Feminarum issue 6

FEMINARUM

Issue 6 March 2014

An interview with Coco Fierce.. 
 Plus many of our regular articles. Along with a celebration of women...

We will be looking at International Women's Day in this issue..

For women by women

FEATURES

06-07 Mandy Garner talks about back to work mums.

09-10 Christina V talks to us about her inspiration.

16-17 Poppy Hooton and her story.

18-19 Sharon Ayling and her step Into spring article

20-24 Our Gallery of Guys

28-29 Book review done by Shahna Thwaites

30-31 Emma Gregory and her beautiful dresses

32-33 Our feature article with Coco Fierce.

38-39 Janus designs talks about girl gamers.

44-45 Birds Eye View talks to us about International Women's Day.

48-49 The lovely Dawn Gracie writes for our magazine this month.

51-52 My first Mumpreneurs meeting.

56-57 Tino writes about NLP for

the magazine.

58-59 What's going to happen to FEMINARUM next month.

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From the Editor...

This months is all about women..we are dedicating this issue to International Women's Day which was on the 8th of March.

I have been talking with various women's groups about writing for our magazine. We want to celebrate women and also look to see if issues for women have changed and if so is it for the best?.

Meanwhile, our dedicated team of writers will be providing you with the normal high quality variety of articles.

The calendar is gathering momentum and the charity, Kent and Sussex Air Ambulance will be our feature charity for our calendar.

Many of our female readers are waiting to see the calendar and it will be on sale hopefully a few months before Christmas this year.

We are currently looking into how we can provide our readers with a printed copy of the magazine as well. If enough people want it, we can provide it at a reasonable price.

Editor In Chief Helen Wright

Associate Editor Casey Kingsland

Contributing Writer Darren Essex, Isabelle Atunrase, Shahna Thwaites, Sharon Ayling.

Contributing Writer Connor Wright, Poppy Hooton.

Lady Perez. Christina V, Gracie Dawn, Steve Wright, Emma Gregory, Tino de Silva, Coco Fierce. Mandy Garner.

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We will be celebrating this in our March issue.

From suragettes to feminist, women have been a major driving force in history. Florence Nightingale and Madam Curie are just some of the pioneering figures that spring to mind.

"International Women's day is something we want to celebrate with everyone "

.

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FEMINARUM

In the 21st Century, how far have women come in equal rights in the work place and also in society in general? We are still being paid less then our male counterparts and yet we are expected to balance, motherhood, and work along with looking gorgeous all the time.

This issue is dedicated to celebrating women and who we are. The magazine is getting bigger as we attract more and more writers. The word is getting out there, people now know who we are and what we stand for...

This issue is special as we will be showcasing new people from all works of life. The one thing they all have in common is the fact that they want to be heard. We listen to everyone and give people a chance to tell us who they are and what they do.

models and so much more. Inter national Women's Day will be celebrated by the articles by Working Mums and Birds eye view who were very happy to provide us with an article about what they are doing to help and celebrate women.

It does not need to be just women. Our front covers will feature guys as well as girls.

We are not paying lips service to all you women out there, I am a working mum of three and many of our regular contributors are working mums and Dads as well. We all felt that this was an ideal opportunity to really show what has changed and what has not changed in our m o d e r n s o c i e t y.

Feminism is fine and we admire Germaine

But all women need a voice, so in this issue we will be waving the flag for women who have changed peoples lives and women who are doing this in the 21st Century.

We have articles from business women,

Greer for her book the "Female Eunich" but there are women who work hard in every aspect of their day to day lives and it is these women we want to celebrate and congratulate..

So to all you women out there, juggling work and family, stand up and know that we at FEMINARUM respect and salute you all...

We hope as always you enjoying reading this issue..

From Helen and the team at FEMINARUM

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Mandy Garner...

Mandy very kindly did an article for our Magazine...

Mandy Garner did an article for us for

empting any concerns an employer might

International Women's Day..

have. It is vital to be realistic about the

request and show careful thought has been

How do you negotiate flexible working

put into the role and its requirements. It can

successfully? It's the Holy Grail for many

help if the person making the request is able

women who have had children and want a

to show a little flexibility, for instance, being

career which allows them adequate family

able to come in for urgent meetings on days

time. The good news is that more and more

they might normally work from home. If an

employers can see the business benefits of

employer still has doubts, a trial run could be

oering flexible working and this will only

suggested so they can see how it works in

increase later this year when flexible working

practice.

legislation is extended to all employees,

rather than just parents and carers.

Mandy Garner

But it is important to remember that the

Web editor

legislation only grants a right to request

Workingmums.co.uk

flexible working, not a right to have it. A

request can be turned down on any of eight grounds, although the employer has to show that they have given the request due consideration and not simply turned it down flat. That means when making a request it is a good idea to approach it like a negotiation process and make a good business case, pre-

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Darren Essex Why women should lift weights

As always, our fitness expert Darren Essex is providing us with more great advice on how us ladies can look good...

Increasing and maintaining lean muscle mass is one of the best ways to keep body fat at bay and to improve overall fitness. Although this is the case still the amount of women that regularly

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undertake a weight training schedule is very low indeed.

Most women still choose cardiovascular exercise over weights and will spend hours pounding the Treadmill or the

Cross Trainer. A lot of women still have the misconception they will grow big muscles and become bulky if they so much as look at a dumbbell.

Here are 10 good reasons why women should seriously take up weight training:-

LDL (bad) Cholesterol increases HDL (good) Cholesterol and will lower blood pressure too.

8. Weight training improves the way the body processes sugar helping to reduce risks of diabetes.

1. It will improve your strength making everyday life and chores such as carrying shopping or lifting up and playing with the kids much easier.

2. You will lose body fat, as your lean muscle mass increases so does your resting metabolic rate meaning you will burn more calories all day long and more calories even at rest.

3. You will gain strength without bulk.

Unlike men, women won’t generally gain size from strength training because compared to men; women have 10-30 times less hormones that cause muscle growth. You will however become more toned and have more muscle definition giving you an overall better shape and appearance.

4. Decreases the risk of Osteoporosis, as weight training will increase bone density this together with a healthy diet containing the right amount of calcium can be the best way of avoiding Osteoporosis.

5. Improves athletic performance in most sports and will also reduce the risk of injuries due to stronger muscles, bones and connective tissues.

6. Reduces back pain and Arthritis as well as increasing muscle strength it also strengthens connective tissues and joint stability this acts as reinforcement for the joints and helps prevent injury.

Strengthening lower back muscles can alleviate or prevent development of lower back pain.

9. You can start weight training at any age it’s never too late to benefit even in your 70’s and 80’s with the right supervision and guidance.

10. It will improve your overall well being and fight depression. Weight training will make you feel physically and mentally better by releasing feel good hormones called endorphins. The changes in your body’s appearance will give you more confidence, improve self esteem and you will also feel like you have more energy.

In next months article I will show you a dumbbell exercise routine and give you an update on how myself, my Bikini Model Kasia and my Fitness Model Samantha got on at our competition Miami Pro on 6th April.

If you would like the opportunity to win a one to one lesson in training with weights with myself at Basingstoke Sports Centre Hampshire then send me your details telling me why you should win to darrenessex@activ4health.co.uk. The winner will be announced in next month’s magazine.

By Darren Essex Fitness Model and Personal Trainer

7. Reduces the risk of Coronary Heart Disease as weight training also reduces FEMINARUM• 9

Christina V

Model and make-up artist.

My name is Christina V and I am a professional model and make-up artist from Bournemouth...

