Just for Her Issue 9 by Forces & Corporate Publishing Ltd

ISSUE 9

Living with the

Military

... for you

a ppy Ta ke pa rt in ou r ‘H

Post’ proj ect

The

Challenge of

Childcare SHOP THE

Highstreet

HANDY PACKING Spring Clean Your Finances

Win tick et s to th e BB C Good Food Sh ow Su m m er

ust J Her for

Directory for the Wives, Girlfriends and Families of Military Personnel

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JustHer for

Happy Post

Oh No! I Forgot To Instagram My Dinner! 6 Military & Me

Welcome to issue 9 of Just for Her… We're full of the joys of Spring and excited to bring you our new issue! This issue sees the launch of 'Happy Post' and we really hope you will get involved. It's a simple concept, you send someone a package in the post, and in return, receive one too. What better way to put a smile on your face than receiving a box full of goodies from a fellow military partner?! If you're stuck for ideas for Father’s Day, why not check out Firebox.com and while you're at it, enter our competition to win a £30 voucher?! We've also got tickets to giveaway for the brilliant BBC Good Food Show Summer and the inspiring, women's health and fitness festival 'Be:FIT London'. As always, you haven't disappointed with your contributions and this issue you can keep fit with 'The Busy Mum's Workout', find out how a course, run by the University of Wolverhampton, has helped one RAF wife and read one reader's account of 'Living with the Military’. Planning on booking a holiday? Check out our guide to Florence and don't go anywhere without reading Rachel Carr's brilliant 'Handy Packing' article! It's that time of year when we reach for the feather duster and start attacking those jobs we've put off over the Winter but have you considered the need to 'Spring Clean your Finances'? If you're feeling down or disheartened with life, make sure you bookmark our 'Growth Mindset' article and follow it with the hilarious 'Oh No! I haven't Instagrammed my Dinner' to give you a giggle! For anyone that would like to appear in the next issue, the closing date for contributions is 19th May 2016. Until next time...

Around The World

Queen’s 90th Birthday Book

A Meeting With The Queen

A to Z of The Perks of Military Life

Charity Focus

BBC Good Food Show Summer

Spring Clean Your Finances

Growth Mindset

Supporting The Unsung Hero

Living With The Military

The Challenge of Childcare

Fashion Lookbook

Huggable Heroes

The Busy Mum’s Workout

Be:FIT London

Health Check

Father’s Day Gift Guide 2016 From Firebox

WIN! £30 Firebox Voucher

Shop The Highstreet

Cities A to Z - Florence

Handy Packing

Many thanks to Kate Saines for her editorial contribution

Enjoy! Articles and photographs reproduced by kind permission of the contributors © No responsibility for the quality of goods or services advertised in this magazine can be accepted by the publishers or printers. Advertisements are included in good faith. The MOD or any Service Establishment is not responsible for the advertiser or its advertised product or service.

Forces & Corporate Publishing Ltd, Hamblin House, Hamblin Court, Rushden, Northants NN10 0RU. Tel: 01933 419994 www.forcespublishing.co.uk justforher@forcespublishing.co.uk @justforhermag Editorial: Joanna Barnes Design: Amy Leverton

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Get Involved!

for you...

Happy Post

…A parcel swapping project for military wives and girlfriends. A care package for the ‘soldier at home’!

appy Post is very simple: we pair you with a fellow military partner and you prepare them a box of things you love or that you think will cheer them up on a down day.You then pop it in the post, and feel great in the knowledge that you will brighten up someone’s day and the world becomes one stranger smaller. Who knows, you might even start a friendship. And if that isn’t enough, you then have the excitement of waiting to receive your own parcel!

Ideas to Inspire • Something edible (check they haven’t listed any allergies!) • Share what you know - a playlist of your favourite songs or a family recipe that’s never failed to please. • A little something about yourself, perhaps a short letter? • A book you’ve enjoyed reading. • Crafts to keep you busy. • Something you’ve made. 4

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Postage Costs Royal Mail Second Class – Small Parcel not exceeding Length 45cm, Width 35cm, Depth 16cm and Weight 2kg. Cost £2.80. Please note that international prices will be considerably more and therefore please tell us if you wish to be matched with a UK resident only.

Box Cost We suggest a spend of no more than £10 per box. Of course, you’re very welcome to go over or under - you might hand-make your box and spend nothing for all we know! - but please only spend what you can afford.

How to Get Involved If you wish to take part, please send us an email to justforher@forcespublishing.co.uk with the subject Happy Post.You will need to include your name and address which will be given to your allocated partner, as well as any allergies you have in case of food items being sent.

Timeline We know everyone is busy but please try and send your parcel within two weeks! The first 3 people to sign up will also receive an extra parcel from us!

One of Just for Her’s Happy Post example bo xes Disclaimer We hope that everyone that chooses to get involved with the Happy Post project will do so properly but please note that although we are hosting this project and allocating partners, unfortunately we cannot be held responsible if you do not receive a parcel. 5

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! OH NIO FORGOT TO MY DINNER… Seven signs your addiction to social media has gone too far… NUMBER 1. When you go out with friends and spend most of the night taking selfies It’s the morning after the night before. You have a stonking headache, there is a faint whiff of stale kebab in the air and you are still wearing last night’s clothes. But, you don’t care… you have 19 Facebook notifications on your phone and 38 new Instagram followers! Result! You check your account, and there for the world to see, in glorious technicolour, is The Story of your Evening. There’s the selfie you took of yourself, looking glamorous and expectant, waiting for your taxi. Then there’s the FB status in which you’ve “checked in” to let everyone know which bar you have frequented, followed by the exterior shot of said establishment. Then there’s the “Group Selfie” with you and your friends pouting at the camera. Then the obligatory “cocktail photo” alongside the status “Don’t mind if I do… #GirlsNightOut”. And so continues the incessant bombardment of pictures and hashtags, ending with the weary, panda-eyed shot of you before you get into bed signing off with: “amazing night, love my girlies, night night all”!

“Dear Auntie Daphne, have a lovely day, #celebrate #funtimes #AvingItLarge”. And it gets worse.You start actually saying “hashtag” before making remarks. At the dentist: “hashtag toothache, hashtag severepain, hashtag owwww”. Or watching your daughter’s hockey match, the opposition misses an open goal: “hashtag epicfail” you yell. Oh dear. As with all afflictions, you can avoid the above by spotting the early warning signs. These include using “lol” instead of laughing when someone tells a joke and gasping “O. M.G” when something vaguely out of the ordinary occurs. NUMBER 3: When you lose the thread on TV shows because you are too busy Tweeting about them You enjoy live or big event TV, but you love joining in the conversation on Twitter even more. So, when the Great British Bake Off is broadcast, or a new lavish costume drama is launched, you are ready, smartphone in hand, for the occasion.

But when your partner asks you how your mates are doing, you are dumbstruck. And then it suddenly occurs to you, you were so busy taking pictures, uploading them onto your Facebook and Instagram accounts and fielding the barrage of ‘likes’ and comments you totally forgot to speak to your friends. In fact, you have to check who’s tagged in your FB pictures to remember which of your buddies was there. Never mind, you can always catch up on WhatsApp later.

The problem is, you are so busy crafting witty one liners about the Prime Minister’s wife dropping an innuendo about nuts whilst crafting a choux pastry treat on Celeb GBBO that you miss the results of the technical challenge. And you are googling so frantically during Luther - attempting to uncover obscure Idris Elba facts to impress your followers - that you miss an important plot twist and have to give up on the rest of the series.

NUMBER 2: When you start using social media-isms in every day speech

NUMBER 4: When you realise your Facebook BFF is a total stranger In Real Life (IRL)

Your son comes home from school, he’s very excited. “Guess what, mum,” he beams, “I got ten out of ten for my spelling test.” “Like” you reply, before grabbing your phone to post a “Genius Child” status on Facebook.

