Be yourself; Everyone else is already taken.
— Oscar Wilde.
This is the first post on my new blog. I’m just getting this new blog going, so stay tuned for more. Subscribe below to get notified when I post new updates.
LET THE BLOGGING BEGIN….
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MIDWEEK MANTRA : DON’T WORRY BE HAPPY !
YOUR WEEKLY DOSE OF INSPIRATION, GUIDANCE AND POSITIVE THOUGHTS TO STRENGTHEN THE MIND AND SOUL TO GET YOU THROUGH THE WEEK ON A PINK FLUFFY CLOUD.
THE KEY TO HAPPINESS
THE KEY TO HAPPINESS IS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ALL THAT HAPPENS IN YOUR LIFE THE GOOD AND THE BAD. WHATEVER HAPPENS IN YOUR LIFE YOU HAVE TO OWN IT WHETHER YOU ARE ENJOYING THE EXPERIENCE OR NOT. IF AN EVENT IN YOUR LIFE IS CAUSING YOU ANXIETY IT IS A CHANCE TO QUESTION WHAT LESSON LIFE IS TRYING TO TEACH YOU. WHAT CAN YOU LEARN FROM THIS ? HOW HAS THE SITUATION DEVELOPED YOU AS A PERSON ?
TODAY, REMEMBER, THAT ACCEPTING RESPONSIBILITY NOT HIDING FROM IT IS THE ONLY WAY OF DISCOVERING TRUE HAPPINESS AND FULFILMENT AND YOUR TRUE PURPOSE OF YOUR JOURNEY.
MWAH MWAH. XXXXX
JOJO X
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: LIFE IS FULL OF PROBLEMS AWAITING SOLUTIONS. EACH PROBLEM OVERCOME IS ANOTHER BUILDING BLOCK TO DEVELOPMENT, ACCEPTANCE , SATISFACTION AND TRUE HAPPINESS
MIDWEEK MANTRA : REDISCOVER OLD FRIENDSHIPS
A HEALTHY DOSE OF ‘FEELGOOD’ STUFF TO GET YOU THROUGH THE WEEK. INSPIRATIONAL WORDS OR TASKS TO IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL WELLBEING. YOUR JOURNEY CONTINUES EVERY WEDNESDAY.
RESTORE OLD FRIENDSHIPS
WE ALL HAVE PEOPLE THAT FOR ONE REASON OR ANOTHER WE LOSE CONTACT WITH. WE BECOME BUSY WITH LIFE AND WHEN FRIENDSHIPS ARE NOT NURTURED THEY TEND TO GET SIDELINED UNTIL THEY FADE FROM VIEW. AS TIMES PASSES IT BECOMES INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO PICK UP THE PHONE AND GET BACK IN TOUCH. YOUR FRIEND WILL BE FEELING JUST AS AWKWARD THINKING THAT YOUR LIFE MAY HAVE MOVED ON WITHOUT HER/HIM.
SO, TODAY THINK ABOUT GREAT PAST FRIENDS THAT YOU HAVE LOST TOUCH WITH ALONG THE WAY AND PICK UP THE PHONE AND TELL THEM HOW MUCH YOU HAVE MISSED THEM AND START TO PICK UP THE THREADS AND KNIT YOUR RELATIONSHIP BACK TOGETHER. NEW YEAR IS A GREAT TIME TO DO THIS AND A PERFECT EXCUSE TO SEND A HNY MESSAGE .
GOOD FRIENDS ARE HARD TO FIND BUT EASY TO LOSE TOUCH WITH. I AM SURE YOUR FRIEND WILL BE DELIGHTED TO HEAR FROM YOU…….EVEN IF IT WAS A FORCED SEPARATION AND BAD WORDS WERE EXCHANGED.
