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LIFESTYLE: THE POWER OF LAUGHTER

by jojobatemanLeave a Comment on 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.

close up photo of woman with red eyebrows and lipstick and open mouth
Find Your Inner Child

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

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A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

by jojobatemanLeave a Comment on A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF MY AMAZING READERS.

gift box surrounded by grey baubles
Sparkle This Christmas

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

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FOOD: 5 HERBS THAT SHOULD BE IN YOUR DAILY DIET

by jojobatemanLeave a Comment on FOOD: 5 HERBS THAT SHOULD BE IN YOUR DAILY DIET
photo of potted plants on wooden table
Cultivate Herbs To Suit Your Own Symptoms

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 !

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BEAUTY: HOW TO WINTER PROOF YOUR SKIN

by jojobateman1 Comment on BEAUTY: HOW TO WINTER PROOF YOUR SKIN
woman with brown hair and brown eyes

As the weather grows colder it is time to rethink our skin routine and rev things up to combat the drying effects of the harsh Winter weather. There a re some positive effects of cold weather .Less sebum production so less breakouts. the cold weather can act like a cryotherapy session pumping blood to the skin resulting in rosy cheeks and a radiant complexion. But sometimes we get a tightening of the skin which can be misleading that we think the skin is toning up when in fact it is lacking moisture. So the first thing we need to do is swap to heavier creams and oil based products to nourish our complexions.

YOUR 10 STEP ROUTINE FOR WINTER

1 Swap harsh cleansers to an oil based cleanser to ramp up a level of moisture. Use a natural sponge to remove. Try not to use too much water on the skin as this can be drying.

2 Use a serum or facial oil under a moisterizer to add an extra layer between your vitamin c cream and moisterizer.

3. Don’t discard your SPF because the sun is not shining. 80% of UV rays penetrate the clouds. Obviously they are not as strong as in the Summer so no need to overload the skin with SPF50 and unnecessary chemicals. An SPF20 will suffice.

4.Limit the use of harsh exfoliants and glycolic peeling pads as it is important not too strip the skin of its natural emolliants. Dead skin cells still build up but limit the use of these products to once a week instead of daily.

5. Pump up the use of hydrating facial masks two or three times a week to replenish the skin.

6. Night creams should be heavier in the Winter. Central heating and warm bedrooms are just as drying as cold weather.

7. If not currently using a great addition to your skincare routine at this time of year is a hyaluronic acid as this is a humectant that draws moisture from the air locking in moisture in the skin.

8.Do not forget lips as they can suffer and become dry and cracked. Exfoliate the lips to remove dry skin before adding an oil based gel to make the kissable again. Remember not to lick the lips when out in the cold it can exasperate the dryness due to the enzymes and chemicals in your saliva !

9. Do not neglect your body hands and feet this season. Our skins gets drier from being in drying central heating and layers of clothes. So bath oils, richer body creams and paraffin baths for feet and hands need to be built into your routine.

10.VITAMIN D ! EVERYONE should be taking Vitamin D in the winter. We usually get our Vitamin D from the sunshine the lack of Vitamin D can cause our skin to become dry, itchy and flaky.

So check your skin routine to make sure it manages to look radiant and glowing and protected from the elements.

Please find below a one stop shop for your Winter skin care wardrobe everything you need right here just click on the item to purchase. If you are having trouble viewing the images or have received this as a subscriber on e mail then please click on the URL at the base of the mail and the images will appear.

JOJO XXXX

JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: IF YOUR SKIN , HAIR AND EYES GETS DRIER AT THIS TIME OF YEAR IT MAYBE WISE TO INVEST IN A HUMIDIFIER TO TAKE FROM ROOM TO ROOM. EXCELLENT FOR THE BEDROOM A PORTABLE ONE WILL LAST 20 HOURS. JUST MAKE SURE YOU CHANGE THE WATER REGULARLY AND CLEAN THE MACHINE TO AVOID MOULD OR SPORES BEING PUMPED OUT INTO THE AIR.

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LIFESTYLE: SLEEP. ARE YOU GETTING ENOUGH ?

by jojobatemanLeave a Comment on LIFESTYLE: SLEEP. ARE YOU GETTING ENOUGH ?

In these busy times the fist thing to go is usually your sleep time as our schedule gets tougher as we struggle to fit everything in we either go to bed later or get up earlier.