You have ‘liked’ their status when they got engaged, you wish them a “happy birthday” every year and you have even commented that their dog is “adorable”. In fact, you know what they did that weekend, what they had for breakfast and which box set they are currently watching. But when you see them approaching you in the local shopping centre, you realise you barely know them IRL and are not even sure if they recognise you. In fact you can’t even

It doesn’t stop there.You start hashtagging, randomly, out of context. In your great aunt’s birthday card you accidently write: 6

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…

remember how you became Facebook friends in the first place, although you think you might have a mutual pal. So you do that ‘very British’ half smile, half nod thing which will pass as a polite acknowledgement if they do recognise you, but won’t make you look like a crazy woman if they don’t.You receive a similar half-greeting back, and both go – head down - briskly on your way. Of course, you then go home and write on their feed: “Totes loved that coat you were wearing earlier, babe. Lovely to see you.” NUMBER 5: When you put on full-make up and fix your hair when you are poorly, just in case… ....You need to post a selfie. Which, of course, you inevitably do.You start with a “…feeling ill” plus relevant emoji status on Facebook. You get floods of “oh no, poor you, babe” comments and you perk up a little. This little adrenaline boost has awakened your creative side. So you arrange a box of tissues (preferably with Cath Kidston-esque design on the box), packet of cough sweets, mug of boiling Lemsip, bottle of Olbas Oil, a scented candle and a beautifully folded pastel blanket on your coffee table, and take a picture for Instagram (which you filter so it looks like an advert for White Company).You add a few hashtags: #poorly #flu #BeGoneGerms.

You attract some new followers, including GlaxoSmithKline.You feel even better, so you put on a full face of make-up (slightly more subtle than usual, no blusher), and get into your best, new, fancy pyjamas for a FB selfie. “Thanks for your get well messages,” you post, “feeling a bit better now”. And then you collapse, exhausted by your efforts, and sleep for 12 hours solid. NUMBER 6: When you are shocked if someone asks what you did at the weekend In fact you recoil in horror. “Didn’t you see my Facebook status?” you demand, before flouncing off to update your Facebook page with the cryptic status: “Some people are so rude…” Because, naturally, anyone who is not on Facebook or does not follow with intense fascination your endless status updates is just ignorant! It is very important that when your friends comment on this status with the obligatory “what’s up, hun” response, you do not give away any details of what spawned your outburst.You must remain enigmatic and inscrutable throughout the thread, whilst throwing in little teasers to retain your friends’ interest. It’s customary, in this situation, to use phrases such as: “I’ll PM you, babe” or “don’t get me started….” or “it’s times like this you really know who your friends are…” etc etc. NUMBER 7: You are mortified when you realise you forgot to Instagram your dinner Yes, it’s that age-old fear of the social media generation. When you are so busy dealing with that trifling matter of real life that you forget to record an important event on Twitter/Facebook/ Instagram (delete as appropriate). Classic examples of this include, forgetting to upload your last meal onto Instagram, going somewhere outside your home and failing to ‘check in’ with your location on Facebook or being so gripped by something on television you forget to Tweet about the show. Symptoms of Momentary Social Media Abandonment (MoSMA) include palpitations, sweating, shaking, breathing difficulties, restlessness and sleeping difficulties. The only cure, it would seem, is a big dose of Facebook, plenty of Instagram and a nice long session on Twitter.

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Military & Me

PROFILE

Name - Olive Oyl Age - 28

Current Location - Southampton When and how did you meet your partner? In Woods Wine bar in Yeovil on St Patrick’s Day 2008. I had just broken up with my long term boyfriend a week before and it was my first night out as a single lady in 5 years! He got his friend to come show us a magic trick (that failed abysmally). He chatted me up and bought me a raspberry cosmopolitan. We swapped numbers later that night!

Best thing about military life? Military life means we don’t take each other for granted. We both pull out all the stops when we’re together. It means our relationship has stayed fresh (touch wood!) and exciting. I still get butterflies when I see him and he still makes an effort to treat me to little surprises - even if it’s just a chocolate bar or running me a bath. His job means we both want to make our time together positive for each other. I don’t know if we’d have that if it wasn’t for his job.

Worst thing about military life? Not ever being able to rely on when he’s going to be here or not. For me, BOST (basic operational sea trials), are the absolute worst - worse than a deployment - because I get told he’ll be back in 2 weeks for example, then he won’t be home nor be able to let me know what’s going on, then he might turn up mid week or on a Thursday or not for another week! The unpredictability is draining and really hard to cope with. I’d rather just know he was here or gone!

Favourite posting? Probably when we met and he was based at Yeovilton. I didn’t know how easy we had it with just one deployment to Norway to deal with! It’s much harder since he was drafted back onto ships in Portsmouth.

How do you deal with goodbyes? I don’t! I try to get them over with quickly and have a huge cry on the drive home. Then usually a bottle of wine and ice cream! I try to be extra kind to myself for a few days. I might buy myself something or get my hair cut just to spoil myself. Now we’ve got kids I don’t know how much of that I will be able to do, but I still think after a goodbye you should take it easy for a few days and not beat yourself up if you’re a mess.

Do you have certain coping mechanisms for dealing with the absence of your partner? To be honest each deployment has been different. The first one I tried to ignore the fact he was away quite a lot! Lots of going out clubbing and partying to pass the lonely weekends. The next one I joined a gym and went three times a week. I got into shape and felt really confident going it alone. It really helped my self esteem. Then on other deployments I’ve planned our wedding, another one I sold our house and found/ bought another. And the last one I was pregnant during it so I just became obsessed with the pregnancy to be honest! I guess I’ve always had a project going on. I hadn’t realised that until just then!

What’s your guilty secret when he’s away? I once got really into a rubbish series called “Ghost Whisperer” starring Jennifer Love Hewitt. It wasn’t very good but it was easy watching and there were lots of episodes to watch each day! I do sometimes have cereal for dinner. At Easter I ate a whole egg for dinner regularly and felt no shame. I also took all of his stuff out of his drawers and shoved it in the bottom of his side of the wardrobe because I wanted the extra drawer space. I had to put all his stuff back just before he came home!

Would you like to feature in the next issue? Email us at justforher@forcespublishing.co.uk

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Do you do anything special when your partner returns? We have a rule that we both have 24 hours to tell each other anything that’s happened during deployment that we felt we couldn’t share over the phone or emails. The rule is that if we come clean within 24 hours we must try to work through the issue. If we keep anything secret then all bets are off! On the romantic side of things we always come in and have a cup of tea! It wasn’t a planned tradition it just happened that way!

Homecoming meal? Takeaway usually! I’m a rubbish cook, truly shockingly awful. He’s a chef so he doesn’t want to cook the moment he’s home either.

Homecoming outﬁt? I’m not very good at this either. I’m a big fan of the homecoming coat though and have spent stupid amounts of time shopping for a new coat to wear so he can spot me easily. I usually end up wearing a black jumper, jeans and boots.

What’s your top tip for new military partners? Don’t rely on the dates they give you for when they will be home! They will change! And keep making plans no matter whether your partner is due home or not.

What three words would you use to describe military partners? Dependable, normal and understanding!

