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LIFESTYLE : HOW TO BE ALONE AT CHRISTMAS

by jojobatemanLeave a Comment on 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…….

christmas presents under a christmas tree

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.
cat lying on cloth
  • 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 .
close up photo of wine glass
  • PUT ON THE CHRISTMAS MUSIC IN THE MORNING !! LIFT YOUR SPIRITS WITH A GOOD DANCE AROUND THE HOUSE. GOOD EXERCISE TOO !
cheerful elderly man listening to music in headphones
  • 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

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HEALTH: FAKING IT WITH CHRISTMAS MOCKTAILS

by jojobatemanLeave a Comment on 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.

Mulled ‘Cider’

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.

Apple Sparkle

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.

Raspberry Nohito

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

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LIFESTYLE: REDISCOVER CHRISTMAS RITUALS

by jojobatemanLeave a Comment on 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.
With Stephen Fry shopping on Jermyn Street
  • 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 !!

Always Team Santa

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

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LIFESTYLE: DISCOVER PAVILION RD CHELSEA FOR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

by jojobateman1 Comment on LIFESTYLE: DISCOVER PAVILION RD CHELSEA FOR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

ONE OF MY FAVOURITE STREETS FOR ALL MY CHRISTMAS SHOPPING NEEDS IS LONDONS BEST KEPT SECRET ……..PAVILION ROAD.

LOCATED JUST OFF SLOANE SQUARE LIT UP WITH PRETTY CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AND AWAY FROM THE MASSES OF CROWDS USUALLY ENCOUNTERED AT THIS TIME OF YEAR. PERFECT FOR SOCIAL DISTANCING. ALSO ENABLES YOU TO GET EVERYTHING IN ONE MILE FROM FOOD TO GIFTS AVOIDING BUSY DEPARTMENT STORES AND SUPERMARKETS. ALSO IMMENSELY MORE ENJOYABLE AS IT IS SO DICKENSIAN , THE EPITOME OF CHRISTMAS.

GOOD FOR EXCLUSIVE SHOPPING AT ANY TIME OF THE YEAR BUT I PROMISE YOU YOU CAN GET ALL YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING IN ONE 1 MILE STRETCH OF ROAD HERE.

BRING BACK PLEASURABLE SHOPPING………….

LET ME WALK YOU UP THIS STREET STARTING AT THE HANS ROAD END.

PROVENANCE THE VILLAGE BUTCHER FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS TURKEY AND BOXING DAY GAMMON.

WULF AND LAMB VEGAN RESTAURANT OR HANS BAR AND GRILL OPPOSITE A LOVELY RESTAURANT SERVING GREAT FOOD AN INFORMAL BAR FOR SOME FESTIVE CHAMPAGNE. SERVES BREAKFAST, LUNCH OR DINNER DEPENDING ON WHEN YOU ARE STARTING YOUR SHOPPING EXPEDITION. BOOK AHEAD AS NUMBERS ARE NOW LIMITED OF COURSE.

NOW YOU HAVE HAD A BREAK AND WRITTEN YOUR LIST AND CHECKING IT TWICE LETS CARRY ON.

PAPERSMITHS A BEAUTIFUL STATIONERS FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS CARDS AND GORGEOUS BOOKS AND INNOVATIVE GIFTS.

BREAD AHEAD A DELIGHTFUL BAKERY FOR YOUR MORNING CROISSANTS AND PASTRIES AND PANETTONE. THEY ALSO DO HALF DAY COURSES IN BAKING SELECT YOUR COURSE AND BOOK AHEAD FOR 2021.

THE SEA THE SEA A QUALITY FISHMONGERS FOR YOUR SALMON , PRAWNS , OYSTERS OR SOMETHING FOR CHRISTMAS EVE SUPPER.

LONDON CHEESEMONGERS A TRADITIONAL CHEESE SPECIALIST SO LOTS OF ADVICE FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS CHEESEBOARD. THEY ALSO DELIVER IF YOU DONT WANT TO CARRY YOUR SMELLY CHEESES AROUND.