Lack of sleep can literally kill you. It has a profound impact on your organs, your mind and your general wellbeing. You may think that surviving on 6 hours or less a night is not affecting you but studies have shown it really does. 99% of the population need at least 7 hours. only 1% have been shown to have a syndrome called “short sleepers” . So stop kidding ourselves it is time to take our sleep more seriously.

woman leaning on table

SLEEP BENEFITS

  • THINKING SMARTER sleeping foe 8 hours can greatly improve cognitive function helping you to problem solve and focus better. Sleeping 6 hours or less can greatly impair our ability in thinking smartly and decision making. Studies have shown that brain function reduces by 60% after 5 consecutive nights of 6 hours or less sleep . Chronic sleep deprivation can cause permanent brain cell loss in the grey matter.
  • WEIGHT LOSS. Trying to lose weight ? Sleep more . It is obvious that you cannot eat when you are asleep !! But when you are fatigued we tend to reach for the carbohydrates or calorie laden food. Sleep deprivation messes with our hormones. The hunger hormone GHRELIN boosts appetite levels and food cravings. Lack of sleep causes our metabolism to slow so your body can’t clear fat from the cells which means it is stores more. Also when you are feeling sluccish and lethargic you are less likely to exercise.
  • SKIN.. Lack (of sleep) = slack (skin). Put simply , less sleep means more cortisol is produced. Cortisol is a skin wrecker , it exacerbates any skin inflammation like psoriasis, eczema and acne. In addition cortisol breaks down collagen and hyaluronic acid leading to lines and wrinkles and making skin less plumper and glowy. We spend a fortune on expensive creams to counteract these qualities when you can counteract this just by more sleep ! AND it is free! Our bodies use the time to rebalance and remoisterise. We all know dry skin can lead to those puffy eys and dread under eye circles !
  • RELATIONSHIP are greatly enhanced through better mood and increased sexiness. In an Oxford Economics study in 2017 it was discovered that the single biggest factor to happiness and living well was not money, sex, friends but ………getting more sleep ! Sleep deprivation obviously will affect your sex drive and your desire to be intimate Back to those pesky hormones your body when asleep produces testosterone which in turn affects your sex drive if not enough levels are being produced. Not to mention what lack of sleep does to your looks and attractiveness levels to your partner >
  • HARMONIOUS HORMONE CYCLE. As we have seen no sleep can play havoc with your hormones.So sleep is vital to hormone health. But if you are finding it hard to get to sleep post pregnancy, peri menopausal or menopause then your hormones my need adjusting. Speak with your GP for HRT or help with some proven sleep techniques such as meditation, controlled breathing herbal remedies. But difficulty sleeping can alert you to hormone imbalances and a simple blood test maybe able to rectify this. Never rely on sleeping pills this can lead to permanent sleep disturbances and lead to even bigger problems.
orange cat sleeping on white bed

HOW TO GET MORE SLEEP

  • PRIORITISE SLEEP. Make it non negotiable. Don’t think of sleep as a luxury it really is necessary to your wellbeing. Do not let your social/work life get in the way of your sleep time. Household chores can wait. The rest of the film can be recorded to watch another time. Make sleep the MOST important thing in your schedule.
  • RETHINK YOUR SLEEPING PARTNER. Snoring, fidgeting can all impact on your sleep. Many couples now sleep in separate rooms to get a better quality of sleep. I personally could not sleep with someone next to me I am such a light sleeper. Interestingly it seems that we get a much better quality of sleep with our dogs curled up next to us.
  • BEDTIME ROUTINE. As we do with our children we as adults need our own wind down routine. Cleansing, cleaning teeth. Light a candle. Meditation and reading. No laptops just before bed. No alcohol or eating late this really can mess with your sleep patterns.
  • HEALTHY SLEEP ENVIRONMENT. Invest in some blackout curtains. This can really help particularly in the Summer when it gets light so early.Make sure your thermostat is set low for night time 17-18 degrees. Noisy neighbours/ traffic can be a big problem, try a white noise app to block out neighbour noise. White noise has been found to induce sleep. It masks disruptions in audible frequencies.
  • CONSISTENT SLEEP-WAKE CYCLE. This fine tunes your body’s circadian rhythm so you go to sleep faster .A regular pattern of sleep is essential. Make sleep a habit. Train your body when to feel tired and when to wake up. Even if you end up staying out late it is still better to wake up at your prescribed time.
  • TRY AN APP. There are many free apps to help you fall asleep. Some good ones are Sleepcycle, calm, and I use headspace. Some apps can track your sleep patterns. Many have sleep meditations on them. Just be sure to set the Do Not Disturb function on your phone so you dont get woken by pings and alerts !!
  • USE NATURAL SLEEP AIDS. Remember do not resort to sleeping pils. There are many natural aids like Chamomile tea, ayurvedic golden milk, lavender pillow sprays, natrasleep with valerian root a herbal aid to get you to sleep. It works.
  • MAKE YOURSELF TIRED. Expend more energy. Exercise more. Get out into the daylight to reset your body clock. Are you doing enough in the day. Or maybe you are doing too much and your head is buzzing. Keep a notepad by your bed to write down thoughts or a things to do list. But just get it out of your head and onto paper.