Why not Blog - w

look up O ww.oliveo

live Oyl…

ylnavywif e.com Faceboo k - www.f acebook.c Oliveoyln om/ avywife/ Twitter @OliveO ylNW

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AROUND THE WORLD

What’s it like being a military wife or girlfriend in the armed forces in other parts of the world? We spoke to the partners of military personnel in Spain and the USA to find out whether their lives are any different to ours…

Luiza*, is from Valencia in Spain. Her husband has recently retired from the Spanish army. “My husband is in the Spanish army, in a brigade called the Brigada Castillejos Zaragoza región aragonés which is in north eastern Spain. My husband has recently retired from the army and we live in Valencia. He served for 35 years. I have lots of friends who are also wives of soldiers - it is like being part of a big family. I have some friends who I have a lot of contact with and we do activities together. I have some very close friends, and others who are just in touch by phone or WhatsApp. The thing I liked least about being a soldier’s wife was when they sent him for missions, as I felt lonely. It was easy to manage the house because it’s just us (our children are grown up), but I missed him. Mostly, I enjoyed being a soldier’s wife because my husband has discipline, and there is also a lot of respect for soldiers’ wives in Spain. It is an honour to serve the country, and it’s something you have a great passion for. (*Name changed)

Reina is from the USA but is currently living in Somerset, England. She has a 21-month-old son and runs a girls’ handbag company, myflyingbuttress.com. She is a member of the Yeovilton Military Wives Choir here in the UK. My husband is in the US marines. He is an AH-1W SuperCobra pilot in the US, here in England he flies the Wildcat Helicopter, an upgrade of the Lynx. We met 12 years ago when I was working as an assistant buyer in Dallas, Texas. He had just graduated from university and was waiting to begin the Officers Candidate School. A friend of mine threw a party and my husband was dragged there by his friend. He began chatting at the margarita machine, and the rest is history. 10

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When my husband was in flight school we were based in Corpus Christi, Texas and Milton, Florida. Most recently we were based in Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, California. It is a very large base on the west coast of the US, it’s very busy all the time. There are also a couple of stores, several restaurants, gyms, two hospitals, medical clinics, a bowling alley, cinema and several areas of housing for married service members. If necessary, you could get everything you needed to survive and thrive on a base. In the aviation community I felt very well supported. Each squadron has an Enlisted Spouse and Officers Spouse Clubs (OSC). We would meet for coffee or spa days or anything else that we thought would be fun. We did pay dues to fund our activities. During deployments we would usually have more frequent meetings. Each squadron also has a Family Readiness Officer (a civilian employee). Their main objective is to help the families in times of crisis or joy. For example, new babies - if a family wanted to participate, other squadron members would volunteer to bring meals to the family after the birth. There are activity centres for children. If you were to have some trouble emotionally, there are hotlines available to families as well as access to therapists and psychiatrists. The largest difference between the UK and US is the lack of formal support for families here in the UK. The main reason I started going to choir was so that I could get support. What I love about the choir is that we don’t just sit around and discuss our husbands. We have a goal that is ours and that is the main focus. This is refreshing. In the US the OSC was great at supporting us and forming friendships, but since we didn’t have a common goal and all our husbands were pilots we often spoke about what they were doing and not about what we were doing. As far as I know, there isn’t a Military Wives Choir in the US. But I think there should be! The deployment cycles in the US are also different than in the UK. Normally, my husband would be away for seven months and then home for a year. In the UK it has been more frequent, but with

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Reina and her family

shorter deployments. I am not sure which is easier, but that has been an adjustment! Also since there has been so much more to do on the bases in the US, I spent a lot more time on base. I would do my food shopping, fill up the car, go for runs, go the beach and the gym - all on base. All of that made me feel so much more part of military life. My military friends are some of my most trusted friends. I know that no matter what, I can go to them in need and I trust that they feel the same about me. What is most is amazing is that I have friends all over the world, some of which I have not seen in years but I would not think twice about calling someone if I needed their help.

Casey is an independent travel agent as well as a travel and lifestyle blogger. She is based in Florida, USA but has travelled all over Europe, as well as Africa and Asia, with her husband. My husband, David, is a cyber security officer and we are stationed at Patrick Air Force Base near Cocoa Beach, Florida. He and I are high school sweethearts. We met way back in fifth grade, but began dating in freshman year of high school. We’ve been attached at the hip ever since. David commissioned as an officer into the Air Force just a few weeks after we both graduated from college in 2008 and we moved into our first duty station in Virginia shortly after. In the beginning of our military journey it was tough to find a job in our host city. We move every three years, which makes finding and keeping a good job a bit more difficult. It took me six months from the time we arrived at our new base to be able to find something in the field I wanted to work - nutrition. That left me only two-and-a-half years to stay in that particular job before we’d have to move and I’d have to find a new job all over again.

Once we moved overseas to Germany in 2011, my career as a nutritionist was totally put on hold. Thankfully that didn’t keep me from pursuing other hobbies, that eventually turned into a flourishing travel and lifestyle blog that opened the door to my career as a travel agent. My husband has been affiliated with the military in some way ever since we were in high school, so I always knew military life was our future. The transition wasn’t too hard, but the moving around frequently does get old after a while. I get desperate to put down firm roots, but we do love the adventure that comes with moving so often. We get to see a lot of the world and make friends all over. Our most favourite duty station was our three years living in Wiesbaden, Germany. It was the most incredible three years of our lives. It was quite an adjustment compared to our typical US moves. We had to go through a lot of red tape to be able to live there, not to mention dealing with the language barrier, re-learning motorway requirements, and adapting to the numerous cultural differences that come with moving to a foreign country. During our time there we travelled to 28 different countries all over Europe, and a bit in Africa and Asia. My most favourite city abroad is London. I can’t get enough of that city! Being part of the US military is quite unique in the fact that you tend to make fast friends wherever you go. I think it’s some sort of military family magical power - being able to jump into finding a new social circle, new church, new everything, with a fair amount of quickness. Plus - and I think this is the best part - you end up having a great network of friends in different locations around the world! I’ve got a guest room waiting for me in so many different places, it’s a comforting feeling. You can read Casey’s blog at www.wetooktheroadlesstraveled.com 11

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Tel: 01253 681221

www.heavensentbabygifts.co.uk

NORTH MILITARY CATCHMENT

Heavensent Gifts, Freeport Outlet Shopping Village, Anchorage Road, Fleetwood, FY7 6AE

House Dowser Geopathic Stress Affects Everyone! Could your home be responsible for your illness? Is your relationship being stressed by your house? Is the earth giving off rays that are affecting you?

Heavensent Baby Gifts is a gift website dedicated to providing imaginative personalised gift ideas. We continually strive to find new and unusual gifts, which can be personalised for that important occasion or someone special.

KLK Jewellery hand crafted chainmaille jewellery

Beautiful jewellery pieces in 5 different family weaves, some incorporating semi precious stones. I use anodised aluminium, which gives you a huge choice of colours, plain bright aluminium, copper and sterling silver. Commissions welcome.

Does your house need healing? You could be being affected by the earth’s magnetic field. Fault lines and water veins deep under the ground concentrate this field, and they could very possibly be coming up through your house.

The Problem

The Solution

The effect of Geopathic Stress is to depress the body’s immune system, particularly when you are sleeping over a negative place, causing illness, depression and stress.

• Your house is dowsed for all negative influences. • A report is drawn up. • The house is cleansed and all stress removed. • House Dowsing brings back harmony, health and peace of mind.

Could this be the answer you’ve been looking for? Chris Quartermaine

01244 509933 or 07921 783184

klkjewellery

chris@wizdom.me.uk www.house-dowser.co.uk

Caroline Cundy Hypnotherapy Dip.Hip.I.S.C.H.GHR.GQHR

“MY MISSION IS TO HELP PEOPLE CREATE LASTING POSITIVE CHANGE”

Caroline Cundy Hypnotherapy is a busy practice based in Warrington. Did you know more and more people are turning to hypnotherapy to help them to take control and overcome problems that are holding them back and hypnotherapy is a natural way to make the changes you want quickly and easily?. Many people only associate hypnotherapy with stopping smoking but it is SO much more than that. As a fully qualified / registered hypnotherapist, life coach and Reiki master, some of the services I can offer include; • Hypnoslimmer • Hypnobirthing • Stress, anxiety and depression management • Self-esteem and conﬁdence building • Fears and phobia management…. The list is endless so please call as I can provide you with an individual and tailored approach to suit your needs in complete confidence and in comfortable surroundings. So if you are ready to make that change in life, I am here to help you. Call me on 07729969442 or email carolinecundy@gmail. com for a free consultation where I can answer any queries and together help you move forward. www.carolinecundypurehypnotherapy.uk

“There is no need to keep wrestling with the same old problems let hypnotherapy help you leave them behind”.

Portraits / Pets / Pos ngs Sketches / Oil pain ngs / Acrylic pain ngs From your favourite photograph Enquiries to magseatock55@gmail.com

CHOICES

ALISON TYNAN Author | Public Speaker Work shop Facilitator Life Coach

One to one coaching and small group sessions (PROMOTION CODE - quote “Forces” to claim your FREE 30 min consulta on) EMBRACE your POWER TODAY REDISCOVER the resilience you thought you had lost AND live!

