO UPLIFT, A SMALL OASIS OF CALM IN A HECTIC WORLD.
DURING MY GUIDED MORNING MEDITATION TODAY THE FOCUS WAS “SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON SOMEONE ELSE” WHAT A GREAT MESSAGE THAT I WANTED TO SHARE WITH MY FOLLOWERS TODAY.
TODAYS MENTALITY IS QUITE INSULAR WITH SO MUCH FOCUS ON ONES OWN MENTAL HEALTH . WE ARE ENCOURAGED TO THINK ABOUT OURSELVES AND CONCENTRATE INWARDLY. BUT ONE OF THE BEST WAYS OF IMPROVING MENTAL HEALTH IS TO THINK MORE ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE AND WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR THEM THE REWARDS ARE GREAT AND THIS REALLY WORKS. IMAGINE BRINGING SOME SUNSHINE AND HAPPINESS INTO SOMEONES LIFE JUST BY YOUR OWN ACTIONS AND WORDS. IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE AN ELABORATE GESTURE IT MAYBE JUST SOME KIND WORDS OR A HANDWRITTEN CARD.
SO, TODAY I WANT YOU TO THINK HOW YOU CAN BRIGHTEN SOMEONES DAY. THIS COULD JUST BE A STRANGER OR A PERSON IN YOUR LIFE THAT YOU HAVE BEEN TAKING FOR GRANTED OR MAYBE A FRIEND YOU HAVE NOT BEEN IN CONTACT FOR A WHILE.
SUGGESTIONS ……..CHOOSE TO SMILE AT EVERYONE YOU PASS ON THE STREET TODAY. MAKE A PHONE CALL TO SOMEONE THAT MAY BE LONELY OR VULNERABLE. COOK A SPECIAL MEAL FROM SCRATCH. AS IT IS SPRING BUY SOMEONE A BLOOM IN A POT FOR THEM TO SEE EVERYDAY.
HAVE FUN WITH THIS ONE BE INVENTIVE , MAKE IT SPECIAL. ENJOY THE KNOCK ON EFFECT.
REMEMBER WHEN YOU BRIGHTEN SOMEONES DAY YOU GET TO BATHE IN THE REFLECTIVE LIGHT.
MWAH MWAH. xx
JOJO. XXX
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP:TAP INTO YOUR OWN PERSONAL POWER TO CHANGE OTHERS LIVES AND THIS IN TURN WILL CHANGE YOURS TOO. MAKE THIS YOUR MANTRA IT REALLY WORKS.
LIFESTYLE : BIG BOYS CRY TOO ! #HETOO
I saw this instagram post today which touched me deeply and I wanted to share it with my followers and readers.
Boys get cheated on
Boys get used for sex
Boys get lead on
Boys get hurt
Boys get heartbroken
Boys are self conscious
Boys get bullied
Boys get called fat
Boys get called ugly
Boys get judged
Boys get hit/abused by girls
Boys feel alone
Boys suffer with depression
Boys cry themselves to sleep
Boys self harm
Boys get eating disorders
Boys get suicidal
Boys commit suicide
Boys feel pain.
So while we continue to discuss and empathise with how we are treated as women and the effect on womens mental health especially in the recent light of the tragedies of Sarah Everard and Sabina Nessa and not foRgetting #MeToo campaign. Let us not forget the men in our lives. Our sons. grandsons, brothers, lovers, fathers and our friends. ask them how they are feeling today……….and then ask them again…….How are you REALLY feeling today ?
Look at the list again I am pretty sure they will be feeling at least one of those statements today right now. You will never know until you ask!
So let us not overlook men in the fight against mental health ………they are more likely to be suffering in silence.
MWAH MWAH xxxxx
JOJO. x
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP:TUNE IN WITH YOUR MALE CIRCLE TODAY. REMEMBER AS WOMEN WE ARE GREAT LISTENERS AND GREAT COUNSELLORS. SO AS A WOMAN YOUR INTERVENTION COULD BE INVALUABLE. MEN ARE MORE LIKELY TO OPEN UP TO YOU RATHER THAN THEIR MALE COUNTERPARTS..
MIDWEEK MANTRA : GET TO KNOW YOURSELF
INSPIRATION, IDEAS AND MENTAL AWAKENESS TO GET YOU THROUGH TO THE END OF THE WEEK .