SO THATS ALL THE FOOD TAKEN CARE OF. LETS MOVE ONTO GIFTS FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY OR EVEN YOUR CHRISTMAS OUTFIT. NOT FORGETTING YOUR BEAUTY NEEDS IT ALL HERE. READ ON………

NEXT WE COME TO THE WHITE COMPANY , NEEDS NO INTRODUCTION. GREAT GIFTS . OR MAYBE SOME NEW BEDDING READY FOR CHRISTMAS MORNING.

SALON SLOANE A CONTEMPORARY SALON WITH A GREAT REPUTATION FOR ALL CUTTING AND COLOURING REQUIREMENTS WHILE YOU TAKE A BREAK FROM SHOPPING.

RIGHT NEXT DOOR THERE IS A STUNNING LITTLE FLORISTS MOYSES STEVENS WITH CHRISTMAS WREATHS IN THE WINDOW. I ORDER ONE HANDMADE. THIS IS ONE OF LONDONS OLDEST AND MOST PRESTIGIOUS FLORISTS. TIE TO ORDER SOME BOUQUETS FOR DELIVERY.

OLIVIA VAN HALLE IS THE NEXT STOP DOWN FOR CHRISTMAS PYJAMAS. I THINK THIS WOULD MAKE THE PERFECT PRESSIE FOR MY MOTHER. THESE PYJAMAS ARE THE PIECE DE RESISTANCE IN PJ WORLD !

WE CROSS THE STREET TO HEIDI KLEIN MAINLY BECAUSE I WANT TO BE BEACH READY AS SOON AS THE TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS ARE LIFTED AND THESE ARE MY BIKINIS OF CHOICE. SELF GIFTING TIME. BUT THEY STOCK GREAT GIFT IDEAS OF BEACH BAGS AND SLIP ON BEACH SHOES. MY SUITCASE IS READY TO GO.

SARAH CHAPMAN FACIALIST TO THE STARS HAS HER CLINIC HERE TOO. WHAT LUCK. OF COURSE IF YOU WANTED TO FIT A FACIAL IN TO YOUR SHOPPING DAY YOU WOULD HAVE TO PREBOOK. BUT THERE ARE SOME DELIGHTFUL SKINCARE SETS THAT ANYONE WOULD LOVE TO RECEIVE.

COSMETICS A LA CARTE NOT ONLY DO THEY HAVE GREAT COSMETIC GIFTS HERE BUT YOU CAN BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY MAKE UP 1:1 SESSION OR THEY HAVE MANY EVENTS HEADING UP TO THE MAIN EVENT. CHECK OUT THEIR WEBSITE FOR FURTHER INFO.

KATE SPADE WHEN WE POPPED IN HAD TABLES FILLED WITH LASHINGS OF CHRISTMAS IDEAS. BUT THEY ALSO HAD SOME EYE POPPING PARTY DRESSES TOO OR MAYBE YOUR CHRISTMAS DAY OUTFIT OR J CREW IS DIRECTLY OPPOSITE FOR A COSY OUTFIT FOR A BOXING DAY WALK.

WELL AS WE REACH THE END OF PAVILION ROAD DIRECTLY OPPOSITE IS PETER JONES CHELSEAS’ HUGE DEPARTMENT STORE FOR ANYTHING WE DIDNT MANAGE TO GET ON OUR LIST.

BUT I THINK WE HAVE JUST A LITTLE TIME TO TAKE THE GORGEOUS MAN IM WITH TO TIFFANYS A FEW STEPS AWAY FOR MY OWN PRESENT…….JUST WINDOW SHOPPING I PROMISE …..NOT !

JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: IMAGINE ALL YOUR LUXURY FOOD AND GIFT SHOPPING FOR CHRISTMAS ALL DONE IN ONE STREET WITH TIME FOR LUNCH AND A FACIAL. NO SORE FEET. THIS ONLY EXISTED IN DREAMS UNTIL I DISCOVERED PAVILION RD

Well all that shopping has made me tired so I return to the Hans Bar and Grill for a cup of black coffee before the drive home with all my purchases.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

JOJO MWAH MWAH XXXXXXXX

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LIFESTYLE : DISCOVER HAPPINESS YOGA. ITS TIME TO LAUGH AGAIN !

by jojobateman1 Comment on LIFESTYLE : DISCOVER HAPPINESS YOGA. ITS TIME TO LAUGH AGAIN !

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.

Courtesy of SoulJunk-E.com

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

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MENTAL HEALTH: BE YOUR OWN THERAPIST

by jojobatemanLeave a Comment on MENTAL HEALTH: BE YOUR OWN THERAPIST
self care isn t selfish signage

With mental health problems continuing to soar in these anxious times and access to NHS services severely restricted it is not time to give up ! Do not disappear further down a deep dark hole if you feel there is no outside help, it is time to help yourself. Let us do this together.

Here are some helpful points to give yourself a therapy session. After all no one knows you better than you know yourself The worst thing you can do is nothing at all while you are on the waiting list for professional help and who knows by time you have practised this list you may decide you no longer need professional therapy.

The following methods have helped many of my clients with their mental health who have sought my help in my capacity of a professional Sound Healing Therapist and have certainly helped myself too. It is very important to examine your own mental health regularly as you would examine say your breasts for lumps.

So here are the 5 rules:

RULE ONE

What do you need when you find yourself in a difficult period ? Most people at this time will NOT feel like going out to clubs and socialising but you may feel like walking your dog in the countryside or curling up on the sofa with a great movie. So identify what YOU need to feel better and allow yourself the time to do WHATEVER COMFORTS YOU .

RULE TWO

Define the situation. Write it down. relationships, money, friends or general lethargy. Be brutally honest with yourself . Are you part of the problem? Self examination is a great tool. But if you are really finding this difficult or this does not fit with your personality type then enlist the help of a friend to talk it through with, but ask them to be honest and open too. The method of self examination works for many but it depends on the type of person you are.

There is a danger of thinking none of this is your fault otherwise then you cannot effect change.

RULE THREE

Analyse the situation. How it happened ? Why it happened ? When did you start feeling this way ? What prompted this feeling? Again write it down.

RULE FOUR

How can you make this better ? What do YOU want ? Step outside of yourself and look in as an outsider. De personalise for a moment.

What would you tell your Son/Daughter/best friend if they were in the same situation ?

Visualise how you would like to feel. Dream how you would like to be. Write down your goals to achieving this.

RULE FIVE

TALK. To someone. Anyone. This does not have to be a trained therapist. Do not bottle things up. Sometimes just releasing pent up feelings can see a marked improvement in mood.

It is time to take control before it gets out of control.

JOJOS STYLELIST TIP:If it is a situation that is causing poor mental health just remember what looks bleak one day to remember there are good times ahead you just never know what is around the corner . Anticipate the good times. Think of a relationship break up you think your world has ended and you will never meet someone like them but the next one is ALWAYS better than the last one. How many of us can relate to that ??

MWAH MWAH

JOJO XXXXXXX

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LIFESTYLE: HOW TO STIMULATE YOUR VAGUS NERVE

by jojobatemanLeave a Comment on LIFESTYLE: HOW TO STIMULATE YOUR VAGUS NERVE

………….VIVA LOST VAGUS !!!

OK guys lets get the jokes out of the way. Vagus diametrically opposed to ‘Vegas” this is not a wild, partying drinking exercise but a calming, peaceful experience.

I first learned about the Vagus Nerve and the Thymus gland (fed by the VN) many years ago during my training to become a Sound Healing Practioner. The benefits of stimulating this nerve and gland are so great I thought i would share them with you today.

professional massage therapist treating a female patient s injured neck

WHAT IS THE VAGUS NERVE

The Vagus nerve is the longest of all cranial nerves. It travels from the brain through the trachea, larynx, heart, lungs, liver, spleen, pancreas and intestines.