Contact Alison direct on: Tel: 07818 444 290 alison@choicesresiliencehealth.com

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Online Book Creates Historic Public Record For Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 90th Birthday

A unique commemorative book is opening online for the country and the Commonwealth to celebrate the Queen's 90th birthdayâ&#x20AC;Ś At www. thequeensbirthdaybook.com the Online Book Company is creating a huge digital collection of messages, photos and film to mark Her Majesty's special day on 21 April 2016. Anyone can contribute by adding their birthday messages or their personal stories of meeting the Queen, as well as sharing photos and videos of their street parties and celebrations on her official birthday on 11 June. As well as capturing a huge display of public affection and gratitude, The Queen's Birthday Book will also raise funds for the hundreds of charities the Queen is a patron of, through

the sale of commemorative medals specially issued by the London Mint Office. The book has been created by the Online Book Company, which develops digital books to support charity and personal fundraising efforts, and to mark significant events. The company was founded by Managing Director Jonathan Haward after he created a book in memory of his brother who died in an RAF flying accident in 1999. Jonathan says; "We decided to develop The Queen's Birthday Book to help capture and share some of the incredible public sentiment around Her Majesty's landmark birthday, and to record this moment in British and Commonwealth history for future generations to look back on." TheQueensBirthdayBook.com launched on 1st March will also contain birthday wishes from a host of celebrities including Dame Vera Lynn, Alan Titchmarsh, Simon Pegg, Dame Kelly Holmes and Queen's Brian May.

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A Meeting with the Queen…

In March 2015, RAF Benevolent Fund beneficiary and ambassador Jacqui Thompson attended a memorial service for all those killed in Afghanistan at St Paul’s Cathedral. Jacqui’s husband SAC Gary Thompson was killed while serving with the RAF Regiment in Kandahar in 2008. Jacqui said: “It was not until a few days before the service that I found out I was going to be presented to the Queen. It was very surreal. I do not think I really believed it and I do not think that on the day I really believed it happened. “The service was incredibly moving and there were so many members of the Royal Family there. I felt extremely honoured and probably a little bit guilty that nobody else got the chance to do what I did. We are all in the same boat really and I did feel really, really honoured especially as I was there representing Gary as well. I wish it could have been for all of us.

“I remember when I was waiting on the steps for her there were about nine or 10 other people being presented and I still couldn’t believe it. Then I saw her walking through the doors and I thought this is a lady I have seen all my life on the TV and all of a sudden she was there in front of me. “One of the things that struck me about her was the stunning smile that she had. Not only did she smile, but she also had such warmth in her eyes. I found her very charming and very genuine. I think at ceremonies like that it is very difficult to say anything. She asked about Gary and I was stood with Graham Livingstone’s father Bob and she knew they were together when they died. She remembered facts about all of them. “That moment will always be in my memory – even when I am old! I will always remember that. “I hope I look half as good at her age. I do not know any 90-yearolds in her condition! She has a non-stop 24-hour a day job and not only does she do her job she also raises her family at the same time. I take my hat off to her – in fact, I salute her!”

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AZ A C It can sometimes be the negative things that you hear about military life, but we think there are loads of things to celebrate! Here’s our A-Z list of all things great about being a military partner...

THE PERKS OF

MILITARY LIFE! APPRECIATING THE SMALL THINGS

Spending a lot of time away from your partner is tough, but it makes you appreciate the little things. A quick phone call in the evening when they are on deployment, just hearing their voice and knowing they are safe. And when they’re home you can guarantee we are NOT going to take for granted the simple things like snuggling up on the sofa with a film and a take away.

BRAVE

Being in a military family sometimes means having to put on a brave face. We do it, our kids do it, and of course, our soldiers do it. And that’s not a bad thing. It builds character and strength, and ultimately makes you stronger as a family.

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COMMUNITY

Nothing beats the military community. You will never find a more close-knit, understanding group of people who will help you out at the drop of a hat, if you need it. Offline and online you can be sure to find friends that understand your world and anything you are going through.

DISCOUNTS Lots of companies offer great discounts for military personnel. From food places to boarding school funding, one perk of military life is saving some pennies!

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EVENTS Getting dressed up for elegant balls, watching parades and air displays, there are so many fun events that go on in the military community that you can attend and be proud to be a part of.

GLOBETROTTING And speaking of travelling around, it isn’t necessarily just the UK you get to explore! Having the opportunity to travel the World and visit new countries can be daunting but incredibly exciting.

HOMECOMINGS

It goes without saying really, seeing your other half after those long months apart is a feeling like no other. Watching your children’s faces as they hug the parent they’ve missed, and finally all being back together again.

INDEPENDENCE

FRIENDSHIPS Any military partner knows that the friends you make within the military lifestyle will be ones you keep for life. They understand what you’re going through, they can share in the highs and they can be a shoulder to cry and a pillar of strenth to lean on in the lows. The strength you can draw from each other is amazing. And don’t forget you will have good friends from up and down the country, which is great for travelling around.

You’re free to pursue whatever you like without having to worry about it affecting your partner while they are away. Spending time apart from your SO and learning that you CAN cope alone and do all the things you thought you might struggle with gives you a real sense of independence and pride. It’s great to have someone around to help out and of course we’d rather they were here, but don’t worry, you’ve got this!

ISSUE 9

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Childcare E SHOP TH

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HANDY PACKING Spring Clean Your Finances

JUST FOR HER

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Living with the Military

Obviously!

Win tickets to the BBC Good Food Show Su mmer

JustHer for

es, Girlfriends and Directory for the Wiv

Families of Military

Personnel

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THE PERKS OF

MILITARY LIFE!

KNOWLEDGE

When you’re new to the game, there are SO many things you will not quite understand when it comes to the military. Learning the different terminology, sayings and how things work will come with time and you’ll be a whizz at pub quiz questions in no time!

NEW THINGS

LOVE

We truly believe that being a military partner teaches you to love more deeply, and passionately. The time you do have together is so precious that you aren’t going to waste any of it.You share a unique bond that still holds strong no matter how far apart you may be, or for how long.

If you’re in a position where you find yourself with a lot of free time, maybe you don’t have children or aren’t working full time, it can be a great opportunity to try something new.You could do a course and gain further qualifications or maybe you’d like to start your own business? Perhaps you’ve always wanted to learn to crochet or take up rock climbing? There are heaps of online courses and tutorial videos available and it can be a great time to really focus and put your energy into gaining some new skills.

M MARRIED QUARTERS

No, they may not always be the best decorated houses and they definitely aren’t going to win any awards for their curtains any time soon, but there are a lot of perks with living in married quarters. Living on base with a close knit group of people who are all in the same boat can be comforting for you and your spouse. Your children will always have play mates, not to mention the discounted price of living. It’s ideal if you are planning on saving up to buy your own place.

ORGANISATION

Moving around a lot with the military gives you the perfect excuse to become the organised, domestic goddess you have always wanted to be! Keep on top of the clutter, essential paperwork and passports for when they will be needed, and keep your furniture to a minimum.

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PRIDE

The pride you feel towards, not just your partner, but everyone in your military community is incredible.You are proud not only to be able to say that you and your partner are part of something so great, but that you can call all the people around you friends too.Your children, if you have them, amaze you with their resillience and strength too, and seeing how proud THEY are of their parent is heartwarming.

QUICK DINNERS!

Cereal for dinner for the third time this week? Go ahead! Half a box of chocolates eaten in bed? We won’t tell! When the other half is away you don’t need to worry about cooking a proper dinner if you can’t be bothered!

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Y s Z U V ROMANCE

Sweet care packages, love letters, romantic messages. No one can deny that a bit more effort is put in with military relationships on the romance side of things.

WELL LOOKED AFTER HOUSES!

This was one of the responses on Facebook when we asked what you think the perks are. I have a feeling it may have been said with a touch of sarcasm! (crying with laughter face)

X X-CITING

Yes, the months alone drag, but all in all being part of the military lifestyle you’ll rarely be bored! Love it or hate it, moving around at a moments notice, making new friends and attending events, theres always something exciting to look forward to!