THE ONLY ADDENDUM I WILL ADD TO THIS IS IF THE FRIENDSHIP WAS TOXIC OR DRAINED YOU. THESE FRIENDSHIPS ARE BETTER LEFT IN THE PAST. IF IT WAS YOU THAT CAUSED THE TOXICITY ASSURE YOUR FRIEND THAT YOU RECOGNISE THAT YOU WERE THE PROBLEM, APOLOGISE AND SEE IF YOU CAN RECONCILE.
GOOD LUCK TEAM ! LET ME KNOW HOW YOU GET ON.
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: IF YOU GET THE IMPRESSION THAT YOUR FRIEND DOES NOT WANT TO RESTORE THE FRIENDSHIP LEAVE IT THERE DONT FORCE IT. DO NOT BE A STALKER. YOU WILL GUAGE THIS ON ONE PHONE CALL . IF YOU ARE UNSURE THEN TEXT FIRST IF YOU FEEL MORE COMFORTABLE. OR ALTERNATIVELY SEND A LITTLE ‘MISSING YOU’ CARD TH THEIR ADDRESS.
GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR RESTORATION
MWAH MWAH
JOJO XXXXXXX
BEAUTY: HOW TO SELF TAN
…….WITH STYLE.
Yes girls and boys its the middle of Winter but it is time to get your glow on to give you an instant lift !
If you are still getting this wrong I think you are probably using the wrong product. There are soo many bad tanning products on the market even in this advanced area of the beauty market. I have tried practically EVERY tanning product on the market, all the ones recommended by magazine beauty editors ( who are usually on advertising endorsements). So listen up ladies (and gentlemen) I am going to let you into an insider secret (unsponsored !!) CLARINS SELF TANNING MILKY LOTION wins by a country mile. So the first thing to do is arm yourself with the right product and a good body brush!
Here are some more that I love…….
PLEASE CLICK ON THE URL AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE IF YOU ARE HAVING TROUBLE VIEWING THE IMAGES.
SELF TAN SHOPPREP, PREP, PREP
- Shower
- Shave Legs and bikini line. Self tanning after waxing can lead to little bumps and rashes.
- Exfoliate . No need to splash out on expensive exfoliators. Use sugar and olive oil combined. Pay particular attention to elbows and knees.
- Body brush in long upward strokes to polish the surface of the skin.
- Dry yourself thoroughly.
APPLICATION
- There is no real need to use gloves for Clarins Self Tanning Milk it is not messy. But wash your hands in between the application especially if you have fake nails as they do get stained within minutes with any self tan product.
- Use long sweeping motions. I personally think you get a more even coverage than circular motions as we are often advised.
- Pay particular attention to feet and hands.
- Use less product on knees and elbows.
- If you have a partner get them to do your back. I never do my back as this product leaves a beautiful golden glow rather than a muddy dark tan, so it blends seamlessly. Anyway whoever sees your back AND your front at the same time ???
- I also us t the Clarins Self tan on my face but use sparingly all you want is a light golden healthy glow.
- DO NOT GET DRESSED IMMEDIATELY. With any self tan product you want it to set evenly. The last thing a girl needs is self tan on her clothes. Wait an hour. Do the vacuuming naked. Whatever. Patience girls !
Now you are ready to face the world with a beautiful healthy glow. Who needs to bake for hours in the sunshine. Although it is important to get a healthy dose of Vitamin D from the sunlight EVERY day. Good for bones and great for seratonin to lift your spirit. Everyone is happy when the sun is shining !
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: Self tan is available in many guises. Towelettes, mist, gel, cream, spray, mousse, drops .or oil never has there been so much choice . Although there are still bad self tan formulas on the market so it is all about buy and try to find the perfect one for you.
Mwah Mwah
JOJO XXXXX
MIDWEEK MANTRA: HAPPY NEW YOU !
YOUR WEEKLY DOSE OF INSPIRATION, POSITIVITY AND TIPS FOR LEADING A MORE FULFILLING LIFE. IF YOU ARE JUST JOINING US ……..THEN WELCOME .