The last few weeks have been some of the most exciting and hectic of my life modelling at Birmingham International Fashion Week, being part of a make-up team backstage at London Fashion Week and coming up to London again for an advanced make-up course at The Session School, which I won in a national competition with Warpaint Magazine for my make-up work!

However, the next few weeks are set to be even more hectic and exciting since I am a Grand Finalist in the Commercial Category of Top Model UK, the UK's premier model search competition. This takes place at the Hilton Metropole on April 4th and 5th, which will be a totally fabulous and amazing experience! But before this, I have several other trips up to London for Top Model training, hair and make-up trials, fittings and rehearsals. I am also working hard to raise money for Top Model's chosen charity Children With Cancer UK - and to date, I have raised over ÂŁ400! Every single pound raised goes to this charity as well as giving me a vote in the public vote awards for Top Model. More about this can be found on www.virginmoneygiving.com/ChristinaV And in between all this, I am even doing my friend's wedding make-up...it's all go!

Who would have thought all this would have been possible six years ago? ...I was at university doing a science based degree (something I was encouraged to do and not what I really wanted to do) when I was taken seriously ill with what was eventually 10 •FEMINARUM

diagnosed as gastroparesis - paralysis of the stomach. I was virtually bed-ridden for over six months whilst I learned how how to manage this debilitating and life-changing condition, and during this time, I used to watch all the re-runs of America's Next Top Model and Britain's Next Top Model, dreaming that one day I would be a model myself!

Over the next few years, I worked in fashion retail and studied at the London College of Fashion. But although I modelled a few times for Oxfam bridal charity events, it was not until I became involved with my local make-up academy, the DFMA, that things really started to take o for me and my dreams started to come true!

After doing a beauty photo shoot for them as a model for one of their students, the creative and artistic flair I had had as a child was re-awakened.

Even though I had taught myself make-up application and a good skincare regime as a teenager, I now wanted to get a formal qualification. So, with the encouragement of my boyfriend, I completed a make-up course at the DFMA and soon began to do make-up locally for weddings, hen parties etc while continuing to model for the DFMA in order to expand my modelling portfolio with beauty shoots.

"During the last several months, I have also worked hard at increasing my presence online."

Around this time, I was also spotted at Britain and Ireland's Next Top Model Live, which lead to an amazing editorial photo shoot with designer and stylist Joey Bevan. I entered one of the photos in an online competition and became a finalist in the Face of Craze catwalk final which was an unforgettable experience and gave me the confidence to approach my local agency, LMP Model Boutique, who signed me last Christmas.

During the last several months, I have also worked hard at increasing my presence online and have built up a substantial following on Twitter, which in itself has brought about some amazing contacts, connections and opportunities - oers for magazine photo shoots and working at London Fashion Week doing the make-up backstage for two consecutive seasons to name a few! And the latter has led to more amazing possibilities....although at 5'5" I am traditionally not tall enough to be a catwalk model, some of the designers spotted me working backstage, loved my look, and said said they would love me to walk for them at one of their future London

Fashion Week shows, which would be fantastic!

So, with Top Model UK just a few weeks away, things in my professional life are certainly going wonderfully well. And it does not matter whether I win anything or not, it is the taking part which counts - the experiences you gain and the people you meet! But I do however hope it leads to me being signed by a London agency.

That would be a dream come true, but I would have to say my ultimate ambition is to be on the cover of Vogue as both the make-up artist and the model...now how fabulous would that be! http://www.facebook.com/ ChristinaVModelAndMakeupArtist

Article by Christina V

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Lady Perez ' London's Got Purple Fever!'

March 2014

Unless you've been hiding under a rock these past months, you will have undoubtedly heard stories of Prince and his new band, 3rdeyegirl, taking London by storm with their new 'Hit and Run' tour. The tour consisted of a series of secret guerrilla gigs, announced within hours of showtime, where tickets were sold only on the door on a first come, first served basis. Traditional Prince style; compelling, dramatic and mysterious. The tour was scheduled to compliment Prince and 3rdeyegirl's new, upcoming album 'Plectrum Electrum'.

I am a big fan of Prince. Being a dancer, he is one of the few artists that I fully respect and appreciate with regards to music, persona and image. I declare him to be one of my main inspirations. I first heard of The Purple One's plans to hit up London in an online article in January, in which he announced that he would be coming to the capital this year, but he had failed to mention any further details . Had it not been brought to my attention last month by a work colleague of mine, I wouldn't have even known that at the beginning of February he had already played two shows at the Electric Ballroom in Camden! Before these shows, he had kick started his tour with a live living-room performance and press conference in the Leyton home of singer Lianne La Havas. He also played a show at Shepherd's Bush Empire, followed by two more rather intimate performances on Valentine's night in King's Cross!

These shows had all been announced on the day and fans queued for hours in the hopes of getting a chance to see the legend. It was safe to say I was rather frustrated and very much disappointed in finding out about all of these performances just a little too late! However, during the first show at King's Cross, it was disclosed that His Purple Highness and 3rdeyegirl were set to play Koko in Camden and Ronnie Scott's in the coming days. It just so happened that I also came across a couple of twitter accounts that had publicised this information, including dates, and seemed to be in the know with all of this 'Hit and Run'

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Normally, I'm more of a stay-at-home-and-buy-tickets-

The setlist contained some of his timeless classics,

online type of girl. I don't think I've ever stood in line for an

balanced out nicely with some invigorating new material.

extensive amount of time to get tickets for anyone .

'Purple Rain' live is just unparalleled. One of the most

However, Prince is one of my most inspiring and

memorable moments of the night. The complete setlist is

enlivening influences, especially when it comes to dance,

as follows:

so I made an exception.

Pretzelbodylogic, Let's Go Crazy,Endorphinmachine, Knowing that people would be queuing from the night

Screwdriver, She's Always In My Hair,I Could Never Take

before the show, I set my alarm for 5:30am (yes, you read

The Place Of Your Man, Take Me With U, Raspberry Beret,

that right!) and got in line at Koko by 8:00am! When I got

Guitar, Plectrum Electrum, FixurlifeupThe Max, Funknroll,

there, I saw everything from camper chairs to blankets, to

Lost & Found, Something In The Water (Does Not

food supplies and even to a mattress supporting a number

Compute), Purple Rain, Play That Funky Music, When

of devoted fans curled up in a duvet still sleeping from

Doves Cry, Sign O' The Times,Nasty Girl.

their overnight camp out! To my surprise (and relief!) I was only number 51 in the queue so I knew I was guaranteed a

There were no phones or cameras allowed at the gig by

spot in the show (Koko's capacity reaches 1,400). 8:00am

request of 3rdeyegirl's drummer, Hannah 'Ford' Welton, at

on a Sunday in Camden with a 7:00pm show time. It was

the beginning of the show. This ended up being the best

gonna be a long day! Let me just say that there is no other

rule of the night. I felt like I absorbed everything that

man that has ever gotten me out of bed at 5:30am to stand

happened during the show without being distracted. I felt

in the cold for ten hours! I noticed that I was one of the

more involved and that there was a stronger vibe between

youngest people in the queue. Having always been named

the artists on stage and the crowd. I was always in the

the 'one who was born in the wrong era' by my peers, I

moment and savoured and experienced every minute to

came to the conclusion that not enough people my age

the maximum. It's your memories that last a lifetime.

appreciate real, authentic, funky music. Take me back to the 70's and 80's any day. Due to the vast numbers of fans that showed up throughout the day, it wasn't long before Koko announced that Prince would now be playing a staggering three shows the coming night. They would commence at 7pm and finish up at around 3am the next morning. I find it quite difficult to name another rockstar that can play three consecutive two hour shows in one night. And do it happily.