YOLO

You only live once! Embrace the military lifestyle and all it has to offer. If you’re a little unsure at times, fake it till you make it!

SHAVING (OR LACK OF!)

When your partner is away for a set period of time, your normal grooming regime can be relaxed slightly. Who wouldn’t rather have an extra 10 minutes in bed as opposed to getting up to shave your legs. Go on, let the forest reclaim the land!

TOTAL CONTROL OF THE TV REMOTE! Watching what you like, when you like... at least until they’re back!

UNIFORM Because who doesn’t love a guy or gal in uniform!

VA-VA-VOOM!

Absence makes the heart grow fonder... Maybe you’ve been sharing a few naughty emails & texts and counting down the nights before they’re home. And when it finally arrives and you’re back together it’s time for some va-va-voom! (can you tell we’re struggling to think of things beginning with V?!)

Zzzz…

Of course we’d rather they were laying next to us each night, but when they’re gone you can catch an early night, starfish with the whole bed to yourself, and not have to be kept up by someone elses snoring!

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NORTH MILITARY CATCHMENT

Michelle Corns Hypnotherapist Dip Hyp GQCH GHR - Reiki Healing & Training

www.makingithappen-coaching.co.uk

FRANCES BROWN Personal Coach

01565 734532 M: 07841 830433

E: enquiries@makingithappen-coaching.co.uk

Making It Happen Coaching

@MIHCoaching

- Registered Hypnoslimmer Consultant - EFT

I specialise in confidence and motivational therapy and am a law of attraction practitioner. (Based in Leeds but mobile service available)

Tel: 0781 581 4900 Email: michelle@intouchleeds.co.uk

www.intouchleeds.co.uk

Patchwork Dreamer is an exciting web shop in the heart of Cornwall. I try to bring you something a little bit different both modern and traditional, from the comfort of your home. We have lovely 100% cotton fabrics, Kona solids and Spraytime in lots of fabulous colours. I cherry pick lines from Lewis and Irene, Makower, Blend, Riley Blake, Penny Rose and many more. Best of all we have a unique design wall setting which means you can plan your projects and audition fabrics from any collection. Please visit our online store to see our huge range!

www.patchworkdreamer.co.uk

Turn can’t into can and dreams into plans Have you got relationship problems (separation, divorce)? Are you trying to deal with loss? Are you stressed with work, family life or just life itself? Can’t see your way forward? CONTACT ME AND LET ME HELP YOU TURN YOUR LIFE AROUND

Personal development, training and consultancy through supporting people to build their self-esteem and confidence, to overcome challenges in their lives and to help heal the old blocks and fears.

One to One sessions Half or full day workshops including meditation, relaxation & refreshments (lunch not included) for up to 4 people are available. Please contact Pauline for more details.

pauline@turnyourlifearound.co.uk • 07887 744034

Scenic Silks Hand painted silk scarves and ties created exclusively by 'Scenic Silks'. Artist and designer Barbara Meynell also offers workshops in the art of batik.

scenicsilks.co.uk • barbara@scenicsilks.co.uk • 07703 813331 20

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Y T I R A CH FOCUS

Hi my name is Sherian Webster, wife of Chris Webster and mum to Harry aged 8 and Ella-Louise aged 2. Together we run Shoeboxes For Our Heroes. Although we do not currently have a charity number, the paperwork has been submitted and we should hopefully be a fully registered charity within the next couple of months. It was originally your husband who contacted us and he said that you were the ‘driving force’ behind the charity? I design all the posters, leaflets, certificates and letters of authorisation as well as deal with the application forms and ensure that everyone has provided the relevant ID. I also fill all the shoeboxes with the kindly donated goods as well as look after my two children and work as a bookbinder! Why did you set the charity up? Do you have a military connection? Shoesboxes For Our Heroes was set up after Chris volunteered for another charity, and we managed to get the whole community involved in completing 240 boxes for them. As this was such a success we decided to set up SHOEBOXES FOR OUR HEROES. I personally do not have a military connection, Chris was in the TA, but we both feel very strongly about supporting our troops and all that they do. Who do you support? We support all of our British armed forces; Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines & Royal Air Force. How do you support? We send Morale boxes out to our deployed soldiers serving anywhere in the world. We rely mainly on donations of items from local people, organisations, schools, stores etc. The names and addresses of people we send to are given to us by family and friends. We DO NOT send to random soldiers, as we do not want to clog up the postal service for them especially at Christmas. A lot of the items we send are either too expensive where they are stationed or they cannot get them. How can people help? People can donate items. Although we are based in Derby, we have over 100 collectors and senders around the UK. We also accept monetary donations via Paypal Donations at: sherianandchris@ hotmail.co.uk

What items can people donate? People can donate anything except aerosols, coal tar soap, loose razors, glass items and almonds. Favourite items to send are nonperishable food products, toiletries, travel games and magazines. How do you raise vital funds? We raise funds through donations, holding charity events and by selling SB4OH merchandise. Any money raised from events, such as charity football matches is also used to buy items. Do you have any ambassadors? Ambassadors - Ross Burkenshaw (Boxer and ex Rifles) and Stephen Charles Nicholas. Patrons - Charlene Pieri (one of the founder members of the Chivenor Military Wives Choir), Natalie Robinson (retired Major and Invictus Games Gold Medal winner). Anna Kelton (Invictus Games Double Gold Medal Winning Rower) Matt Johnson - Author and former soldier What feedback have you received from the people you support? The feedback we have received from the people we send to is amazing! We have received hundreds of letters, blueys and emails and they are all so grateful, especially as they are receiving a box of items from people they don’t know. Where can people keep up with what you’re doing? Contact details: Chris Webster: 07803 814119 Email: sherianandchris@hotmail.co.uk www.shoeboxesforourheroes.uk Twitter: @SB4OH_HQ Facebook: ‘shoeboxes for our heroes’ Plans for the future? Plans for the immediate future, get my daughter to sleep through the night!! And to gain charity status. 21

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NEC BIRMINGHAM 16 – 19 June 2016

visit to the BBC Good Food Show Summer is a great way to spend a day with your food loving family and friends. Where else will you see such a sensational line up of top chefs cooking live, holding interviews, signing books, and inspiring you with new recipe ideas for the summer season! Hosted by Barney Desmazery and Cassie Best from the BBC Good Food cookery team, the new BBC Good Food Food Stage sponsored by Lakeland is the place to see celebrity interviews, recipe demonstrations and panel discussions on diverse health topics and the latest food trends. Check online for the latest timetables for your Show.*

BBC GOOD FOOD KITCHEN The BBC Good Food Kitchen is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing lunch at the Show where you can savour dishes inspired by bbcgoodfood.com seasonal recipes.

SHOPPING Discover new flavours for your summer menu in the shopping aisles, where you can find anything from small artisan producers who pride themselves on the quality and provenance of their produce to big name brands to get all of your latest essentials.