AFTER OUR FORCED PERIOD OF SELF ISOLATING MANY OF US GOT TO KNOW OURSELVES MUCH BETTER. SO NOW AS WE REBUILD OUR LIVES , POSSIBLY IN A DIFFERENT ,BETTER WAY IT IS A GREAT TIME TO APPLY SOME FOCUS ON YOURSELF AND THE THINGS THAT MATTER TO YOU. WE HAVE BEEN FORCED TO STOP BECAUSE OF THE CORONAVIRUS SO USE THIS TIME FOR A PERIOD OF SELF REFLECTION A GIFT FOR REASSESSMENT.
MAKING LIFE MORE BEAUTIFUL
DISCOVER SUCCESS
SUCCESS IS ALL ABOUT BALANCE IN FOUR MAIN AREAS
HOME+HEALTH+RELATIONSHIPS+ FINANCE = SUCCESS
TODAY GIVE SOME THOUGHT TO THESE QUESTIONS. NOTE DOWN YOUR FEELINGS.
- WHERE I AM NOW ?
- WHERE DO I WANT TO BE ?
- HOW DO I GET THERE ?
TRY TO LIST YOUR THOUGHTS AND FINDINGS UNDER THE FOUR HEADINGS…..HOME, HEALTH, RELATIONSHIPS AND FINANCE.
NEXT WEDNESDAYS MIDWEEK MANTRA I WILL SHARE SOME POSITIVE POINTERS IN ALL FOUR AREAS HOW TO GET FROM A TO B.
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP : THIS DOES NOT HAVE TO BE A PRIVATE EXERCISE GATHER YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND CREATE A GROUP DISCUSSION HOW YOU CAN ACCESS SUCCESS !
GOOD LUCK ! HAVE A FABULOUUSSSS WEEK DAAAHLINGS !
MWAH MWAH
JOJO XXXXXXXXX
FOOD AND TRAVEL: DISCOVER 6 OF MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANTS THAT SURVIVED LOCKDOWN
I know we have been cooped up for far too long. Many of you are probably dreaming of far flung places or just going to eat out at your favourite restaurants. So I thought I would share with you 6 of my favourite restaurants around the world ., my perennial favourites that I have visited on numerous occasions and they are consistently outstanding. Ready for you to make the reservation at the earliest opportunity. Or just inspire you for a few more weeks. Carry on dreaming style bunnies.
LONDON: COYA PICCADILLY
Located in the basement, of a grand building close to The Athaneum Hotel, a restaurant in disguise from the outside you could be forgiven for not noticing. But once inside , this is party central , a whole South American Fiesta as London goes about its business in the streets above. Part of the Arjun Waney stable that includes The Arts Club, Zuma, Roka and La Petit Maison. Fresh Peruvian cuisine several small dishes tapas style. Express Lunch Menu £28. Or try the legendary Saturday Brunch with bottomless cocktails, performers and DJs. Try a Pisco Sour in the Pisco bar. Great vibe here still one of the best in London
USA: NOBU MALIBU
I have tears of joy when I eat here as it is simply utopia. Several of my birthdays have been spent languishing over very long lunches by the ocean (always request an outside table) …..well you cannot possibly leave until the sun sets. The standard Nobu menu (although there is NOTHING standard about this food) but this high end Japanese food always tastes better by the sea. The Black Cod and the Popcorn shrimp are unbelievable. There is a great bar here too overlooking the ocean try a pre lunch salty Margherita .
ITALY: ZUMA ROME
Having attended the opening of Zuma Roma I just kept on returning! Identical menu to Zuma London a firm favourite of mine (well I cant put ALL the Zumas on the list although I would if I could). But the setting is one of the nicest of all the Zuma restaurants and I have been to ALL around the world. Located In Fendi square close to the Spanish Steps Have pre dinner drinks on the roof terrace with a fabulous view of Rome. Order the spicy beef tenderloin and the sea bass with burnt tomato and ginger relish oh and the spicy tuna tataki and…. I literally could carry on. If you cant get to Rome try ANY Zuma close to you they are all amazing.