Ten hours later, just in time to save my extremities from frostbite, the doors opened and we were allowed to fill the venue for the first performance. My 5:30 alarm had served me well as I managed to snag one of the best spots in the

Prince went on to play another two shows that night as well as another two at Ronnie Scott's the next day. After appearing on the Brit Awards it was then on to Manchester for the next lot of his 'Hit and Run' gigs.

Tickets for the London shows ranged from £10-£35-£70.

Prince was reported at the beginning of the tour as wanting to charge $10 per show. This caused a racket from fans complaining about those shows that were then priced at £70. I paid £70 for the Koko show and here are my thoughts on the issue. After speaking to one of the truck drivers who was delivering equipment as I stood in line before the show, it became apparent that there were a

house, second row from the stage.

lot of factors contributing to the ticket prices. There are

So Prince, like myself, is a wee 5"2'. But on that stage, the

artists who are also working on running these shows who

man is a power house. He knows how to work a stage

are effected by ticket pricing. The aforementioned truck

with undeniable presence. I'm not the kind to get

driver explained to us that the previous show they did was

starstruck very easily but I couldn't help but feel a little

£10, because Prince himself does not care about the

overwhelmed.

He's got a great, infectious energy that

money. The way I look at it is, if Prince were playing a

draws you into his performance. I was happy to

scheduled gig at somewhere like the O2, I'd be expecting

experience the show in a smaller and more confidential

to pay a lot more than what I paid for at Koko. For my £70 I

venue. To witness this legend up close and personal for

got a more intimate and atmospheric venue where I really

two hours was just mind blowing. The guy is an artist in

experienced his music in a first-hand way. Prince is known

every sense of the word. From his vocal talent,

as one of the biggest music legends today so £70 for an

musicianship, style and lyrics, right through to his

unforgettable two-hour show is reasonable. Anything less

performance energy, it was all phenomenal. I left feeling

is a bargain! Was it worth my time and money? You

like he had given us a part of himself, along with four

betcha!

rocking encores of course! I was extremely inspired. I was

venues, management and everyone else besides the

so energised that it took me three days to come back

Article by Jessica Kenny.

down to earth! It's not often a performance leaves such an

impression on me.

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Miss Sew and Sew

Morning/afternoon/evening stitchers, hope you’re all still as preoccupied in as many alternative projects as I am.

Now, Whilst glancing through a Reader’s Digest book at work, THERE WAS A PAGE WITH ‘THE 12 SHORT PATHS TO JOY’ ON IT. Number 11 on the list said ‘create a greeting card, plant a herb garden, try a new craft. Creativity endeavours allow us to enter a timeless, worry free state called the flow that’s both absorbing and thrilling’. Which in turn goes on even further in encouraging me to do what I do and love and it shows you as well – enjoy (put smiley face here) This month I have been working on a mother’s day image which did actually come free on the front of a magazine, complete with a heart hanger and am intending to hang off the front of a special cup that I have as well. (put in pic,) Now next month is easter and I have many, many designs of lambs, chicks, easter eggs ready and waiting to be stitched for putting in cards or onto the front of egg boxes, baskets etc. amidst spring flower blossoms.

As well as all of that here is cute wedding card design (show pic) that have changed around a bit so as to fit in with the person am doing it for. I Would be happy to always modify any designs to fit in with your particular choices.

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Poppy Hooton Talks about her inspiration..

I remember when I was in reception class my teacher asked us all to draw a picture of what we wanted to be when we grew up, I drew a Barbie doll. Most of my classmates drew policemen or firemen or doctors, but no I knew I was different from day one. Yes admittedly Barbie probably wasn’t an amazing figure to aspire to however my point is that from as young as primary education we are encouraged to think about our future as we all need something to work towards. Nevertheless, sometimes it can be hard to stay focused on the main goal, that’s where role models come in.

The two biggest parts of my life are my fitness side so my training, competing, bodybuilding, modelling and cheerleading and then my career side so my university studies, volunteering work etc. In both these fields I have inspirational roles of whom I look up to for personal motivation. Having these role models helps keep the end goal in sight. The way I see it, if someone else can do it, what’s stopping you doing the same thing?

I’ve always known I wanted to work with children, originally I thought I wanted to be a teacher but when I was about 11 I found out who Tanya Byron is and realised what my true calling was in life! Tanya Byron started a programme called Little Angels all the way back when I was still in primary school, it was a series that explored and treated behaviour problems in young children. I remember watching this programme and saying to my parents that’s what I want to do when I’m older. I think they must have 16 •FEMINARUM

just been pleased to see that I’d decided to set my sights a bit higher than being a Barbie doll! And no word of a lie, since then all I’ve wanted to do is be a Clinical Psychologist working with young people. Tanya Byron is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist; she works with and writes about a variety of psychological and emotional issues as well as mental health difficulties that affect people of all ages.

At university I’m studying Psychology, and then the plan is to go on after this degree and do a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology to become a Chartered Clinical Psychologist. It’s a long way down the line but I’ve known what I’ve wanted to do for as long as I can remember now! The reason Tanya Byron is my inspirational figure for my career is not only because she has my dream job, she also works with numerous charities to help young people, gives motivational talks, writes selfhelp books, presents television programmes, features on radio broadcasts and has even changed government policies! So many young people these days just look up to celebrities for superficial reasons, I think it’s so important for young people to have positive role models.

When I was growing up my parents and other adults use to always say to me I’d be a model when I was older. I remember telling them that it was a boring job and I’d never do it…however lo and behold I ended up being a model! I really enjoy modelling, alongside photographic modelling I do promotional work where I have had the opportunity to be a part of some great events and meet loads of new people. This side of my life is very different from my future career aspirations but I’m very much one for living in the moment, so I grasp every opportunity with both hands. My inspirational figure in this part of my life is Michelle Brannan. Michelle Brannan is a bikini competitor, winning numerous bodybuilding competitions and gaining herself a pro title. My fitness goals are to carry on training and be the best I can be, I’m hoping one day I can get to where Michelle Brannan is. I have a picture of her on my wall and have done since I started competing in bodybuilding a few years ago, that way every day I can visualise where I want to be in the future.

It also helps to remind me why I’m getting out of bed at the crack of dawn and walking to the gym in the pouring rain! I started bodybuilding when I was 17; I’ve always been really into fitness and wanted a goal for my training, it’s hard work but I love it.

Recently I’ve been asked to be part of a project that inspires and motivates young people, in particular young girls. I’m so excited to take on this role; to think that I could give even one young person the motivation to strive for better and believe in themselves makes me very happy. So, if anyone out there wants a chat about anything at all then as always feel free to contact me through my public page www.facebook.com/misspoppyhooton Till next time everyone! Poppy x Photo by Emma Shamaya

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Sharon Ayling Step into spring and enjoy your skin....

What an exciting month we are having!!!

Step in to Spring and Spring into Step! For those of you lovely readers that have been following my Detox column in January’s issue, I am sure you are doing great as we now march forward to a positive, bright month! The daffodils have already made an appearance in my garden and the beauty of nature is beginning to shine as we step into Spring with a spring in our step.

This month we celebrated Pancake Day March 4th, Womens’ International day on March 8th and steer forward to Mothering Sunday on the 30th This month is all about the mother in you or the mother in your life.

Why not cook up a gourmet treat from the recipe in this month’s issue. Whatever you do make it special and memorable.