SWEET DREAMS

MWAH MWAH XX

JOJO

JOJOS STYLELIST TIP:SLEEP IS MY FAVOURITE THING ! I TOTALLY EMPATHISE WITH PEOPLE THAT HAVE DIFFICULTY SLEEPING. I REALLY HOPE YOU FIND SOME SOLACE IN THIS ARTICLE AND REAP THE REWARDS. SLEEP YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS.

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LIFESTYLE : WATER, THE BEAUTY ELIXIR ?

by jojobateman1 Comment on LIFESTYLE : WATER, THE BEAUTY ELIXIR ?

There are two schools of thinking on how much water to drink daily. On school say just drink when you are thirsty, your body will tell you how much water you need. But the other school tell you to drink at least 2 litres a day to fulfil all your body and brain requirements and thirst should not be the only indicator.

clean clear cold drink

So let’s take a closer look at what water can REALLY do for you.

Simply put water is the best way to hydrate your body. Just water no sodas, coffee, alcohol. Simple plain water. Our bodies are made up of 60% water so it needs replacing.. Our brains bare made up of 73% water so imagine the detrimental affects of being dehydrated mentally.

It is easy to see if you are dehydrated , look at your pee ! It should be pale yellow consistently at every urination. 75% of us are chronically dehydrated with many of us drinking less than 0.5 litres per day !!

So lets look at the benefits to staying hydrated.

  • SKIN Drinking water flushes out toxins in the skin cells. These toxins increase ageing and also skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Many studies have shown that drinking 2 litres a day hydrates the water content in cells boosting them and reversing fine lines and plumping the skin reducing blotchiness. We use moisterizer to hold water in the skin , but there has to be water in the skin for your cream to have any effect. We spend a fortune on skin creams but one very cheap change is to drink more water and use a cheaper moisterizer.
  • HEART HEALTH Dehydration decreases the volume of blood in your arteries and veins which constricts the diameter causing the blood to pump harder. In short dehydration is as harmful to your heart as smoking. Studies show that half of all people suffering strokes are dehydrated. So easily preventable.
medical stethoscope with red paper heart on white surface
  • WEIGHT LOSS Hunger is usually thirst. The same area of the brain controls hunger that controls thirst. So next time you reach for a snack try drinking two small glasses of water. Also water before a meal can fill up your stomach so you eat less. Healthy hydration can boost the metabolic function by 30% this is increased by drinking ice cold water.. Basic thermodynamics the body has to work harder to warm the water to body temperature. Although personally I drink more water if it is room temperature it is definitely harder to consume freezing cold water in large quantities.
  • FATIGUE Even mild hydration can lead to tiredness, sluggishness and brain fog. Trouble concentrating and mood swings can also be affected. This is where I personally notice when I am dehydrated. When I have had my 2 litres of water my energy levels soar my body and brain feel truly alert and my hormones feel in balance. Welcome to more energy.
  • SMARTER If our brains are made up of 73% water it makes sense that when they are dehydrated cognitive function is boosted. Studies have shown that even a 1% deficit of hydration can interfere with your ability to think clearly. Dehydration has been found to cause short term memory loss. Drinking just 6-8 glasses of water a day can amplify your brains ability to work and analyse by up to 30%.
  • BETTER BREATH Oral health is overhauled with better hydration.. Not drinking enough water means less saliva which in turn leads to more bacteria multiplying that no only causes bad breath but can cause tooth decay and gum disease.
  • LESS ALCOHOL When you find yourself reaching for that glass of wine in the evening grab a big glass of water , my bet is that you no longer need the wine. When out on the town drinking water between every drink can help to stay hydrated. Alcohol is one of the great dehydrators so help your body and brain .