BENEFITS OF STIMULATING THE VAGUS NERVE

Bearing in mind all the organs this nerve passes through the benefits to both your body and your mind can be huge. There is a direct link to mental health such as depression and anxiety. Coping with the effects of stress on the body by calming the heart rate and emotions. Inflammation in the organs. Responsible for making white blood cells therefore boosting immunity. Aids digestion as the nerve is supplying the digestive tract right down into the intestines. The health of this nerve therefore is important to the body holistically.

HOW TO STIMULATE THE VAGUS NERVE

MASSAGE

  1. To calm your anxiety immediately we can use the branch of the vagus nerve in the ear and neck. There are many nerve endings in this area stemming from the vagus nerve. So gently pull on each ear in turn. Massage gently behind the ear in front of the hairline and then in front of the ear. The massage should be light and sensory not full acupressure. When in front of the ear bring the middle finger and fore finger in a straight line down the side of each neck. You will find this action very calming and great for anxiety.

SINGING AND CHANTING

As the vagus nerve is connected to the vocal chords and throat this is a great way to stimulate them and reap all of the aforementioned benefits. Of course belting out Motorhead or heavy metal songs will not have the same effect as gentle music and gentle chants too. As you are probably aware chanting is normally deep in the throat try OHHHHHHH, AHHHHHHHH, EEEEEEEEEH. Humming is also good . Hum every morning when you are in the shower to wake that Vagus Nerve up.

BREATHING

Just rhythmic breathing from the abdomen can really help but combining this with Ujjai breathing is really powerful. If you practise yoga you will be familiar with this style of breathing, throat breathing. Vibrating a sound as you breathe out deep in the back of the throat.

YOGA

Holding poses, breathing, twisting, chanting relaxation. Doing a daily yoga practice can maintain a healthy vagus nerve and keep it at an optimum level.

THE THYMUS GLAND

This gland is located in the centre of your chest just behind the breastbone and directly connected to the vagus nerve. Leading Psychotherapists state that the Thymus Gland “controls the life energy of the body”. Tapping on the Thymus is a simple technique you can use anytime if you want to strengthen your immune system.

a woman putting a worded statement on her chest

The tapping should be heavy enough to make a drumming sound in your chest. Tap in an anti clockwise direction for about 30 seconds. breathe naturally as you do this. The vibration caused by the tapping stimulates the gland and the vagus nerve it is attached to, massaging the heart, lungs and bronchial tubes and draws blood and energy to nourish the thymus.

The thymus tap is also good for jet lag. Tap every hour while travelling to reset your body clock.

So this extra long nerve and this little gland are incredibly powerful and by giving them a little extra attention and some love and care you will reap some amazing rewards.

MWAH MWAH

JOJO xxxxxx

JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: As a Sound and Vibration expert never underestimate the power of vibration on the body. Remember 60% of the body is water. Vibration helps to clear the channels and pools of stagnation within the body. .Think of it like a flowing mountain stream with clear fresh water and eliminating those muddy little pools. These exercises contained in these articles will help you to connect with your body and get to know it better.

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COVID CURES : 10 REASONS TO BE POSITIVE POST LOCKDOWNS

by jojobatemanLeave a Comment on COVID CURES : 10 REASONS TO BE POSITIVE POST LOCKDOWNS

This post is dedicated to my best friend Dinx who suggested this article. Thank you for bringing positivity into my life on a daily basis x

The curse of Covid continues to live amongst us and is undeniably having a growing effect on health and finances but let us try to look at the positive effects this has had on us as individuals and globally. You subscribe to this blog because you subscribe to positivity so it is my task to find joy and purpose in life on a daily basis.