2 SHOWS FOR 1 Entry to BBC Gardeners’ World Live is free with every BBC Good Food Show Summer ticket. There’s plenty for green

fingered foodies in this Show; get expert advice for growing your own ingredients, shop for garden furniture or a new BBQ in time for alfresco dining, or simply enjoy a stroll through the fabulous Show Gardens. Tickets are on sale now, purchase yours early to guarantee the best summer day out this year! Ts and Cs for tickets All tickets are general admission excluding Saturday.Tickets are non-refundable and nonexchangeable.Ticket terms and conditions apply. Tickets do not include a seat in the Supertheatre For more information or to book tickets: Bbcgoodfoodshowsummer.com 0844 581 1341

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WIN TICKETS Just for Her has teamed up with THE BBC GOOD FOOD SHOW SUMMER to give away

10 pairs of tickets! To be in with a chance of winning these fabulous tickets email or send a postcard to competitions@forcespublishing.co.uk or Forces & Corporate Publishing Ltd, Hamblin House, Hamblin Court, Rushden, Northamptonshire NN10 0RU. Closing date: Fri 20th May

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Spring Clean Your Finances

pring is here! Daffodils and tulips are in bloom, lambs are skipping around the fields…there is an intoxicating hint of summer in the air. So, it stands to reason that the last thing you want to be doing when there’s all that fresh air and sunshine to be soaked up outside, is examining your bank statement or scrutinising your life insurance. But while these matters might seem dull and inspire the kinds of emotions that make going to the dentist seem like a relaxing spa retreat in St Lucia, getting our finances in order can actually have a thoroughly rewarding effect on us. Over a third (36%) of UK adults apparently feel stressed about money on a daily basis and cite money worries as their main source of anxiety. According to an independent study commissioned by Moneysupermarket.com, our money worries as a nation are increasing. This stress, the survey suggests, can have an impact on other areas of our lives and potentially take its toll on our mental health. Having a financial ‘spring clean’, therefore, could have an uplifting effect on our lives. In the same way as a spruce up and declutter of our homes can give us a feeling of a burden being lifted, so can a make-over of our money matters. And, it’s not even that difficult; Follow our guide for some tips to get your started… (Disclaimer: you may need to treat yourself to some fancy new stationery to proceed!) Step 1 - Dust off your bank statements Okay, it might not be as exciting as the latest Lee Child thriller, but going through your bank statement is the best place to start when having a financial spring clean. If you do online banking, print off your statements. Have a look over the last year and see if you have any direct debits you have forgotten to cancel, or if the bank has made any mistakes. It will also give you a good idea of where your biggest outgoings are, which will help with the next step. If you haven’t already, arrange a filing system for your paperwork.

Treat yourself to a box file or something similar, section bills and statements off and within those sections file in chronological order. Once everything is in order, you can easily find things that will help you put the next steps into play. Step 2 - Brush up on your budgeting Making a budget is a great way to pinpoint areas in which you are overspending. This, in turn, can help you identify where you need to make savings. There is another benefit too; Nadine Monks, a financial planner and director of Evolution Forces Families, who specialises in helping military families, explains: “Failure to plan is planning to fail,” she said. “If you have a goal or want to stay within your limits it is essential to keep track of what you spend otherwise it’s guess work. Most people have a list of all their direct debits and fixed outgoings, but it’s the variable expenses such as fuel, the top-up food shop, socialising, takeaways, clothes, hair and beauty that always go amiss.” Nadine, who is a military wife herself, suggests grabbing those bank statements, assigning each type of ‘spend’ with a different colour – eg pink for fuel, blue for clothes - and highlighting them with the relevant coloured pen. “Then,” explained Nadine, “add them up and take an average. If you allow for this each month, it won’t end up going on the credit card or overdraft, or you can recognise where you need to cut back if you would like to save.” Nadine has created a free, downloadable budget planner, tailored specifically for military life - it even takes into account the mess bill! It’s available via the Evolution Forces Family website www. evolutionforcesfamilies.co.uk

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Step 3 - Throw out the old, bring in the new According to HM Treasury, switching your bank account could save you £70 per year. It might sound like a performance, but it can take you just seven days to make the change. Some banks offer financial incentives to switch to them, and other accounts might charge you less for their service or provide more interest. Either way, it’s worth shopping around for the best deals. HM Treasury advises you use the Midata tool on GoCompare.com to find the best account for you, based on how you are using your bank account. It’s not just changing your current account that can help you make savings. Shopping around on price comparison sites for car insurance, home insurance and energy suppliers can also help when it comes to filling up that piggy bank. As part of your spring clean note the dates your policies are due to expire on your calendar or in your diary. Set up an alert a couple of weeks before on your phone or organiser. Then, on those dates, check out the price comparison websites and search for deals. Many people find it easier and less hassle to simply renew insurance with their present insurer, but switching actually doesn’t take very long.You just need to remember to tell your old insurer you are not renewing. Ben Wilson from GoCompare.com said: “[A] common mistake people make with a range of outgoings - including energy tariffs or credit cards - is signing up to a product with an attractive introductory rate and then not reviewing the arrangement before the end of the offer period. “For example, when a fixed energy tariff expires, customers are automatically transferred to their suppliers’ standard variable tariffs, which is typically more expensive than the fixed deal.” Ben reckons families can make savings of up to £209 on their car insurance and up to £292 on their energy bills by simply looking for a new product when their current deal expires. And, whilst you are there, check to see if there are any credit cards offering a lower rate, or perks such as interest free balance transfers or cashback. Step 4 - Reinforce your protection Financial experts all tend to agree that life insurance is fundamental when it comes to money matters. And, in the military, this is even more acute. Nadine said, “Life insurance is important for anyone who has loved ones that are dependent on them financially. What makes armed forces more unique is not so much the higher risk, but the lifestyle. For many, they would end up potentially homeless or being faced with giving up their career - and therefore quarter - to be nearer family or to look after children.” For this reason, Nadine said it is important it’s not just the serving member in your family who is insured. What’s more, you should consider the implications of leaving your loved ones with any debt you may have accumulated, such as car finance etc, not just mortgages. You can get quotes for life insurance policies from price comparison websites. However, because there are so many factors to consider as an armed forces family, a qualified whole-of-market broker could be helpful as they will discuss your needs in greater detail, provide tailored advice and provide the best cover. In many cases, this advice will be free. Nadine, who offers a whole-of-market brokerage service for insurances and is on the SIIAP (Service Insurance and Investment Advisory Panel) explained: “When you add in an occupation such

as armed forces, specialist advice takes on another level. This is not to say you need a specialist policy, just someone who can identify all of the policy benefits and exclusions that would maybe not concern someone in a more traditional profession.” To illustrate this point Nadine said she met a client who went on tour three times, but had not realised his policy didn’t cover war zones. “It still makes me ill to this day,” she said, “about the ‘what if ’. When you think about what there is to do, it is important to get it right and do a proper job of it.” Step 5 - Start climbing the property ladder A major consideration for armed forces families is getting on the property ladder. This is something any families preparing for the end of service might also be considering. It is certainly something to look at when doing your financial make-over. Now is a good time to look into this as there is only another year before the Forces Help To Buy (FHTB) scheme comes to an end. For those not in the know, the government has set aside £200 million to help servicemen and women get on the housing ladder. The pilot scheme, which launched in 2014 and was set to run for three years, enables them to borrow up to 50% of their salary, interest free, to buy their first home. If it’s something you think might benefit your family, Nadine advises you seek advice first. “There are lots of schemes and routes available,” she said, “and what suits one person may not be right for the next as they all have pros and cons, which is again why it’s invaluable to speak to a whole of market mortgage broker, who can guide you through it and find what is best for you.” Nadine said it is important to bear in mind the FHTB is a pilot, and will end in April 2017, when looking at your options and timescales. She added: “Something Evolution Forces Families is passionate about is creating awareness of the importance to start planning for a civilian transition as early as possible, in particular home ownership. There are so many benefits of doing this, not just financially but emotionally too.” Step 6 - Sit back and start saving If buying a house is not an option, but you are keen to start a savings pot or boost your current savings, this is the perfect time. For, the beginning of April also marks the start of the ISA season. You can invest up to £15,240, per year, tax free in an ISA. And by investing as early in the ISA year as possible - ie now - you are ensuring you gain maximum benefit. If you want the best rates of interest, it’s important you do a little bit of research.You can do this using the price comparison websites. Remember, you can also invest all or some of your ISA allowance in a stocks and shares ISA which, over the longer term tend to offer higher rates of interest. Don’t be put off by these. Ian Cooper, head of savings at SunLife said: “The phrase ‘stocks and shares’ can be intimidating for those who know little about investing. However, investments don’t have to be complicated - there are plenty of stocks and shares ISAs out there for people looking to beat cash.” For anyone with savings outside of an ISA, there is good news this year. New rules that came in on April 6th mean all basic rate tax-payers get a tax-free allowance of £1,000 on their savings. The Personal Savings Allowance also means higher rate taxpayers will be eligible for £500 of tax-free savings. Now really is a good time to start saving! 25

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NORTH MILITARY CATCHMENT

I know through my own personal experience what a struggle it can be to deal with the stresses of adjusting to change, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, lack of confidence etc I have gained considerable experience of helping individuals lead more fulfilling lives and improve their well-being and adjust to various different kinds of changes whether it be change of job, relationships, retirement, area etc. Adjusting to change can be difficult but with help and guidance I can show you the methods to manage this change.