So here are just a few benefits of drinking 2 litres of water every day. Not convinced try an experiment, drinking the full quota for one month and see how YOU feel .

MWAH MWAH XXX
JOJO

JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU IF YOU TRY THE WATER CHALLENGE. DID IT MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO YOUR SKIN AND YOUR HEALTH ?

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LIFESTYLE: BE A RADIATOR NOT A DRAIN !

by jojobatemanLeave a Comment on LIFESTYLE: BE A RADIATOR NOT A DRAIN !

RADIATING HAPPINESS

Its one thing to have a feeling of happiness but to radiate happiness to people around us is something we need to practise. Happiness is one contagion we do understand, the more we radiate happiness the more people want to be with us and more opportunities flow towards us.

Now doesn’t that sound good ?

Yes when you devlop the light within you and radiate the energy outwards it becomes a ripple effect. The best of you brings out the best in others. Can you imagine if this thought process spread throughout the world . What an amazing place this would be !

True happiness comes from our true self not our physical self, of limiting body , thoughts,fear and emotions. The true self is limitless and lies in the silence wisdom and grace that can be found in meditation. It has no bounds and is infinite. So you can tap into as much happiness that you choose.

Tune into your own thoughts and recognise how you are really feeling. The n notch it up a few levels on your “mood-o-meter” when you surrender to the joy and focus on the good things in your life and recognise that the bad moments are just distractions treat them as positive life lessons. Even forcing a smile releases endorphins and changes your mood in an instant.

DEPRESSED PEOPLE LIVE IN THE PAST

ANXIOUS PEOPLE LIVE IN THE FUTURE

HAPPY PEOPLE LIVE IN THE PRESENT

Deepak Chopra expresses some Do’s and Dont’s in order to radiate happiness.

  • DO express appreciation in others.
  • DO be open to the other persons truth. Respect their point of view.
  • DO wear a smile
  • DO share your laughter
  • Do contribute to the joy of another
  • DO turn your inner happiness to an outer activity
  • DON’T make other people feel wrong. As your self judgement decreases so should judgement of others.
  • DON’T draw attention to how much you have changed and how happy you now are as it arouses distrust.
  • DON”T point out how unhappy someone else is. They are doing the best they can from their own level of awareness.

Psychologically studies show that positive behaviour spreads virally to others.

As more people see the change and the light in you those closest to you will see a new radiance , a new kind of lightness and vibrancy.

LET’S CHANGE THE WORLD TOGETHER !

JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: THIS IS ONE INFECTION WE DON’T MIND CATCHING ! STAY HAPPY AND CARRY ON.

Mwah Mwah

JOJO XXXXXXXX

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STYLE : 5 AUTUMN/WINTER COAT TRENDS TO INVEST IN RIGHT NOW

by jojobatemanLeave a Comment on STYLE : 5 AUTUMN/WINTER COAT TRENDS TO INVEST IN RIGHT NOW

We are all tightening our budgets this Autumn especially with the impending energy price rises. The real key is planning ahead and setting budgets . So let’s just concentrate on a few key COATS just to freshen up your Autumn wardrobe . A large part of your Autumn clothing budget should be a great coat it is the one piece you will wear more than any other so the price per wear (PPW) will add value to your wardrobe.

woman wearingbrown trench coat

I have selected 5 key coats that are prominent AW2022 . Depending on your personal style, your current wardrobe edit on what you REALLY need, clothing personality and body shape , all you have to do is select the right one for you.

THE QUITED COAT

Back for another season. I love the longer line of this one from SUPERDRY. Nice and warm for walking the dogs, those chilly mornings watching the children play sport, bonfire night etc. Head to stores aimed at teenagers for more value. This coat is superb value at £154.99.

THE CAMEL COAT

The eternal classic. The camel wrap around shawl collared coat, and no one does them better than Max Mara. Definitely an investment piece and will last for many winters to come.