DUBAI: BAR 101 THE PALM
A firm favourite since it opened 10 years ago, I last visited in January , a couple of months ago. It is still amazing. The setting is outstanding, the food unbelievable , go for the crab risotto or the salt baked sea bass, and the live band from 4pm rounded the visit off beautifully. Quite hard to reach as it is on the tip of one of the palms or can be reached by speed boat. As it appears to be floating on a jetty in the middle of the ocean. It is part of the One and Only Hotel on the Palm. Seek it out !
FRANCE: FEU FOLLETT MOUGINS
Mougins is situated just outside Cannes in the Provence region of South of France. I lived here for 10 years so I know the region and the restaurants very well. A cornucopia of gastronomic places to eat Feu Follett remains one of my favourites located in Old Mougins in a square that look like a film set ! There are set menus for lunch and dinner of truly superb food in a memorable setting. Tres romantique!
JERSEY: MARK JORDAN ON THE BEACH
Gorgeous setting overlooking the beach at St Peters. The menu is amazing value at £27.50 for three courses at lunchtime of Michelin star quality food. Even the a la carte Dinner menu is exceptional value and they serve my very favourite of skate wing with capers and prawns (£19.50) but unmissable is the widely talked about Strawberry Souffle . If you are visiting Jersey be sure to stop by and try some of the best food in Jersey possibly the world !
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: HEY FELLOW STYLISTAS INSTEAD OF ME DOING ALL THE HARD WORK EATING AT THESE FABULOUS PLACES I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE EATERIES THAT WE COULD SHARE WITH THE GROUP AND ADD TO OUR LIST !
MWAH MWAH XXXXXX
KEEP SMILING
JOJO XXXX
MIDWEEK MANTRA : EMBRACE THE SILENCE
THIS WEEK I WANTED TO SHARE AN EXCERPT FROM A BOOK I AM CURRENTLY READING VERY POIGNANT FOR OUR TIMES. AS I READ IT THIS WEEK I THOUGHT IT MAY RESOUND WITH YOU AS IT DID WITH ME.
“CHASING WORLDLY DESIRES IS WHAT LIFE IS ALL ABOUT FOR THE VAST MAJORITY OF PEOPLE. BEING STILL AND QUIET, BY THE SAME TOKEN, FEELS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE FOR MANY. THERES NOTHING TO DO …..WE COMPLAIN. YET STILLNESS CAN UNLOCK NEW REALITIES. THE KEY IS THAT PURE CONSCIOUSNESS CONTAINS INFINITE RESOURCES OF CREATIVITY, BLISS,INTELLIGENCE,LOVE AND AWARENESS. BY LIVING CLOSE TO THE SOURCE, YOU HAVE ACCESS TO THIS INFINITE POTENTIAL THAT ALLOWS YOU TO BE A GENUINE CO CREATOR OF A NEW REALITY “
META HUMAN DEEPAK CHOPRA
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: USING SOME QUALITY TIME TO REALLY GET TO KNOW OUR “TRUE SELF” IS IMPORTANT AS OPPOSED TO OUR “EGO PERSONAILTY’ THAT WE SHOW TO THE REST OF THE WORLD.
STAY SAFE
MWAH MWAH XXXXX
JOJO
TRAVEL: AN EASTER BREAK – ROME IN 24 HOURS
AS WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE GREEN LIGHT FOR 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 !!!!!!! DON’T THINK IT JUST DO IT. LIFE IS FOR LIVING.
CIAO!!!
JOJO XXXXXX
MIDWEEK MANTRA : SSHHHH …..I HAVE A SECRET TO TELL YOU
A WEEKLY DOSE OF INSPIRATION, TASKS AND A POSITIVITY HIT TO BRIGHTEN YOUR WEEK AND STRENGTHEN YOUR MIND. TUNE IN HERE EVERY WEDNESDAY.
THE SECRET TO LIVING WELL AND LONGER IS:
TO EAT HALF, WALK DOUBLE, LAUGH TRIPLE AND LOVE WITHOUT MEASURE
FOR ONCE I AM NOT GOING TO EXPAND ON THIS OR GIVE YOU FURTHER TASK TO DO. IT IS ALL THERE…..OVER TO YOU !!
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP : THERE MY FRIENDS IS THE SECRET TO LIVING A FULL AND HAPPY LIFE
MWAH MWAH XXXXXX
JOJO