What I can help with: Managing change and adjustment • Confidence • Overcoming fears • Positive lifestyle changes; stop smoking, lose weight and get fitter, Improve performance in sports and professional life • Achieve direction in life, goals and planning • Stress management... And more Help towards overcoming; Stress, Anxiety and fears • Depression, Lack of confidence • Any kind of test/exam nerves, driving lesson test/nerves Please contact Zahid Piracha on 07449 823772 (6pm-9pm only or all day at the weekend or leave messages at other times) or email me anytime zahidpiracha@googlemail.com to arrange your first free consultation to find out more about the benefits. Evening and weekend appointments available.

Bee-spoke Quilts Unique handmade patchwork quilts. Exclusive designs. Made to treasure.

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EAST MILITARY CATCHMENT

BODY PIERCINGS UK We at Body Piercings UK are specialists in the body piercing field. After being in the piercing business for 21 years we bring our knowledge of jewellery and the art of piercing to you. As we buy in bulk we can offer you the best prices on today’s market. We pride ourselves on Buying British and only supply products that are sourced within the UK.

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UFO children’s bumper car, this ride will soon become another must have ride at shows / parties and School events.

Walk, run, dog paddle, roll around on the water and interact with it like never before, the best part is you don’t get wet while doing it!

Sail the high seas in the complete safety of our ‘Boat of fun activity’. Our pool is specially designed so that children can ride their boats and make their own fun course.

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Our creams come fresh from a Herefordshire dairy farm, where they’ve been lovingly infused with seasonal ingredients to create delicious flavour combinations. Every Strawberry Stop pot is topped with our very own strawberries, picked straight from the farm, and brought to you on the day.

EAST MILITARY CATCHMENT

We provide a unique wedding catering service, serving freshly picked strawberries from our farm, topped with flavoured whipped cream and gourmet confectionary.

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Himalayan Hand Knits, Scarves and Blankets. Ethically sourced, individually hand-crafted items by rural artisans across the Himalayas

Jan Dingle has been making beautiful handmade etchings for nigh on 3 decades now. Her work is mainly based on the Norfolk Broads, an endless source of inspiration. Occasionally it strays to other watery places. W W W . J A N D I N G L E . C O . U K

Escape the Everyday and Experience Total Healing • • • • Based in the heart of Ipswich and tucked away from the hustle and bustle of town, it’s the perfect place for rest and relaxation.

Face Painting Glitter Tattoos & Baby Bump Art

Reflexology (1hr. 15mins) £35 Indian Head Massage (1hr.) £30 1-2-1 Guided Meditation (1hr) £10 Meditation Healing (1hr) £15

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Face Painting

Ness Point Studios www.leslieterrance.co.uk Fill your home and garden with love. Visit our online store for all the latest home wares, garden and gift ideas. Free fast delivery available on everything! Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with the latest must haves, competitions and giveaways!

Paper cuts and handmade gifts from Ness point studio. All paper cuts are hand cut using high quality papers and can be personalised to your specifications. Please look at my Etsy and Facebook page:

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GROWTH MINDSET Knowing that we are constantly developing and learning and accepting we are novices could be the key to improving our careers, we just need to change our mindset…

ou’ve been looking for a job for months, you are getting knockback, after knockback and you are feeling disheartened. In fact you are a short tantrum away from throwing in the towel and giving up on employment altogether. After all, it’s been a thoroughly disheartening process. What with HR departments scrutinising your experience, rejecting your skills and offering harsh assessments. And then there are the obstacles such as childcare problems and your partner’s deployment hindering your process. All your friends seem to be finding jobs without problems, so why can’t you? All in all, it’s a thoroughly depressing situation.

But it needn’t be. Look at it another way… Okay, you might have had rejections from employers, but these are mere setbacks. The ‘criticism’ you’ve received from interview feedback can be used to help you avoid similar mistakes in future applications. The skills you have may not be suited for one position, but could be well suited for another role. And instead of feeling threatened by friends who’ve managed to find jobs, you can learn from their experience and be inspired by their success. Welcome to the world of Growth Mindset. It’s a new approach to personal development pioneered in the USA by psychology

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professor, Carol Dweck, which is now filtering into all sorts of areas of life over here in the UK. School children are adopting ‘growth mindsets’ to assist with their academic and social progress in the classroom. Businesses and organisations are catching on, as are individuals keen to take a more positive approach to life. As career development psychologist, Hannah Courtney Bennett, explains growth mindset is even being considered in some areas of neuroscience. In fact, one of the reasons it is being embraced so enthusiastically is because of the benefits it could have on adolescent minds. Hannah explains: “There is some brilliant work being done in neuroscience at the moment by Ashok Sakhardande at UCL, where they are tracking pathways in adolescent brains to find out why young adults make mistakes. “Research shows, when they are being watched, they make irrational decisions. This is why boys that have just passed their driving test, and have other boys in the car with them, are far more likely to crash. They are trying to prove themselves. If you can encourage growth mindset, you are protecting them.” So how, exactly, does growth mindset work? Well, the basic principle is that our lives are constantly developing and that far from simply working with what we have, we are novices at life who are always seeking to improve and better ourselves. This applies whether we are embarking on something entirely new to us or if we are experts in our field. We can always develop. This in turn also makes us more relaxed. The opposite of growth mindset is fixed mindset, where we want to look smart and proficient at everything. People with a fixed mindset tend to compete with others to prove themselves, they don’t take on feedback, often avoid challenges and give up when they meet obstacles because they do not want to be seen as being ‘incompetent’. Hannah says: “Growth mindset, however, is about putting yourself out there and saying ‘I am a novice, I can do it, though. I want to do it, I’ll learn as I grow’. It’s about recognising you can grow and that allows you to be resilient.” Resilience, it would seem, is a key word in growth mindset theory. For resilience incorporates putting in effort, persistence in the face of setbacks, tackling challenges and learning from criticism. But how can we apply this to our careers, and lives? Growth mindset tactics don’t come into play immediately. In fact the first steps in building your career involve getting to know a bit more about yourself and your ambitions. Hannah coaches many people, including lots of school leavers, about how to find employment. The first stage in doing this is to get her clients to establish their strengths, and the direction they want to go. It is then she employs the growth mindset strategies. A huge part of this is taking small steps to building confidence. And to do this, you must put yourself out there, recognising that

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you are a novice, and accepting that you might make mistakes or change direction. She describes how most people think there are only two paths in life: success and failure and that once down one of those roads, there’s no, going back. In fact, what successful people know, Hannah believes, is that often you have to go down several paths to failure before you achieve success. Another powerful element of growth mindset is using the word “yet”. Whenever you think negatively about yourself or your career, saying or thinking “I can’t do that”, add “yet” to the end of the statement. This is something Louise Jenner, The Dream Job Coach, advocates strongly. As a schoolgirl, Louise dreamed of being a pilot in the RAF but, at the time, was not allowed because she was female. “This was the 80s! Had I known about growth mindset,” she said, “I could have said to myself: ‘I can’t be a pilot in the RAF yet, so I’ll train with a private airline and keep my dream alive’!” Years later, Louise fulfilled her dream and underwent some pilot training at a local airfield. Although she didn’t become a pilot, she still found a way, eventually, to give her childhood ambition a go. “No is short for ‘not yet’,” said Louise. “This applies to all kinds of selling and also to interviewing for your dream job. If they say no today it could be yes tomorrow.You just need to find out what their concern is and reassure them that you are the right person for the job after all. Without being pushy!” Louise also advises networking as a great way to look for jobs. “Someone you know, knows someone who needs you and your particular strengths and skills,” she explained. Louise advises making good use of social media, which she believes makes it easier than ever to network and get your name, your brand or your business out there - and it’s all free! Finally Louise said you need to let yourself believe you can do lots of things and, some of those things you can do really well. “Some of those things you enjoy and some of them you love - choose to do them for a living and you have your dream job”, she added. For more information about Louise’s work visit www.louisejenner. com

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CONTRIBUTION

SUPPORTING THE UNSUNG HERO How a course run by the University of Wolverhampton has opened doors for an RAF wife…

Words by Jo Booth, Images by Design • Jessica upporting the Unsung Hero is a ten month business start-up programme and is run by the University of Wolverhampton. It is designed to enable the dependants of serving armed forces personnel, reservists and veterans start their own business. Over 180 service dependants completed the course in the first year, leading to greater investment from the Government. One of these participants was Jess Sands, from RAF Brize Norton. When Jess’s husband was posted, she had to leave her dream job as a creative designer in Bath. Setting herself up as a self-employed freelance designer, who could work from wherever her husband was based then seemed the next logical step for Jess and this is where the University of Wolverhampton course proved invaluable.