How qualified is your therapist? I am very horrified to learn that many people out there are not qualified or insured and are working in an industry with products that they have very little knowledge about! Nowadays with the use of internet and social media, it has 18 • FEMINARUM

become quite easy to attain, use and promote lower budget products. If the idea of a very cheap product or service may sound too good true to be true, then if probably is! Many products use fillers and alternative ingredients claiming that it will achieve fantastic results. BUT is it really effective and trust worthy? Be mindful of what your using on your skin.

As Mothering Sunday is just around the corner; pick up a treat from Female Focus Skincare Studio, for £30.00 you can receive a skincare treatment and a piece of jewellery from the bespoke range. Using semiprecious stones to create a truly beautiful piece of jewellery that is made to order.

Promotional events having been running in the Studio, microzone experiences that are held once a month has been a fabulous kick start to boost skin. Thank you to all that have contacted me in connection with this event. I am planning on introducing a fortnightly event for those of you whom are unable to attend the last Saturday of the month. The next microzone event will be held on

Saturday 29th March 10am - 12pm Let me know if you are able to make this slot. If not I may be able to introduce an extra date.

Have you tried the latest product from the Dermalogica range? Pre cleanse wipes are fantastic for travel. These quick and easy to use wipes are no stranger when it comes to melting away excess sebum, sunscreen and waterproof make-up, leaving a clear path for the use of Dermalogica cleanser to penetrate further into the skin. Leaving the skin feeling completely clean and fresh. The pre -cleanse wipes are in addition product to the precleanse lotion.

For the month of April there shall be a 10% discount on all retail products, this is a great time to come in and try out the latest product in the skincare line.

Contact me on 07790886584 / sharon.ayling00@googlemail.com / https:// www.facebook.com/pages/Female-Focus-SkincareStudio/198352295569

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Gallery of Guys

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Gallery of Guys..

We have been striving to be different and our gallery has been so successful that we now have a library of guys who are willing to be in the magazine but we are always happy to have images sent into us as we all like a variety in life....

As we have said before, we are giving our readers what they want from a magazine and it's clear that us ladies enjoy some serious eye candy and why not. Guys have had Page 3 for too long and it's about time society realises that women want equality in every aspect of life...

Along with our regular Gallery of Guys, we are progressing well with the calendar. The amount of support we have been getting is amazing and it is taking shape slowly. It's a matter of finding a way to produce it so that we can keep the price down and make sure the charity gets the money they need to help the Kent and Sussex Air ambulance to continue all the good work they do 24/7.

The images will be taken during he summer and then we shall be getting everything ready for the launch of the calendar in the run up to Christmas 2014.

So watch this space and get your cash ready, we expect it will be a huge success...

Photos supplied by : PND Photography. Becky Moyce. Olesia Constantinou.

Jean Rostam Ivy Pozidis. Olesia Ghohabi.

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"If you want more pictures in the gallery then let us know and we will do that."

"So let's get down to it, we all know that people like pleasing things to look at" This part of the magazine is no different and we strive to bring you some eye candy and also a bit of class to the gallery. See will be expanding this section by popular demand....

So if you know any guys who are fit or easy on the eye then get them to contact us...you never know, they might find themselves in our Gallery......

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"

"The day was wonderful and Ali and her make up artist were great.

This image looks like it was taken somewhere tropical. It was in fact taken at sunny Bognor Regis..."

26. FEMINARUM

My beach shoot with Ali .

I shot with Ali last year and had so much fun.

Being a photographer was always something I had been interested in and I started as most people do by doing self portraits until I could gather enough images to get a portfolio together.

After about 2 years, I had worked with some amazing, fun and professional models both male and female.

I put a casting call out on one of the modelling sites that I signed up to. Ali contacted me and after some finally diary rescheduling, we managed to met up for a shoot. I had purchased two sets of bikinis and said that I would bring them along. We were shooting in Bognor Regis in West Sussex. It's a great beach location with plenty of story and luckily the day was really sunny and breezy.

Ali bought along her friend who was doing her make up and we were all set.

She was a great sport and although the water was not freezing, it was still cold but she got straight into the shoot.

It was fun to try and capture the effect of the water as the light was bouncing all over the place and also the suns was.

Changing as the day progressed.

The hours flowed by so quickly and because we had acquired a good working ethic( Ali was only in the water for a short period.) I was conscious of the fact that the water was not warm, so had towels at the ready. I know from he other models that I have worked with, that many photographers disregard the

fact that the model is actually human and does feel the cold..

She was a real professional and knew exactly the kind of image that I was looking for and because she had a whole range of experience in different genres of modelling, she was ready to adapt and comprehend very quickly what I needed from her.

The make up was superb and fitted the theme perfectly. We had a fun great day, full of laughter and smiles and the end results I felt really speak for themselves.

Ali and myself were very pleased with the images that I got from that shoot.

And she got to keep the bikinis as well..

My advice to all you budding photographers...treat your models like gold dust because the good ones are rare and really worth looking after...

Article and photo by Helen Wright

Book Reviews Shahna Thwaites, Reviewed two of the books she had recently read written by female authors...

The Accidental life of Jesse Jefferson – Paige Toon

Now I have read all o f P a i g e To o n ’ s previous books and have absolutely loved them, getting through each book in a week as become fully absorbed within it…tending to read all over the place… on the train, in Starbuks, in bed, even during quiet periods at work (don’t tell my boss)!

So when I was informed about this one coming to us I had to buy it on my kindle as just

28 . FEMINARUM

couldn’t wait a further few weeks for the book version to come out!

H o w e v e r, a f t e r reading the first few chapters I was finding it more aimed towards teenagers than young women.

That is until the last 5-6 chapters kind-of changed back into the old Paige Toon that I love and I did still get through it in a week, as even though was not grabbing my full interest I find her style of writing very easy to read and take in. Maybe the

more books I read, as well as the older I’m getting(!) my style is just looking for more.

Read it and gather your own perception.

Is the sort-of fun, easy-going book to read on a sunny beach whilst relaxing or even comfortably nestled into the sofa on a rainy day at the moment!!

Be My Valentine – My Hero Debbie Macomber Last month I reviewed the first story of the book (My Funny Valentine) and again another chick-lit am afraid but this one was intriguing and riveting.

attention enough to want to read on.

Will let you know in next months issue if they kept it or not.

We all just want to say thank you to Shahna for sending us her book reviews for this issue....

We all know that we can meet our loved ones in the most un-likeliest of places don’t we? Well Bailey, the main character of the story, meets him on the train on the way home from work and even though he is slightly in a league above hers they seem to click. Anyway, there are quite a few chapters (and train journeys!) explaining about how they, her in particular, humorously flirt and end up together…or not?

Read it and see.

I recommend this book as an entertaining end-of-the day easy read to unwind with.

I have now just started two other books – FISH CHANGE DIRECTION IN COLD WEATHER by Pierre Szalowski and PERFECT by Rachel Joyce, which is also a Sunday Times Bestseller. The first few chapters in both seem to be grabbing my

. FEMINARUM 29

Emma Gregory Dad knows best...

FEMINARUM spoke with Emma and she was glad to write an article for us about her wonderful dresses. We knew she would be a great person to have in our special issue for March.

In the wake of International Women’s Day I would like to share with you how my Dad unwittingly inspired and empowered me to follow my dreams.

'Come to rock and roll with us,’ he pleaded for the umpteenth time two years ago. ‘You’ll love it’. Against what I thought was my better judgement, and two years of declining his kind offer, I relented and finally agreed to join my Dad and step-mum on a rock ‘n’ roll weekender.