MIRROR MIRROR ON THE WALL…………. I am going to ease you gently into 2023 as after all it has been a tough year and its now time to take back control !
So as it is the time of Year for renewals and clear outs , all I want you to do is take a good long look at yourself in the mirror. Really look at that person and acknowledge all your hopes and fears, the challenges you faced in 2022 and maybe continue to face.
Now think about the improvements you want to make this year FOR YOU! Not for everyone else , not for the world. not because society dictates who you should be.
How can I be happier ?
How can I feel happier ?
How can I look better ?
How can I improve my life to bring about positivity ?
What steps do I need to get me there?
Write all the thoughts that come to you , however random and jot them into your Midweek mantra Journal. From this period of self reflection some goals will be organically defined and not forced. Do it today !
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU ! WE CAN GET THROUGH THIS TOGETHER.
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: THIS MAY SEEM A LITTLE SELFISH TO CONCENTRATE ON YOURSELF. BUT REMEMBER A HAPPY YOU IS A HAPPY FRIENDS AND FAMILY.
MWAH MWAH
JOJO XXXXXXX
LIFESTYLE: THE POWER OF LAUGHTER
As my subscribers will know from over the years I NEVER make life limiting resolutions. Instead I choose a MANTRA word , a focussed meaning to keep me on track throughout the year ahead. Last year was PEACE the year before ADVENTURE. But my mantra word for 2023 is LAUGHTER. Many of us have forgotten how to laugh so this year I want to laugh more and i will choose to surround myself with people that make me laugh or at least smile.
So live your own Sit Com try to see the funny side in every situation make it comical. See the world through a childs eyes. Remember how much you laughed as a child when you did not take life so seriously through many years of societal conditioning. Go to Disney World ride a rollercoaster. Make snow angels in the snow. Even spend more time in the company of children. Head to a Comedy Club. Watch funnier TV less politics and news !!! In short, just plan for more laughter in your life . How many of us, even do that ?
So why is laughter so important and even if it not your chosen MANTRA word for 2023 still build more laughter into your life. Just look at the following benefits :
- Laughter lowers levels of adrenaline and the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol is linked to weight gain, heart disease, alzheimers and cancers. Laughter doesn,t just cut the levels of the bad stuff but it also floods the body with the good stuff. Humour stimulates dopamine ut without the side effects that other dopamine inducers like alcohol and drugs. Laughter is the safe drug to be addicted. Reduce your anxiety levels and enhance your wellbeing with a good belly laugh.
- A 1996 study found that hospital patients that watched more comedy need fewer prescription pain drugs than patients that had more serious viewing habits ! In fact more medical institutions are using laughter therapy in the treatment of chronic pain.
- Laughter burns calories and can make you fitter and of course tone abdominal muscles. %) calories for every 10 minutes of guffawing.
- Just by forcing a smile or making yourself laugh as in laughter yoga can change your whole mood and can demonstrate wonderful mental health benefits and reduces depression.
- Having a good laugh with someone can improve friendships and relationships by increased bonding and enjoying their company more so you want more time with them.
So come on readers LEARN TO LAUGH MORE. LET THE SILLINESS BEGIN………………………..
MWAH MWAH
JOJO XXXXXXXXX
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: You can train yourself to laugh on a regular basis until it becomes a habit. Its like switching a switch> Checkout my laughter yoga video and article on this site. Or checkout my youtube channel at SOULJUNK-E.COM
MIDWEEK MANTRA : HAPPY 2023 ! YOUR YEAR !
INSPIRATION, NOTES AND TASKS TO LIGHTEN YOUR MENTAL MOOD AND STRENGTHEN YOUR MIND TO GET YOU THROUGH THE WEEK.
HAPPY NEW YEAR !