So lets focus on some positive points as after all we are going to have to live with this virus on a permanent basis. The Spanish Flu epidemic of 1918 is still with us today mutated into our regular Influenza.

10 POST COVID CURES

  • Time to press the pause button. A period of reflection and thinking. Press the reset button. What a luxury rarely afforded to ourselves.
  • Decluttering the home in a mindful steady way. Bit by bit room by room . Developing a charity pile to take to donate to starved charities in this time. We also have learned to live without so much excess and from speaking to you all your needs have been differentiated from your wants.
female shopaholic with laptop shopping online in messy living room
  • Discovering new ways of working. Ways that work for you. Creating lovely office spaces at home. It is great if you have now been given options to combine the two. Many new jobs have been created for homeworkers helping stay at home Mother/Fathers. People have found new outlets for untapped creativity e.g writing books, TikTok, fashion design, Pet youtube videos.
  • Cooking healthy nutritious meals from scratch and more importantly eating them. No need for fast food now ! A skill that hopefully stayed with you when we returned to normal. You will never return to junk food once you have been eating so healthily and realise it takes less time to put a healthy meal together than to order a takeaway.
  • Catching up on movies you have been meaning to watch for years. Even live theatre streaming on YouTube channel The Show Must Go On a front row seat that you may not have had the time or money for pre lockdown.
  • Nature appreciation. Long walks in the Countryside. Noticing colours, smells and the visual stimuli for the first time in many cases. A time to build up an exercise regime that you enjoy and to continue an appreciation of the beautiful Country we live in that we may only have noticed the first time during lockdown.
person wearing yellow jacket walking in forest
  • Less pollution on the roads. A chance to reset globally. It took a surprisingly short period to improve air quality substantially globally proving a massive health benefit for many. Although the current rail strikes have not helped the situation. But what was apparent there were much more car sharing happening more thought and planning had gone into our daily commute. The challenge is to use this time to maintain the low levels by reassessing working practices. I personally can notice a difference in the air quality in Central London even today compared to pre lockdown.
  • Appreciate friends and family more. Spending more time together, talking , playing board games, eating together. I know this has exposed some weaknesses in relationships but this provides a chance to air grievances. Or indeed walk away, it is a true test of a relationship tif you enjoying staying in with someone as opposed to going out with them.
  • Restaurants are much more enjoyable now with more appreciation for more distancing between tables. A direct result from the socially distanced covid requirements. Less people less noise and no one sitting right next to us listening into(and sometimes joining in) conversations makes the whole experience infinitely more enjoyable. I am sure as Customers we will become increasingly demanding on this and not put up with being squashed into tight spaces. I have been campaigning for years to put more space between tables in restaurants as I don’t particularly want people I have not invited to join me for lunch. I consistently ask to be redirected to a table with more space and now I don’t have to ! Loving this point.
interior design of a glass wall restaurant
  • Stimulating my mind with the huge growth of on line courses. Art,wine,photography, piano ,poker, just a few ways I have found to educate myself further.
  • Helping the planet by buying less clothing . No more fast fashion fixes. After all there is nowhere to go ! It does reassess your values and you probably found pieces lurking at the back of the closet when you were doing all that cluttering !

You I am sure noticed that there are in fact 11 post Covid Cures and not 10 , testament to my positivity. In fact I could think of several more. Why not try writing your own list.

JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: New routines take 21 days to become a habit and a consistent part of our new normal. We have had a good deal longer than 21 days so get going Stylistas !

MWAH MWAH

JOJO XXXXXXXXX

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HOW TO HAVE MANNERS !

by jojobatemanLeave a Comment on HOW TO HAVE MANNERS !

PEOPLE ALWAYS POINT OUT HOW IMPECCABLE MY MANNERS ARE. THIS IS PROBABLY AS IT IS A DYING ART , WHEN I AM OUT IN THE BIG WIDE WORLD I FEEL AS THOUGH I AM THE ONLY ONE WHO STILL CARE ABOUT MANNERS.