THE BRIGHT COAT

Beautiful brights with a black polo neck and black leggings to make the colour pop. Wow what a look to shake those winter blues. Red, purple, turquoise, fuchsia anything goes !

THE HIPPY PRINT COAT

Great for the not too cold Autumn nights. Laid back, casual with a frisson of boldness and excitement. Throw over Jeans and a tee shirt for instant stand out from the crowd glamour. Loving this one of a kind ETRO coat , go on dare to be different AND it is in the sale right now.

THE MILITARY COAT

The hardy perennial of the coat world. Popping its head up every Autumn winter. Great investment buy. Sportmax and Holland Cooper get it right every year so two great labels to check out. Smart, elongating and dramatic. Is this you ? then snap it up today.

These are my five style picks today if you see anything you like then just click the pic and buy here today. if you subscribe to this magazine and receive it direct to your inbox then click on the URL link at the bottom of this page to view the images.

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BEAUTY: SPICE UP YOUR LIFE

by jojobateman2 Comments on BEAUTY: SPICE UP YOUR LIFE

I have talked about the powerful beauty and health properties of herbs but now it is all about the spices. so now it is time to put some spice back in your life. so let’s take a look at a few spices you can introduce into your life immediately.

four assorted spices on wooden spoons
Put The Spice Back In Your Life

TURMERIC

Sometimes called Curcumin. This bright orange spice has amazing anti ageing properties. Anti oxidant and anti inflammatory it has an ability to fight toxic free radicals in the body. Reducing the risk of free radicals forming and reducing stress in the body. It also has anti viral properties to protect the body from virus or eradicate what is already there.

Curcumin has also been found to increase the growth of new neurons in the brain to help fight degenerative brain diseases and boost memory and cognitive function.

It is good to consume with a fatty meal as it breaks down and dissolves in fat allowing for greater absorption. Try it as powder in soups , curries or golden milk (recipe given at the end to maximise all the spices in one drink ).

Turmeric should always be taken with black pepper tor maximum effectiveness which takes us to the next spice.

BLACK PEPPER

Often called the king Of Spices and has been used in ancient ayurvedic medicinal practices for many years. Black pepper contains Piperine which speeds up the absorption of turmeric so always add to your turmeric. Cn improve blood sugar control and increase metabolism. Other health benefits include anti-inflammatory and potential cancer fighting properties. Was used in ancient medicine for menstrual, ear, nose and throat disorders due to its anti bacterial content.

CINNAMON

The quality of the cinnamon is paramount here. Also I must point out that consuming cinnamon breakfast buns does not count ! This tends to be a cinnamon sugar so there are no benefits with these. Sorry folks !

Most of the cinnamon you see in supermarkets is “cassia” cinnamon which does not contain the same health properties as “true” cinnamon. So the only true cinnamon is Sri Lankan cinnamon. Many people do not realise there are two types of cinnamon. Cassia is considered a lower quality cheaper cinnamon. So look for TRUE cinnamon to enjoy its many benefits.

Just a sprinkle of cinnamon can reduce the fat and glucose absorption when taken with a meal. Very good for diabetics. Very rich in anti oxidants. Also sprinkled onto oats, coffee or milk can curb a sweet tooth. But can also be. used in curries, tagines and eggs and other savoury dishes. However cinnamon in large doses can be dangerous although it is hard to consume spoonfuls of cinnamon you only have to view the TIK TOK challenge to understand that !

CAYENNE PEPPER

Can help to reduce high blood pressure which also reduces the risk of developing heart disease. Also increases the production of digestive fluid to aid digestion and provide protection in the stomach against infections.

I also sprinkle this on food to speed up my metabolism. I am sure many of you tried Beyonces 3 day diet of lemon juice, maple syrup and cayenne before an important event to shed those pounds.

ginger powder in silver canister
Ginger Root Or Powder Both Effective

GINGER

This ancient spice has MANY health properties in both fresh root or powdered variety. Helps in the digestion of food and speeding it along the intestines. Great for lowering blood sugar. It is very well known for curing nausea and travel sickness, remember Granny giving you a piece of stem ginger in the car ?

Can also help to fight off chronic dieases and promote health ageing by preventing stress and damage to your body’s DNA. I also find it fantastic with migraines and colds.