THIS IS THE YEAR WHEN YOU SET AMAZING GOALS TO ENRICH YOUR LIFE. LETS FACE IT AFTER 2021/2022 WE REALLY WANT THIS YEAR TO BE DIFFERENT. THE LAST TWO YEARS PROVIDED US WITH A PERIOD OF REFLECTION. A POSITIVE WE CAN ALL ACCEPT THAT WE KNOW OURSELVES MUCH BETTER IN A CRISIS.
DREAM BIG
TWO FISHERMAN ARE OUT FISHING ON THE RIVERBANK THEY THROW ALL THE SMALL FISH BACK INTO THE RIVER THEN ONE OF THEM LANDS A SUPER BIG FISH , HE MEASURES IT, THEN THROWS IT BACK. THE OTHER FISHERMAN ASTONISHED ASKS WHY HE THREW IT BACK. “ITS TOO BIG TO FIT INTO MY FRYING PAN, ANYTHING LARGER THAN MY FRYING PAN I THROW BACK BECAUSE I CAN’T COOK IT !”
THE UNIVERSE IS OFFERING ALL OF US ABUNDANCE AND UNLIMITED POSSIBILITIES BUT IF YOUR PERSONAL VESSEL IS SMALL OR LIMITED YOU CANNOT FIT IT ALL IN. SO WE HAVE TO EXPAND OUR VESSEL AND OUR VISION.
SO ARE YOU DREAMING BIG ?
ARE YOU LIMITING POSSIBILITIES UNINTENTIONALLY ?
IS YOUR THINKING SMALL ?
ARE YOU RESTRICTING WHAT YOU CAN ACCOMPLISH ?
SO TODAY THINK BIGGER HOW CAN YOU EXPAND YOUR DESIRES FOR A BETTER LIFE.
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: AIM FOR THE MOON SO AT LEAST YOU WILL GET THE STARS.
MWAH MWAH
JOJO XXXXXXX
A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF MY AMAZING READERS.
Thank you for being there over the last four years. Wow what a four years !
Please always know that if you got through the last two years then we can all get through anything. These times have shown just how resilient you can be and just what is important to YOU in YOUR life.
Don’t put your life onM hold for a hope of better times ahead live your life as best as you can today, everyday. Start to appreciate the small things, strip everything back to basics and start to rebuild pleasure and joy into your life. Find laughter in the face of adversity.
So please on the eve of Christmas , welcome it in enjoy it let your hair down and eat, drink and laugh with your favourite people.
REMEMBER for the rest of the year we always have each other ! Im looking forward to continuing my journey of discovery with all of you x
MWAH MWAH
JOJO XXXXX
LIFESTYLE : HOW TO BE ALONE AT CHRISTMAS
IF YOU ARE ALONE AT CHRISTMAS BY PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES , I WANT TO SHOW YOU HOW CHRISTMAS CAN STILL BE EXTRA SPECIAL. HERE IS YOUR SURVIVAL GUIDE…….
THROUGH MY OWN PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES I WAS FORCED INTO MANY A SOLITARY CHRISTMAS AS A SINGLE MUM. SPENDING EVERY OTHER YEAR WITH HIS DAD WAS EXTREMELY HARD TO DEAL WITH AND I DID NOT REALLY FEEL LIKE CELEBRATING SO I WOULD TAKE MYSELF OFF TO A LUXURY HOTEL AND HAVE ROOM SERVICE IN BED ALL DAY. THEN SPEND ALL BOXING DAY IN THE SPA. SO STILL MANAGED TO MAKE FOND MEMORIES.
MANY PEOPLE I KNOW WOULD REJOICE AT SPENDING CHRISTMAS ALONE SO LETS SEE IF WE CAN GIVE YOU SOME GOOD TIPS ON ENJOYING THE “BIG’ DAY AND MAKING IT SPECIAL
- FIRSTLY YOU COULD DO WHAT I DID AND JUST TREAT YOURSELF TO A FEW NIGHTS IN A SUMPTUOUS HOTEL. LET SOMEONE ELSE DO THE COOKING !! MAKE SURE THE HOTEL HAS A SPA TO SPOIL YOU ROTTEN.