Phil, my fiancé, and I donned our jeans and t-shirts in anticipation of what we thought was to come. Well, we were mesmerised from start to finish. We bowled up at Crich Tram Museum, Derbyshire for a whole weekend of glorious 1950s. Our eyes were met by a feast of 50s – the dresses, the hairstyles and make up, the music, the dancing – I could go on and on.

A little part of me had to acknowledge that my Dad had been right. I loved it.

30 FEMINARUM

Come to rock and roll with us,’ he pleaded for the umpteenth time two years ago. ‘You’ll love it’.

Subsequently, Phil and I returned back home to the south coast where we found a great weekly rock ‘n’ roll club which had DJs and live music. A nicer, more bonkers, group of people we could not have wished to have met. They welcomed us with open arms. Before we knew it, we had become one of them. I still drive a battered old Vauxhall Zafira, but I now have the dresses, the hair and even an old 50s record player.

Well, the boys are all teenagers now and off out with their mates playing football, so it is my turn to play.

Sickening really how I had fought the rock ‘n’ roll thing for so many years, thinking it was not for me, only to find out my Dad’s passion had now become mine. I started making dresses – swing dresses, halter neck dresses, wiggle dresses – you name it, I was making it. The play room at home suddenly acquired a sewing machine…an overlocker…a dresser full of fabulous fabric from an array of designers such as Michael Miller, Robert Kaufman and Henry Alexander. Yep! It’s now a sewing room.

Suffice to say, my Dad was right. His persistence in opening my mind and eyes to something different has allowed me, at 44, to change the direction of my life and I am loving every minute of it.

Anyway, one thing lead to another. People started asking me to make dresses for them, and two years on, here I am with my own vintage style dressmaking business, selling beautiful handmade 40s and 50s inspired dresses at vintage fairs and online at www.emmagregory.net.

Oh, and Phil and I are getting married at the end of May this year…rock ‘n’ roll style of course.

Article written by Emma Gregory.

FEMINARUM• •31

... 

Coco Fierce We spoke with Coco and she told us a bit about her life in general....

Coco Fierce is a professional,

agency signed pin up model who is signed by Spirit Model Management.

Over the last two years, Coco has modelled for over 80 designers, including high street brands such as Collectif, Vivien of Holloway, Irregular Choice and Miss L Fire. She has also been published in over 150 magazines, including five covers and taken part in numerous high profile catwalks and fashion shows.

As well as modelling she writes columns for Vintage Life magazine, UK Rock n Roll Magazine, Things and Ink magazine and US mag, Delicious Dolls. She also manages the oďŹƒcial blog for Spirit Model Management.

I asked her several questions about life in general and also who she would like to have dinner with...

This is what she said....

Photo by Tony Smith.

32 . FEMINARUM

1: What are your passions in life?

I am obsessed with fashion! I spend

most of my time trawling vintage shops or charity shops and eBay, scouring for vintage treasures! I also write columns for four print national and one international magazines and write music reviews for websites. Additionally I sing in an acoustic band and am just about to join a rockabilly band as their vocalist! I love to spend time with my friends and family. Tattoos are also a huge part of my life and I spend a lot of time travelling around the country to conventions and getting them too!

2: What do you do for a living?

I am an English teacher in a Secondary

school and manage GCSE. Formally, I was a professional journalist for the News of the World, Sunday People and BBC.

4: Who would like to have dinner with?

I should say somebody really cliché like

Marilyn Monroe but I have always been attracted to the darker characters really. I adore Vivien Leigh and Judy Garland and think they would have amazing stories to tell. Mae West is also one of my idols.

From a young age I have always been obsessed with 80s music and I would love to have dinner with Nick Rhodes from Duran Duran, Gary Numan and Adam Ant. Morrissey would be brilliant as well as he is a controversial character with strong opinions.

5: What would you take with you on a desert island?

I could not live without eyebrow pencil! I look like an alien without it!

3: What is the best book you have ever read.?

O h my goodness...this is a difficult

question! There are so many books that have touched me! I have narrowed it down to a couple. I loved 'The five people you meet in heaven' by Mitch Albom as it just really made me think about my life decisions and the way they affect others. I also loved 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' by Khaled Hosseini as he is just a beautiful writer. Also 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak as it was so original and just broke my heart in places. For me, a good book can make you feel every emotion; be it happiness, fear or despair. It leaves an imprint on you really.

Thanks,

Haili

If you want to book Coco for any modelling assignments then please contact her on her Facebook page.

www.facebook.com/ cocofiercemodel

FEMINARUM• 33

Photo by Yolanda Thorpe

34. FEMINARUM

Raven’s Diary

It’s that time again for my diary.

So what have I been up to?

Well I have been having quite a rollercoaster what with money worries due to lack of work.

We all go through it when work goes so stagnant that you start counting the pennies to see if you can afford that loaf of bread or not.

I’m still picking myself up, but it has taught me a harsh lesson, despite my penny pinching ways I still managed to run out of money Despite all this I still managed to get out on a beautiful Sunday afternoon to go meet with some fellow photographers to go have a giggle in our local park and take some photos.

But on coming back from that lovely day, I had work to do, I had to pick myself up and dust myself off. Firstly I turned to my CV, I revamped it until I wondered how I got so smart, I then started selling images, and through this I saw a slow trickle of income refreshing my bank a little bit.

I decided with that trickle I would cover the essential bills, spend just a few pounds and treated my son and I to some hot cross buns, our first of the year and they were blissful.

Tastes so much better when you come through hard ship, and a lot of hard work to able to buy them specially. There will not be any more treats for a while though, I have a lot more hard work to get us stabilised again financially.

I also have my own magazine to work on which needs to be done by 1st April, no joking ;) So I will be getting my head down and getting that sorted out.

Whilst all that was happening I finished my final exam for the Photography course I was taking and successfully passed, you can imagine my joy when the email came through with the image assessments each of which were awarded high scores.

The next step is to take an Accounting course, I’ve never really had a head for numbers and it’s probably why I’m not so great with money, but then most 20 something’s are skint right?

So I’m not beating myself up over it.

Hopefully next time we meet I will be able to share some good news in regards to finances and also keep you up to date on my adventures.

Raven-Lily

www.facebook.com/lilylovesimages

FEMINARUM• 35

Izzi's Kitchen Homemade Meat balls.

A wonderful Italian recipe given to Izzi from her Mother who found it in Italy as a girl....

Photo by Double 8

36. FEMINARUM

Ingredients : 2 tbsp olive oil 150g/5oz onion, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, crushed 900g/2lb freshly minced beef 2 tbsp freshly chopped herbs, such as marjoram, or 1 tbsp rosemary 1 free-range egg, beaten salt and freshly ground black pepper 3 tbsp olive oil 1 tin of chopped tomatoes Stale day old bread

1.

Firstly, put your mince into a bowl with the breadcrumbs, eggs, chopped onions. Mix together the mixture. Then add the garlic.

2.

Take a small portion of the mixture and roll it into a ball in your hands. Taking a tray drizzled with olive oil, place each ball with a gap in between.

The size can vary on how large you want your meatballs...

3.

Put into a preheated oven at 150 degrees. Keep an eye on the meatballs and don't let them burn. Keep in the oven for 20 minutes although this will defend on the size of the meatballs.

Add the tomatoes to a pan and once the meatballs are cooked, slowly simmer in the tomatoes and add Basil to taste along with black pepper.

If you gave anything that you would like Izzi to cook anything, then please Facebook us and let us know.

Izzi FEMINARUM • 37

Tech Article...

Girl gamers...

Janus Designs looks at women in the gaming world.

Does the Gaming Industry cater enough for women?