NOW I AM NOT EVEN POINTING THE FINGER AT THE YOUNGER GENERATION AS THEIR MANNERS SEEM TO BE FAR BETTER THAN THE OLDER GENERATION. WE JUST SEEM TO HAVE LOST THE ABILITY TO CONSIDER OTHER PEOPLE. POST COVID EVERYONE SEEMS TO BE ANGRY AT EACH OTHER, STRANGERS AND THOSE WE HAVE BEEN LOCKED UP WITH !

2022 IS THE YEAR TO REDISCOVER YOUR MANNERS. LETS WAKE THEM UP GENTLY WITH A FEW SUGGESTIONS;

  • DRIVING. THE NUMBER ONE SOURCE OF ALL BAD MANNERS. DISPLAY COURTESY AT ALL TIMES TO OTHER ROAD USERS. LET PEOPLE IN FRONT, AND FLASH YOUR LIGHTS OR GESTURE A THANK YOU WHEN MOTORISTS DO THE SAME FOR YOU. IF YOU MAKE A MISTAKE AND INCUR THE WRATH OF OTHER ROAD USERS HOLD YOUR HAND UP AND SAY SORRY. THERE IS NO POINT IN GETTING INTO ROWS AND ESCALATING A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. LET IT GO ! IT IS NOT A COMPETITION. ON A SEPARATE NOTE NEVER TAILGATE SOMEONE AND DONT COAST IN THE MIDDLE LANE !!!!!!
  • PUNCTUALITY. YOUR TIME IS NOT MORE IMPORTANT THAN OTHERS SO DONT STEAL THEIRS. I LUNCH WITH A REGULAR FRIEND (YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE) 3 TIMES IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS SHE HAS ARRANGED A DENTAL, A WAX, AND A MASSAGE APPOINTMENT AT THE SAME TIME AS OUR LUNCH APPOINTMENT TO ALLOW HER TO BE AN HOUR LATE EACH TIME !!! DONT LET THIS BE YOU. UNBELIEVABLY RUDE AND I AM CURRENTLY CONSIDERING MY POSITION. IM NEVER LATE FOR AN APPOINTMENT AND I RECOGNISE SOMETIMES IT IS UNAVOIDABLE BUT IF IT IS JUST SLOPPY AND INCONSIDERATE TIMING WITH NO APOLOGETIC MESSAGE ON YOUR PART THEN IM GONE BY THE TIME THEY GET THERE.
  • CANCELLATIONS IF YOU HAVE MADE A PRIOR ENGAGEMENT AND ALL CHECKED YOUR DIARIES AND CONFIRMED. DO NOT CANCEL LESS THAN 48 HRS BEFORE, BECAUSE YOU GOT A BETTER OFFER. OTHER PEOPLE HAVE ARRANGED THEIR LIFE AND TURNED DOWN OTHER INVITATIONS /WORK TO BE THERE FOR YOU. HONOUR IT. I HAVE STILL MADE A CONFIRMED ENGAGEMENT AFTER UNEXPECTED MAJOR SURGERY BECAUSE I GENUINELY VALUE OTHER PEOPLES TIME AS MUCH AS MY OWN.
  • ACCEPT INVITATIONS PROMPTLY. IF YOU ARE LUCKY TO RECEIVE AN INVITATION FOR YOUR COMPANY REPLY WITHIN 48 HOURS DONT KEEP THEM WAITING. STICK TO IT (SEE ABOVE)
  • RESPECT SERVICE STAFF. MANY PEOPLE TODAY TREAT WAITERS,SHOP STAFF,SWITCHBOARD STAFF INVISIBLY. IF THEY ARE WEARING NAME BADGES OR HAVE TOLD YOU THEIR NAME, USE IT. REMEMBER YOUR PLEASE AND THANK YOUS. THEY ARE HUMAN TOO AND WE ALL WANT THE SAME BASIC THINGS IN LIFE. JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE SERVING YOU IT DOES NOT MAKE THEM LESSER THAN YOU. LETS MAKE THEIR JOBS EASIER AND MAKE THEIR DAY PLEASANT TOO. (UNLESS OF COURSE THE SERVICE IS BAD)
  • MOBILE PHONES, PUT IT AWAY. PLEASE DONT SIT OPPOSITE ME TEXTING MIDST CONVERSATION. ENJOY SOME HUMAN INTERACTION. EVEN WORSE ARE THE PEOPLE THAT WALK DOWN A STREET TEXTING AND BUMPING INTO YOU AND WALKING IN FRONT OF CARS ( NOW IM BOILING OVER!!) IF THIS IS YOU PLEASE STOP ! TODAY! LIVE IN THE PRESENT. ENGAGE WITH THE WORLD #LOOKUP I ALSO DONT WANT TO LISTEN TO YOUR PRIVATE CONVERSATIONS IN PUBLIC PLACES. TALK QUIETLY OR LEAVE THE AREA.
  • RESPECT YOUR NEIGHBOURS. MOST OF US HAVE NEIGHBOURS AND WE ALL WANT A HARMONIOUS ENVIRONMENT TO LIVE IN. SO KEEP THE NOISE TO A MINIMUM WHETHER ITS MUSIC, CHILDREN, DOGS OR ARGUING WITH A PARTNER. SO SHOW RESPECT TO OTHER PEOPLE THAT YOU ARE SHARING AN AREA WITH. ALSO ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR NEIGHBOURS SMILE,WAVE,SAY HELLO. OTHER THAN THAT KEEP THEM AT ARMS LENGTH DISPUTES AND ARGUMENTS WITH NEIGHBOURS CAN ESCALATE QUICKLY AND CAN RUIN YOUR HOME LIFE.
  • KEEP YOUR PRIVATE HABITS PRIVATE. WHAT YOU DO IN YOUR OWN HOME IS YOUR BUSINESS BUT DONT BE SURPRISED IF OTHER PEOPLE GET UPSET WHEN YOU BRING UNACCEPTABLE HABITS INTO THE PUBLIC ARENA. ADAPT YOUR BEHAVIOUR TO SUIT THE SITUATION AND HOPEFULLY WE CAN ALL LIVE IN HARMONY.
  • FINAL NOTE…….. WHEN OFFENDED BY BAD MANNERS KILL THEM WITH KINDNESS RATHER THAN OFFENDING WHILE POINTNG OUT THEIR INCREDIBLY SELFISH SELF ABSORBED WORLD OF INCONSIDERATION.