- IF STAYING HOME ALONE. SET THE SCENE. MAKE SURE THE HOUSEWORK IS ALL DONE . YOUR HOME IS TIDY NO WASHING AND IRONING PILES. LOTS OF CANDLES. COSY BLANKETS. LOVELY XMAS TREE. MAKE AN EFFORT ….FOR YOU….YOU DESERVE IT.
- IF YOU DECIDE TO HAVE A DECADENT DAY IN YOUR PJS TREAT YOURSELF TO SOME GLAMOROUS ONES. SEE BELOW FOR SOME SUGGESTIONS. (IF YOU CANNOT SEE THE IMAGES CLICK ON THE URL LINK AT THE BASE OF THIS PAGE)
- JOJOS PICKS :
- TREAT YOURSELF TO SOME LOVELY FOOD AS YOU ARE ONLY SHOPPING FOR ONE YOU CAN GO ALL OUT. TRY M&S STUFFED TURKEY PAUPIETTES WRAPPED IN BACON. AS YOU WON’T WANT A WHOLE TURKEY. SMOKED SALMON. CAVIAR. YES THE MORE EXTRAVAGANT THE BETTER !
- AND DON’T FORGET THE CHAMPAGNE. BUY MINI BOTTLES OF A GOOD LABEL AS YOU DO NOT WANT TO DRINK TOO MUCH WHEN YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN. THE CHAMPAGNE COMPANY (thechampagnecompany.com)SELL MINI BOTTLES OF LAURENT PERRIER FOR £10 EACH .MY FRIDGE IS STOCKED FULL OF THESE FOR WHEN I WANT ONE AT BATHTIME ! SO GOODBYE TO DAY OLD FLAT CHAMPAGNE .
- PUT ON THE CHRISTMAS MUSIC IN THE MORNING !! LIFT YOUR SPIRITS WITH A GOOD DANCE AROUND THE HOUSE. GOOD EXERCISE TOO !
- PLAN YOUR MOVIE AFTERNOON SCHEDULE. REMEMBER THERE IS ONLY YOU TO PLEASE. YOUR CHOICE ! SNUGGLE UNDER YOUR FUR BLANKET ON THE SOFA. PLUS YOU DO NOT HAVE TO SHARE THAT CHRISTMAS CHOCOLATE EITHER.
- DO NOT FORGET THE PRESENTS. SO SELF GIFTING IS A MUST AND AT LEAST YOU KNOW WHAT YOU LIKE. SELF GIFTING MEANS NO RE GIFTING !!! WRAP THEM BEAUTIFULLY PRIOR TO THE DAY .
- GET OUT IN NATURE FOR A LONG WALK IN THE FRESH AIR. APPRECIATE THE COLOURS , THE BIRDSONG AND THE PEACE AND JOY OF THE BEAUTY THAT SURROUNDS YOU ON THIS WONDROUS DAY.
- PLAN A ZOOM PARTY WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY IF YOU CANNOT BE WITH THEM THIS CHRISTMAS. SCHEDULE A TIME IN ADVANCE.
- IT CAN BE A DIFFICULT TIME AND IF DURING THE DAY YOU GET A TOUCH OF THE BLUES DO NOT FORGET THE TRIED AND TESTED “GRATITUDE LIST”. LIST 5 THINGS YOU ARE GRATEFUL FOR AND FOCUS ON THOSE. THERE IS MUCH TO BE GRATEFUL FOR. PLAN YOUR GOALS FOR 2021 IF YOU WANT TO MAKE CHANGES THIS CAN EXCITE YOU.