If you ask someone in the street to describe the core audience for video games I’d bet they say boys and young men. Not many would mention that women play games, even though a recent survey has shown that 47% of gamers are indeed female.

Video games are no longer the exclusive domain of boys and young men.. Why is there such a disconnect between the idea of girl gamers and video games?

The video games industry as a whole uses mainly male protagonists in games, not surprising when you realise that 88% of the industries employees are men. This is not to say that women can’t enjoy playing games that don’t have a female lead character, but surely more parity could be good, after all games like Mass Effect have been allowing players to choose the protagonists gender for quite a while. It doesn't help either when some games portray female characters as 38 FEMINARUM

sexual objects rather then people. This has improved over the years, but you can’t help to assume that games that do that were never really intended to be played by women by their creators. It isn't just the games themselves that can be guilty of this, even the advertising of these games can discourage women and girls. In most advertising for video games women are either not present at all or, more worryingly, only seem to be shown playing socially, as in the myriad of dancing games, or for getting fit with games such as the keep fit or zumba variants, never just for fun. Most female gamers I’ve spoken to love to play first person shooters like Call of Duty and action games such as Assassins Creed, a n d n o t j u s t t h e c u t e s y, ‘ F e m a l e orientated’ games that the industry says they should be playing.

Unfortunately this attitude of what women should be playing sometimes seeps into the online community. Although the vast majority of male players are respectful and adult enough to treat the female gamers as just another gamer, there is a minority that don’t. Some comments can be nothing short of sexual harassment, and overs range from pathetic comments such as ‘Your’e a girl.. really?’ to comments about how girls aren't as good at games as guys. Some girl gamers I've spoken to have said they very rarely speak online

Its clear that the gaming industry’s attitude towards girl gamers has to change. Whether its by publishing more female centric titles or making games that appeal to both sexes equally (even by having a choice of protagonist gender).

The recent Tomb Raider reboot was written by Rhianna Pratchett and Susan O’Connor, and features a strong female protagonist with an amazing storyline that appeals to both men and women, so things are starting to change.

475 of video game players are female, so why are they not catered for more?

Its clear that Girl Gamers are here to stay..

Watch out guys, because soon Girl Gamers could outnumber the guys playing.

A vast majority have told me they just enjoy beating anyone thats stupid enough to make sexist comments. Thankfully both Microsoft and Sony have a zero tolerance attitude and bad behaviour to other players whilst online, so this type of behaviour will, hopefully, become a thing of the past.

Article by Steve Wright aka Janus Designs.

Photos by Double 8

FEMINARUM• 39

Keep your eyes open for these cards... www.facebook.com/Feminarum

Shahna and her mum were fundraising at Sainbury's for the Kent and Sussex Air Ambulance.




Photo by Shahna Thwaite.

42 • FEMINARUM

Sponsoring local charities and organisations.

My local chip shop was working with the Lions club to raise funds for the Point Centre. This gives aid and help for adults with disabilities.I paid my money and chose two numbers.

Eight and Fourteen.

It really got me thinking about supporting local charities and events in the future. It is something that we all have to be aware of.

You never know when you might need help from any of the many charitable organisations in the UK and world wide.

This is why FEMINARUM will be sponsoring some of our readers who are doing a wide range of events for various charities in the next few months. We will be supporting them and following them in the magazine.

I will be looking into the whole subject of food banks and FEMINARUM will be making a donation in the form of a bag of tinned food.

You never know when your circumstances might change and you may find yourself in need of this vital support.

We have a bag of food which has been donated and it will be delivered to my local food bank situated in Chichester. I feel that this is an issue that will increase in publicity as the gap between wages and food prices becomes greater and greater. Families are struggling to support themselves. It is clear that food banks are providing a well needed resource to support those who find themselves in a position of crisis.

Most of us will never have to use food banks but they still need our support. We have a moral and social obligation to help and support organisations that strive to give aid to those who need it...

Photos by Double8

FEMINARUM• 43

Birds Eye View.

Birds Eye View International Women's Day Gala:

"We asked Birds Eye View to write for us and they were only too happy. They have a list of events that will be going on to c e l e b r a t e International Women's Day."

WONDER WOMEN! THE UNTOLD STORY OF AMERICAN SUPERHEROES Sat 8 March, 6.30pm, BFI Southbank Tracing the birth, evolution and legacy of Wonder Woman, Kirsty Guevara-Flanagan's super-doc spotlights the fictional and real-life superheroines fighting for positive role models for girls. A hit at SXSW, the film includes original Wonder Woman Lynda Carter, activist Gloria Stienem, Buffy writer Jane Espenson, Riot Grrrl Kathleen Hann and more. A vital counterpoint to the male-dominated superhero genre - and a joyful celebration of women who kick ass!

Plus, join us from 4pm for a special pre-screening Future Shorts event.

Full details and booking at: https://whatson.bfi.org.uk/Online/ wonderwomen.

Suggested copy for Social Media Tweet: Don’t miss @BirdsEyeViewFF International Women’s Day

44. FEMINARUM

Birds Eye View International Women's Day Gala:

genre - and a joyful celebration of women who kick ass!

WONDER WOMEN! THE UNTOLD STORY OF A M E R I C A N SUPERHEROES

Plus, join us from 4pm for a special pre-screening Future Shorts event.

Sat 8 March, 6.30pm, BFI Southbank Tracing the birth, evolution and legacy of Wonder Woman, Kirsty GuevaraF l a n a g a n ' s s u p e r- d o c spotlights the fictional and real-life superheroines fighting for positive role models for girls. A hit at SXSW, the film includes original Wonder Woman Lynda Carter, activist Gloria Stienem, Buffy writer Jane Espenson, Riot Grrrl Kathleen Hann and more. A vital counterpoint to the male-dominated superhero

Full details and booking at: https://whatson.bfi.org.uk/ Online/wonderwomen.

Suggested copy for Social Media Tweet: Don’t miss @BirdsEyeViewFF International Women’s Day Screening of WONDER WOMEN! @BFI Southbank 8 Mar http://ow.ly/tteg9 #IWD #BEVFF14

Facebook (Image attached if needed): Grab your tickets for Birds Eye View’s International Wo m e n ’s D a y G a l a S c r e e n i n g o f Wo n d e r Women! The Untold Story of American Superheroines. PLUS the launch of the 2014 BEV Film Festival.

The screening is at BFI S o u t h b a n k S a t u rd a y 8 March at 6.30pm. Tickets and more info on the days events here: https://whatson.bfi.org.uk/ Online/wonderwomen Photos provided by Birds Eye View.

FEMINARUM.45

"We all love a bargain and charity shops are full of them if you know what to look for."

46. FEMINARUM

Charity Shop challenge We wanted to !ow y" what y" can find if y" know what to look for...

Charity shops for many years had a stigma attached to them and nobody shopped in them.

They had been reduced to shabby little tat shops.

Now they are a smooth running business turning over a profit. The scope for finding a bargain has never been better. But a lot of the shops and those that work in them are becoming wise to the little gems that are donated. With the influx of the Antiques Roadshow and various programmes about selling items, people have become very savvy about the price of objects that have been donated.

cards to a black Gucci clutch bag.

It's all about what you know. I will be going around the charity shops each month, armed with ÂŁ10 to see what I can buy. This will be a regular feature and I will be checking out the value of the things I find.

" Charity shops are a haven to find wonderful gems of clothing, jewellery, books and so much more."

Everyone loves a bargain...

It would be great to hear about the treasures you have picked up on your hunt around the charity shops in your areas..

Helen.