I love the taste of ginger in both savoury or sweet dishes. Use in curries, soups, green juices,rice pudding ,porridge, cookies the list is endless to get a daily quota of ginger.

masala indian tea in mug
Golden Milk (add more turmeric for a rich beautiful golden tone)

RECIPE FOR GOLDEN MILK

An ancient Ayurvedic recipe this comforting milk can contain all the above spices for amazing benefits and sending you off to a peaceful sleep.

Boil some coconut or almond milk in a saucepan .

add a teaspoon of turmeric, a quarter of teaspoon of ginger, a sprinkle of cinnamon and black pepper. Add a couple of cardamom pods. Simmer for 10 minutes. Strain into a mug and sprinkle the top with nutmeg. Do not add any cayenne as it will leave you awake all night.

This is delicious add some honey if you prefer it sweeter . I don’t know anyone who has not had an amazing nights sleep after a mug of Golden Milk at bedtime.

MWAH MWAH

JOJO. XXXXX

JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: everyone needs some spice in your life time to get some in your store cupboard to add boost the health benfits of your food and liven up your taste buds. Visit your local Indian supermarket today for a wider variety and better quality spices.

NOTE OF CAUTION: AS SPICES ARE VERY POTENT ADDITIONS TO THE DIET TAKE IN MODERATION AND NOT AS A REPLACEMENT FOR ANY PRESCRIPTIONS.

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BEAUTY : THE HAMMAM MASTERCLASS

by jojobatemanLeave a Comment on BEAUTY : THE HAMMAM MASTERCLASS

Having experienced Hammam in Turkey and Morocco and the UK I feel I am well qualified to give you a masterclass in the art of Hammam. Some of you may be filled with trepidation or not be versed in what is exactly involved when you sign up for one. Hammam was very popular way back in the Roman empire but is now a prominent feature in the culture of the muslim world. In recent years it has shown increasing popularity in the Uk with most Spas now incorporating a Hammam as the norm.

snow light couple love
ornamental arched ceiling in hammam

BENEFITS

  • Intense cleansing
  • Deeply nourishing
  • Detoxification
  • Skin regeneration
  • Stimulation of blood circulation
  • Decongestion of airways
  • Invigorating
  • Toning

WHAT TO WEAR

Many do a Hammam fully naked to get the greatest benefits. Or a towel wrapped around the lower half . But many Spas will issue paper panties. If feeling exposed you can opt to wear a bikini top. Be aware that many Hammam therapists will massage over your breasts so please indicate to your terapist if you would rather they omit this and opt for a towel placed to cover the area.

topless woman lying on bed

SEQUENCE OF EVENTS

Please note sequence of events will change dependent on your chosen location/Country but generally most of these next steps should happen.

On entering the steam bath and steaming for 15 minutes to open the pores…….

  1. Rubbed down vigorously with a black eucalyptus soap , decongesting and invigorating. A kessa glove is used to exfoliate all over the body , you will be surprised how much dirt comes off and how smooth your skin feels.
  2. Rinsed down. In Morocco and Turkey this is with icy cold water. Thrown over me in a bucket in Turkey ! But in Uk gentler with lukewarm water although I would recommend you try the cold and hold your breath . Feels great afterwards.
  3. Pat dry. You are taken to an adjoing room away from the steam area. Then apply the Rhassoul, a natural mineral clay mud mask. All over the body, face and hair to remove further dead skin cells and tighten the pores. Relax for 10 minutes once dried this is rinsed with warm water or you are asked to use a shower in the room to ensure all clay is rinsed off.
  4. The deep tissue massage is the final stage usually with an argan oil that can be neutral or you maybe offered an essential oil that can be added. Orange blossom oil is commonly offered which lifts the mood and refreshes the mind. I would not opt for a relaxing oil as the Hammam is not really meant to be a relaxing treatment but an iinvigorating refreshing wake up experience.

Do not shower off after the massage leave the oils on for as long as possible even if you have the oil in your hair just pop on a baseball cap go home and chill.

Well I hope that has dispelled some of the myths of the Hammam turkish bath and you feel confident to try one ! A monthly ritual is recommended for optimum benefit.

MWAH MWAH XXX

JOJO. XXX

JOJOS STYLELIST TIP: When rinsing oil or clay from your hair always apply neat shampoo to hair BEFORE adding any water otherwise can take a while to remove !