SO THERE YOU HAVE IT YOUR PLAN FOR A FABULOUS CHRISTMAS ALONE. AS A SELF CONFESSED CHRISTMAS FANATIC I PROMISE YOU IT CAN STILL BE A MAGICAL TIME. NO ARGUMENTS, NO SLAVING AWAY IN THE KITCHEN, NO MISSING YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIES. THINK OF IT AS A POSITIVE TIME. IN FACT AFTER READING THIS ARTICLE I CAN SENSE THE HOLLY GREEN ENVY AS PEOPLE ABANDON THEIR CHRISTMAS PLANS GLOBALLY ! AS LONG AS IT IS NOT YOU SPORTING GRINCH GREEN!!
Don,t be a Grinch this Christmas !
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: IF YOU THINK IT IS GOING TO BE TOUGH FOR YOU THIS CHRISTMAS DESPITE ALL THE ABOVE EXCITEMENT PLEASE REMEMBER IT IS JUST ONE DAY IT TOO SHALL PASS. AT LEAST YOU WILL BE STAYING SAFE AND HEALTHY . THE PARTICULAR XMAS THEME FOR 2020 .
MWAH MWAH
JOJO XXXXXX
HEALTH: FAKING IT WITH CHRISTMAS MOCKTAILS
Christmas is a time when we go into overdrive on our alcohol consumption. The run up to Christmas with an incredibly busy social scene right up until the day when we start on the Bucks Fizz at breakfast time …….then just continue.
If you are cutting out alcohol for any reason or if you just want to cut down do not let it spoil your Christmas. Especially if you are cooking the lunch !!! You can still join in and feel very naughty with three of my favourite non alcoholic Christmas cocktails. I don’t think anyone of us wants to feel inebriated on Christmas day ( well maybe there is a few of you !!) but even if you are having the mulled wine, the egg nog, the champagne and the wine it maybe a good idea to intersperse the alcohol for you and your guests with one of these. Also good for the children (well, it IS christmas )
Mulled ‘Cider’
- 1 glass of apple juice
- 4 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- star anise
- orange zest
- teaspoon of agave syrup
METHOD
Simmer gently all ingredients. Strain. Serve with a cinnamon stick.
APPLE SPARKLE
- 1 glass of cloudy apple juice
- A tot of elderflower cordial
- Mint
- Sparkling water
- Gold leaf for sprinkle and sparkle
METHOD
Half fill a glass with cloudy apple juice . Add a tot of elderflower cordial. Top up with sparkling water. Lots of crushed ice. Mix well with a mixing spoon. garnish with a sprig of mint and sprinkle with gold leaf.
RASPBERRY ‘NOJITO’
- Raspberries fresh or frozen
- mint
- coconut sugar
- lime juice
- sparkling water
METHOD
Muddle the raspberries, mint and sugar and lime juice. Top up with sparkling water.
As you can see all very simple and quicker to make then normal cocktails so time saving too. The raspberry mojito can be whizzed up and pureed in a blender and served in a martini glass as a fake cosmopolitan. It all depends what you normally drink so change the glass to suit your mood.
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: THIS ADVICE IS NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS BUT FOR LIFE…..FOR EVERY ALCOHOLIC DRINK HAVE A NON ALCOHOLIC DRINK. MY ‘GO TO’ IS ELDERFLOWER CORDIAL AND SODA SERVED IN A CHAMPAGNE GLASS. SO YOU DONT APPEAR TO BE A PARTY POOPER AND PEOPLE DONT FORCE YOU TO EXCEED YOUR LIMITS. ADDED BONUS OF SAVING CALORIES TOO !!!
HAVE A MERRY (BUT NOT TOO MERRY) CHRISTMAS !