But do not lose hope, there are bargains to be found. I have been going to charity shops for a number of years and have learnt a great deal along the way.

My finds have ranged from Tiany and Co playing

FEMINARUM.47

Dawn Gracie Dawn is an experienced

Dawn's Vintage Do. Having

enthusiasm and stage

Sussex based entertainer

been obsessed with all

presence, the whole

and has spent nine years

things 50's and 60's for

entertainment package

developing her various

most of her life and with

includes audience

stage personas, from rock

friends and family

participation as well as

to retro. In 2011 after

frequently telling her 'you

some good old skirt

picking up the prestigious

were born in the wrong

swinging tunes to boot

title of Best Dressed at the

era!', this was the perfect

perfect for weddings,

infamous Goodwood

opportunity for Dawn to

parties and even afternoon

Revival, an invitation to

work with a nostalgic

tea! .

show o her outfit at a

musical genre and allow her

local nursing home gave her

to showcase her extensive

the encouragement to put

and ever growing collection

together a retro repertoire

of vintage outfits. Together

and launch her new act

with Dawn's infectious

48 • FEMINARUM

As an extension to her Dawn's Vintage Do entertainment package, Dawn is a qualified Burlesque fitness instructor and uses this to teach women ultimate self confidence, embracing pin up power and bombshell beauty regardless of size, ability or age at her Starlet Daze School of Burlesque which runs monthly experience workshops at various locations.

Dawn adds 'The main aim is to have an experience based on feminine fun where you can light up the room with fire in your eyes and leave feeling like you're walking on air but with wiggle in your walk'.

Having previously enjoyed a career in advertising sales for a parenting magazine and later using those skills to offer sales coaching to women in business through the Chichester branch of Mumpreneurs Networking Club for which she has been a manager of for over three years, Dawn understands the complexities of the 'dormant' stage of life some women can find themselves in, either as a result of bringing up children, career distractions or life in general.

So working with women who want to explore their abilities and push their comfort zones is exactly what her School of Burlesque is all about. It's not just how it looks, but how a woman feels when she is doing it. Dawn AKA 'Starlet Daze' has showcased her students at cabaret evenings she produces across Sussex

and even took a group to perform onstage at Earls Court.

Dawn was awarded the 'Business Personality of the Year 2013 at the Observer & Gazette awards ceremony earlier in the year and recently won highly commended for the same award at the overall Southern Business Awards, proving that it's not all about feather boas and singing songs, it's about being a business woman who makes a difference to those who choose to use her services. Dawn is also the 'Woman in Business ' columnist for the Observer & Gazette series and uses this to highlight local success stories and business issues, usually taken from her pool of entrepreneurs who regularly attend her networking meetings held at Chichester College.

So you can find Dawn Gracie heading business meetings, popping up at private parties, public festivals and community events ... to keep up with her, head over to www.facebook.com/ DawnsVintageDo for all the latest goings on www.dawnsvintagedo.com www.agoodgossip.co.uk Photos by Barrie Downie http://www.barriedownie.com/

•

FEMINARUM 49

Mumpreneurs My very first meeting...

I had my first meeting with the wonderful ladies at the Chichester Mumpreneuers.

I had done my homework and looked it up on the web. To be honest, I was not sure what to expect and so I decided that : "Fortune favours the bold." And signed up for a meeting via their FB page. I contacted the wonderful Dawn Gracie and was ready to get going.

Their meeting month was at the Chichester College and I made my way there early in the morning. To say that I was nervous was truly an understatement and all sorts of thoughts were racing through my mind. What sort of people were going to be there? And would I get anything out of the meeting?

Pushing these doubts aside, I went to the meeting room. I was greeted by a really wonderful group of people and the stunningly exuberant Dawn Gracie.

My nervous were calmed and as the meeting progressed, I found that it was exhilarating to be in the company of like minded individuals..

50 . FEMINARUM

"They were a really fun group of people and I learnt so much and I also have some new writers for the magazine.."

It's was great to be surrounded by so many people, all looking for something like myself.

I took my turn to speak out in the hope that my passion and dedication to the magazine would excuse my lack of experience but I had no need to worry, everyone was really interested and very supportive.

The wonderful vibe in the room infused me with a real sense of purpose and determination. Many people had looked at the magazine and after the meeting, came over to speak to me..I was so shocked. Now

some of these wonderful and inspirational people write for the magazine and I feel so lucky to have them onboard..

I thank you all for enlightening me to the wonderful possibilities within these pages.....

Article written byHelen Wright.

FEMINARUM• 51

Women.

Are we better off in the 21st Century...?

So ladies, has anything changed for women in the 21st Century??

Yes we can vote, we can go to college with our male counterparts. We are are no longer considered chattel or creatures to be sold to the highest bidder, but have things really changed for women in the grander scheme of things.?

There has been a lot of talk recently about equal pay for women in the workplace. We are still being paid less then men although both groups work to the same professional standard.

Women now have to work and look after their children as well in our current society. But we still feel guilty for not being with our children when they need us.

The statistics of pay for women is astounding when you start looking at them in detail.

52. FEMINARUM

"Women working full-time still earn almost £5,000 a year less than men, though the pay gap in some jobs is three times bigger, according to a TUC analysis of official figures published to mark Equal Pay Day today (Thursday).

Equal Pay Day marks the point at which women working full-time effectively stop earning as they are paid 15 per cent less per hour than men working full-time.

But in certain professions the gender pay gap is much wider, says the TUC. According to the research, female health professionals have the biggest pay gap at 31 per cent, which works out at £16,000 a year. A key reason for the size of the pay gap in health is the earnings of the best-paid p ro f e s s i o n a l s . To p m a l e professionals in health earn nearly £50 an hour, twice as much as top earning women who earn £24.67 an hour.

Women working in culture, media and sport experience the next biggest pay gap at 27.5 per cent – which works out at £10,000 a year – while women working in manufacturing occupations earn nearly 24 per cent less than men."

(TUC website source)

more women than men are now employed as doctors, a rc h i t e c t s a n d l a w y e r s , attributes the shift to improvements in education and a changing attitude to what is 'women's work'.

Read more: http:// www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ article-1205744/Morewomen-men-high-statusjobs--lagging-paystakes.html#ixzz2utGmedKv Follow us: @MailOnline on Tw i t t e r | D a i l y M a i l o n Facebook So the shift towards women having higher standing jobs is improving. Thoughts to explain the shift vary from the fact that manual menial jobs are disappearing and also a bigger portion of women are going to college. But what ever the catalyst is women are welcoming and embracing this shift in society's perception of women's worth in the workplace..

Article by Helen Wright.

"The shift and balance is becoming more obvious in women's career options."

"Women are going back to college and breaking into the boardroom with passionate and dedication."

www.tuc.org.uk A study by Cambridge University, which found that FEMINARUM• 53

Marie Stopes

Marie Charlotte Carmichael Stopes (15 October 1880 – 2 October 1958) was a British author, palaeobotanist, academic, campaigner for women's rights and pioneer in the field of birth control.

With her second husband Humphrey Verdon Roe she founded the first birth control clinic in Britain. Stopes edited the newsletter Birth Control News which gave explicit practical advice. Her sex manual Married Love was controversial and influential: it brought the subject of birth control into wide public discourse. She was never in favour of abortion, arguing that preventing conception was all that was needed.

On 26 March 1918, Married Love was published. This book was about educating women about birth control and being in charge of their bodies. It was a brave step in a very conservative world which still viewed women as being wives and mothers only. The success of Married Love prompted a follow-up, which Stopes provided in the form of the already written Wise Parenthood: a Book for Married People, a manual on birth control, published later in the same year. She received many letters from women who were amazed and pleased with the freedom the new book had given them.