IT WOULD BE LOVELY TO LIVE IN A WORLD OF POLITENESS AND CONSIDERATION TO OTHERS AND AVOIDING POTENTIAL CONFRONTATIONS. I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT MANNERS SO LET US WORK TOGETHER TO MAKE OUR SPACE A HAPPIER PLACE TO LIVE IN.

JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: MANNERS COST NOTHING , TAKE NO TIME AND NO EFFORT SO LETS GET PRACTISING !

MWAH MWAH

JOJO XXXXXX

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EXERCISE : BEFORE GETTING OUT OF BED

by jojobateman3 Comments on EXERCISE : BEFORE GETTING OUT OF BED

Gentle stretching exercises before getting out of bed in the morning particularly as you get older to warm up the muscles is imperative. It takes just 5 minutes and the benefits will far outweigh an extra 5 minute sleep. You can actually feel the tiredness being squeezed out of the muscles after being sedentary for so long. At any age you should be doing the Bed Stretch 6. Six exercises holding for 6 seconds on each side.

I promise you that you will move with grace and style as you glide through the day. The mornings you choose to do these exercises you will see a difference in posture and movement instead of leaping out with gusto after not moving for hours.

I have done a video post rather than try to explain in words. You can copy to your phone but in no time this will become second nature and hopefully part of your routine. Try it !! Jojo xxxxx