JOJO XXXXXXXX
LIFESTYLE: REDISCOVER CHRISTMAS RITUALS
I know many of you reading this, (if you even have time on this busy weekend before Christmas) are probably frantically busy and getting stressed. Many people have forgotten how to enjoy christmas. I adore Christmas but speaking to my friends they all now seem to dread the very idea of it. On a recent poll I read that 68% dread Christmas. So it made me ask myself why do I love it sooo much and I came to the conclusion it was about my firmly established Christmas rituals. I am literally Mother Christmas. So let me share with you some simple rituals for putting the Joy back into Christmas and making it more pleasurable than painful……
MY RITUALS
- BAKING. NO! I AM NOT GOING TO ADD TO YOUR STRESS BY DEMANDING YOU MAKE YOUR OWN PUDDING AND CAKE BUT I LOVE TO DO SMALL TOUCHES AND CREATIONS EG MY OWN CRANBERRY AND PORT SAUCE, MINCE PIES (SHOP BOUGHT PASTRY) BUT CREATIVE FILLINGS WITH ADDED ORANGE ZEST AND CRANBERRIES TO MINCEMEAT. CHOOSE YOUR OWN SIMPLE ADDITIONS FOR ONE AFTERNOON IN YOUR CHRISTMAS KITCHEN WITH CHRISTMAS CAROLS AND A GLASS OF MULLED WINE.
- WE HAVE A WHOLE DAY OF CHRISTMAS DECORATING AT THE END OF NOVEMBER. A LIFETIME RITUAL. THE ANDY WILLIAMS ALBUM GOES ON AN OLD TURNTABLE. A BIG ROAST DINNER. THE FAMILY GATHERS. MULLED WINE AND MINCE PIES WHILE WE ALL GET CREATIVE WITH THE TREES. SIGNIFIES THE BEGINNING OF CHRISTMAS. WHAT IS A CHORE FOR MANY IS A RESTFUL PLEASURABLE EXPERIENCE FOR US.
- THE EARLIER YOU START CHRISTMAS PRESENT BUYING I GUARANTEE YOU THAT YOU END UP SPENDING MORE. YOU JUST KEEP GOING. SO I CHOOSE ONE DAY A FEW DAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS. ALONE. I MAKE THE DAY PLEASURABLE WITH A LUNCH BOOKED SOMEWHERE SUMPTUOUS IN ADVANCE WITH A NICE GLASS OF CHAMPAGNE. I PLAN THIS AROUND A SMALL SHOPPING AREA EG JERMYN STREET, OR PAVILION RD CHELSEA (SEE LAST WEEKS BLOG) SO NOT MUCH WALKING INVOLVED. I START EARLY !! I AM NOT A FAN OF THE COMMERCIALITY OF CHRISTMAS BUT PRESENT GIVING IS AN IMPORTANT CARING RITUAL IT IS NOT ABOUT THE EXPENSE BUT A PERSONAL GIFT THAT SHOWS YOU KNOW AND CARE ENOUGH IS IMPORTANT. I HATE IT WHEN PEOPLE JUST GIVE MONEY, AND IF THEY DONT KNOW WHAT TO BUY YOU , THEN THEY DONT KNOW YOU. IF YOU CANT AFFORD MUCH AT LEAST AFFORD THE TIME ! EVEN A £5 GIFT CAN BE INCREDIBLY TOUCHING IF THE GIVER TOOK THE TIME TO SELECT IT. SO MAKE A LIST,CHECKING IT TWICE, SET YOUR BUDGET AND PLAN YOUR ROUTE.
- I DONT SEND CARDS AND ASK PEOPLE NOT TO SEND THEM. IT SEEMS SO WASTEFUL AS I AM SO ANTI CLUTTER THESE BEAUTIFUL CARDS ARE ALL BINNED THE FOLLOWING WEEK. SO THE STRESS OF WRITING HUNDREDS OF CARDS AND FINDING ADDRESSES IS REMOVED. ALL THE PEOPLE I CARE ABOUT I AM IN TOUCH WITH ON A REGULAR BASIS ANYWAY NO NEED TO SEND ME A CARD !