The following year she had published a condensed form of Wise Parenthood which was done especially for the poor, A Letter to Working Mothers on how to have healthy children and avoid weakening pregnancies. It was a pamphlet 16 pages long and was to be distributed free of charge. She is credited with her husband in revolutionising the way women perceive conceptions and childbirth. (Wikipedia)

54. FEMINARUM

Inspirational Women..

Marie Curie

Marie Skłodowska-Curie (7 November 1867 – 4 July 1934) was a Polish and naturalized-French physicist and chemist who conducted groundbreaking research into radioactivity. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, and the only woman to win in two fields. She is also the only person to win in multiple sciences. Marie was the first woman to become a professor at the University of Paris, and in 1995 became the first woman to be entombed on her own merits in the Panthéon in Paris. This in its own self is a great achievement.

Curie died in 1934 at the sanatorium of Sancellemoz (HauteSavoie), France, due to aplastic anemia brought on by exposure to radiation . She was exposed it seems, during her World War I service in mobile X-ray units created by her. Her understanding of Science and the fact that she was a women, makes her one of the most influential and inspiring women of her generation.

(.

(Picture and words from Wikipedia)

FEMINARUM • 55

Tino Da Silva.

Neuro Lingustic programming

Tel: Web:

0845 652 1945 www.mccit.co.uk

"My name is Tino Da Silva , I m married and live in Pulborough."

"I have always been curious about life. As I was growing up I tried to experience as much as I could and even during my working life I have experienced many roles so that I could satisfy my hunger for curiosity. I could tell you that my background is this or that but I ve had a varied background from catering to running a cloud computer business. I have a vision; where people who want to get over something can do so by waking into a clinic and walking out with a way of dealing with their something."

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I have a vision; where people who want to get over “something”

A very quick example is that if I asked you to cross your arms

can do so by waking into a clinic and walking out with a way of

(try it) you always cross your arms in the same way. Now if

dealing with their “something” and not have to worry about long

you try to cross your arms in a different way, it becomes a

term therapy. Do we need therapy?

little challenging but not impossible? So, what I am suggesting is that with a little practice you can cross your

From time to time some of us including me need to see someone

arms any way you want, not just the way that you have always

who is a professional in helping people cope with matters of the

crossed them. It is the same with our minds, we can retrain

mind. The process is that we normally see a GP, who then refers

our minds to look at things differently or from another angle.

us to a therapist who can help with the demons that we find challenging. But what if there was another way to handle your

But, the best thing that I like about NLP is that it isn’t

demons in a manner that gave you more control and how you felt

concerned about how you got to being the way that you are,

about them? What if there was a way that you could control

only that you want to change the way that you feel about it.

when to deal with your demons or better still, do away with them once and for all?

If you are unhappy with the way that you feel about something, NLP can change that, If you want to be a happier

I am by no means suggesting that we no longer need Therapists

person NLP can help you with that. Whether you want to be

and Psychologist but what if there was another way? Last year I

more successful or get more out of your personal or business

came across a type of therapy called Neuro Linguistic

life NLP can help you with that too. Did you know that there

Programming (NLP)

are many sports athletes who use NLP to put themselves in the right frame of mind before attempting their chosen sport?

NLP is different to traditional Therapy. I sometimes get asked if I’m a therapist and I’m always clear that I’m not. Therapist are

So, how come there aren’t more people using NLP? The fact

highly trained people who have been specialising in their field for

is that there are lot of people using NLP. Many people have

several years, whereas NLP is relatively new and with just a few

used NLP indirectly for many years, it is just that we now have

days training anyone can walk away as a Practitioner with a set

a name for it. There again because there is a little scepticism

of tools that can help many people, but does that make them a

about NLP, some NLP Practitioners are a little shy of coming

therapist?

out until they find themselves in familiar surroundings. A few months ago I was at a meeting that I attend every month and

In my opinion, NLP is a quick and easy alternative to therapy. But

at this meeting I mentioned that I’d come across NLP and all

what is NLP? And why aren’t more people using it? There are a

of a sudden 3 people put their hands up and said “yes, I’ve

few definitions about NLP. Some can be positive while others are

done this” or “yes, I am a practitioner”. So just to come back

negative or a little sceptical such as Wikipedia http://

to the original question, “do we need therapy?”

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuro-linguistic_programming.

opinion, there are times when a quick visit to an NLP

To me NLP is all about reprogramming our brain. NLP suggests that everything that we do from getting up in the morning and brushing our teeth to the way that we deal with everyday life is learnt behaviour, and that, we can retrain our brains to think differently if we try.

A very quick example is that if I asked you to cross your arms (try it) you always cross your arms in the same way. Now if you try to cross your arms in a different way, it becomes a little challenging but not impossible? So, what I am suggesting is that with a little practice you can cross your arms any way you want, not just the way that you have always crossed them. It is the same with our minds, we can retrain our minds to look at things differently or from another angle.

But, the best thing that I like about NLP is that it isn’t concerned about how you got to being the way that you are, only that you want to change the way that you feel about it.

If you are unhappy with the way that you feel about something,

In my

practitioner could be as effective as several sessions with a therapist. You see, a therapist will try and understand or get you to understand how you got to where you are by asking you to visit your childhood memories and understand why you have your fear or whatever it is that you went to see them about. NLP Practitioners are not interested in how you got to where you are, only that you want to change the way that you feel about it.

There again if you get the same results from visiting an NLP Practitioner or a therapist does it matter how you get there? I have experienced many good results from using NLP. I have had people change their careers to changing their eating habits so clearly it does work. Over the coming months I hope to address some of your demons and empower you to take full control of them.

Thanks for reading."

NLP can change that, If you want to be a happier person NLP can help you with that. Whether you want to be more successful

FEMINARUM• 57

What is going to happen next with FEMINARUM We are forging ahead and far above what I could have ever planned for the magazine. I have been amazed by the overwhelming and wonderful response of all our readers.

This humble magazine is going from strength to strength with each issue. Now we will be celebrating our 6 month mile stone with this fabulous issue dedicated to women.

As of April, this magazine will not be free.

The team and myself have decided its time to charge for this magazine. It was not an easy decision to make but if we want to take this magazine further and really make it work, we would need the funds to do so. Also I wanted to start paying the people that have been regularly writing for this magazine, right from the start.

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They have show dedication and loyalty that I never thought was possible and I thank those people for it.

We will have a website that you can order the magazine from and also we will be selling printed copies of the magazine.

Watch the Facebook page as all the details will be coming up shortly.

We have had many months to fine tune the way the magazine looks and to let you decide what you want to see. Aprils is the culmination of all of those months of hard word and dedication by myself and my wonderful team.

We as always, need your continued support to make this magazine a success..

If you want to get involved in the exciting magazine launch that is being prepared for April's issue then contact us on our Facebook page. You have the chance to be part of this adventure concerning a magazine which has found its niche in the oceans of magazines currently out there...

articles and we are happy to hear from anyone who has something to say or a story to tell.

We have so many ideas and projects that we will be doing along with supporting local charities.

The magazine will still be full of its normal great

From everyone FEMINARUM...

So everyone in the team is raising a glass to all of our readers to say thank you for all your support and we hope you will enjoy the new and improved magazine when it comes out in April.

"Come and be part of the new magazine that we will be releasing in April."

at

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Feminarum If you want to be part of a great team then contact me as we want to hear from everyone and anyone.... We will be charging for the magazine from April's issue onwards.....

www.facebook.com/Feminarum