- DONT FORGET TO HAVE FUN !! CHRISTMAS FOR ME IS SPECIAL WHEN MEETING UP WITH FRIENDS FOR LUNCHES OR COCKTAILS. I TAKE ALL MY ELDERLY FRIENDS OUT FOR A SPECIAL LUNCH AND INCLUDING ANYONE WHO MAYBE LONELY. IT IS AN IMPORTANT PUNCTUATION MARK IN THE CALENDAR TO TELL PEOPLE HOW SPECIAL THEY ARE.
- CHRISTMAS EVE WE ALWAYS GO TO CHURCH FOR A SERVICE TO REMEMBER THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS .
- WE ATTEND TWO CHARITY CHRISTMAS CONCERTS EACH YEAR. ONE AT WELLINGTON COLLEGE AND ONE AT ST PAULS KNIGHTSBRIDGE. I LOVE CAROLS AND THESE ARE TRULY MAGICAL. THE CHARITIES BENEFIT ENORMOUSLY AT THIS TIME OF YEAR.
- IT IS IMPORTANT TO GIVE YOUR TIME TO CHARITY AT CHRISTMAS. WE WRAP AND DONATE TOYS FOR LOCAL CHILDRENS HOMES AND GIVE CHRISTMAS SANDWICHES TO ANYONE WHO WE SEE ON THE STREETS. LAST YEAR WE DONATED HATS AND GLOVES TO THE HOMELESS OF LONDON. CHOOSE YOUR OWN LOCAL CHARITY, THERE WILL BE SOMEONE WHO NEEDS YOU THIS CHRISTMAS.
- THE CHRISTMAS LUNCH ON THE DAY ITSELF NEED NOT BE A STRESSFUL ENDURANCE RACE. THE SHOWPIECE IS THE TURKEY. NO NEED TO SPEND HOURS PEELING AND PREPARING THE VEG . NO ROAST POTATOES TASTE AS GOOD AS AUNT BESSIES GOOSE FAT OVEN READY POTATOES. THERE IS SOME AMAZING PREPARED VEG NOW TOO . BRUSSELS WITH PANCETTA AND CHESTNUTS. CARROTS WITH CRANBERRIES. JUST POP IN THEIR TRAYS IN THE OVEN CUTS THE TIME AND THE COST TOO WHEN YOU ADD ALL THE SPECIAL BITS TO YOUR VEG. BELIEVE ME YOUR GUESTS WONT KNOW THE DIFFERENCE AND EVEN IF THEY DO THEY WONT MIND. DONT TORTURE YOURSELF COOKING THE MEAL AND PRESENT IT BEAUTIFULLY. THE TURKEY IS LOW MAINTENANCE ONCE IN THE OVEN SO GRAB A GLASS OF BUCKS FIXX AND JOIN IN THE FUN !
THESE ARE JUST A FEW OF MY RITUALS. RITUALS MEAN YOU PRACTISE THEM EVERY YEAR SO THEY BECOME SECOND NATURE. THEY SHOULD ALL BE BEAUTIFUL AND FUN. SO BRING THE BEAUTY AND JOY BACK INTO YOUR CHRISTMAS ROUTINE. THESE RITUALS MAY COME TOO LATE FOR MANY OF YOU BUT THERE IS ALWAYS NEXT YEAR !!
JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: FOR ANYONE WHO IS ON THEIR OWN THIS CHRISTMAS OR FEELING LONELY PLEASE KNOCK ON A NEIGHBOURS DOOR OR GET OUT AND ABOUT AND STRIKE UP CONVERSATIONS WITH PEOPLE. TALK TO SOMEONE. ESTABLISH YOUR OWN PERSONAL RITUALS TO MAKE EVEN AN ALONE CHRISTMAS PARTICULARLY SPECIAL TO YOU. REMEBER IT IS ONE DAY.
MUCH LOVE AND WARM HUGS AND WARM MULLED WINE
MWAH MWAH JOJO XXXXXXX