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“I now have a large network of contacts here at Brize and Shrivenham, and we have gone on to meet regularly to swap skills and support each other…”

very beneficial, I now have a large network of contacts here at Brize and Shrivenham, and we have gone on to meet regularly to swap skills and support each other. I have also become a volunteer ambassador for the Supporting the Unsung Hero course and hope to promote it to others here at Brize Norton, along with Benson, Shrivenham and Abingdon.”

If someone was thinking about becoming, or had recently become selfemployed would you recommend the course to them? Jess, why did you enrol in the course and what did you hope to get out of it? “I wanted to work for myself, so that I wouldn’t need to find a new job every two years or explain to new employers that I wouldn’t be staying for long. The flexibility of working for myself seemed ideal, if not a little scary, so I joined the course to increase my confidence. I wanted to learn how to construct a good, solid, professional business.”

What sort of business have you started and are their particular fields that this course is useful for? “I have a graphic design business called Design • Jessica that focuses on company rebranding by creating logos, brochures and different types of corporate stationery. The course has been developed so that all sorts of businesses are catered for. There have been designers like me and also DIY businesses, salon technicians and photographers. Everyday on the course is different but there is a clear goal; to send

the business owner off with all the tools needed to be a sole-trader.”

Was the course a lot of commitment and was it difficult? “The course began with an initial session then a four-day course. This was demanding but very interesting, we ran through the legalities of running a business and the dreaded tax return! Following this were seven months of flexible group and individual mentoring, through Skype, by phone and also face to face.You do need to put in work in-between sessions, but the amount you do depends on how much you want to get out of the course and ultimately your own business.”

What were some of the most useful things that you got out of the course? “Well on the first day I learned about registering with HMRC and asking Modern Housing (now Carillion Amey) about running a business from my married quarter. Making friends on the course was

“Definitely. It’s a fantastic course, and it’s free for Armed Forces dependants and Veterans due to previous LIBOR funding. I have learnt so many important things to help run my business and the continuing support is invaluable. I can now financially contribute to our household and have a business that I can keep going wherever the RAF decide to send us.”

Do you see your graphic design business expanding? “Absolutely! This course has given me more confidence and helped me realise that a posting doesn’t mean the end of my career. I’ve had to adapt the type of products I design based on demand, but it’s exciting to know that I can run my own business around the demands of military life.” If you want to know more about the course that Jess attended go to www.wlv.ac.uk/ supportingtheunsunghero and to see the business that Jess has created thanks to the course go to www.designjessica.co.uk 31

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EAST MILITARY CATCHMENT

Craft supplies with him in mind. General craft supplies. Handmade commissions & personalisation available. Stockists for: King Cole, Prima, Sirdar, Craft Creations, Pinflair, Chocolate Baroque, La Pashe.

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Would you like to see your article published? Just for Her are looking for interesting and relevant articles about the Service community… If you have something you have written, ideally with pictures too, then please send your articles into mail@forcespublishing.co.uk.

JustHer for

Diana Harding, Practitioner of Maharishi Light Therapy with Gems, for the East of England

accredited by Maharishi College of Perfect Health. This unique healing treatment is Deeply Relaxing and relieves Stress. Restores Balance at all levels and brings Refreshment to Body, Mind, and Feelings. Activates the Self-Healing mechanisms of your body, offering Relief from chronic disorders A session of Light Therapy bathes specific areas of the body with a special soft light which is shone through a selection of high-quality, precious gemstones such as diamonds, emeralds, rubies, yellow sapphires and blue sapphires. As you relax under the array of gemlights, you absorb the nourishing and balancing influence of each individual gem as it is carried by the light into your body. The experience is enjoyable, even blissful, and gives relaxation at the deepest level, which rejuvenates both mind and body. Diana has been practising for two years, and clients report immediate relief from stress and pain, better digestion, deeper sleep, more clarity in mind and emotions - a feeling of complete restoration, and often great calmness. Diana is also a fully accredited teacher of Transcendental Meditation: contact her direct for free talks on TM, especially re. help for PTSD and for care-givers.

Book appointments with Diana on 01394 421699, email peacepalacegemtherapy@gmail.com, web www.peacepalacegemtherapy.co.uk or Facebook search Peace Palace Gem Therapy. Treatment rooms in Rendlesham, nr. Woodbridge, or mobile service available by arrangement. Book an illustrated talk, with free trials, for your friends or social group. Reduced rates for multiple bookings.

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CONTRIBUTION

Living with the

Military By Nicola Whittington

there was never any doubt that he loved us. We grew up knowing very girl’s wedding day is one of the best days of her that our dad went away because it was required of him, within his life and as we stand before our families and friends role in the Navy, not that he wanted to go away from us. declaring our love for our soul mate, with thoughts of growing old together enveloping our minds I, like Whenever our dad came home we would go down to Southsea many other women, knew that the commitment I Castle, wearing our new outfits and would wave the ship and its was making wasn’t just to my partner, but also to his smartly dressed crew into port whilst trying to pinpoint him. It job in the military. Having grown up in a naval family, was a proud moment for all, being able to welcome our loved one’s with my Dad on back to back deployments, I had seen both the home in such a fashion. We would then race the ship to the dock so positives and negatives of life in a military family, so had an idea of we could be standing by the gangway ready what I was marrying into. As a teen I had “Family time takes on a whole to rush him as he took his first steps onto steered clear of the regular onslaught of home soil. Each time Dad returned he young Matelots parading around the local new meaning when it’s a would read J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit to clubs, pubs and bars, something that anyone luxury to be a full unit.” us, we would get over halfway through and growing up near a naval port knows is he’d leave again on another deployment. no mean feat. Marrying into the military With each one lasting around six to eight months by the time he had not been ‘plan A’ but you can’t help who you love; and being returned we’d have forgotten where we were in the story, so would in love with my husband was definitely an important factor in my dutifully begin again. Suffice to say my brother and I can remember future plans. the first half of the book really well but are quite vague on the second half. As a child we didn’t move around much, my dad was based on the ships as a Marine Engineer so we, my brother and I, were born and Growing up on a married patch had its advantages; safe housing, grew up in and around Portsmouth. Neither of us can remember good reliable neighbours, but mostly other children to play with many times when our dad wasn’t on deployment but whenever he whose mums or dads were regularly away. It was nice to grow up was home, and on leave, he spent so much quality time with us that

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is heart-breaking and terrifying.

“You will never meet a stronger, bolder more self sufficient woman as that of a Military spouse. We are a special breed of women who can do it alone, regularly do it alone and who you do not want to argue with. We are always ready to help and support others as well as allowing others to help us when needed.

around other children who lived the same lifestyle as us; we all experienced the same norm. It was a common sight on the patch to see a group of parents out on the green, with their kids, playing Rounders until after the streetlights came on. Family time takes on a whole new meaning when it’s a luxury to be a full unit. Where there were positives, there were negatives too and one big negative was the strain it could put on those who were left behind. I saw how strong my mum was and how stressed being a part time single parent could be on her, and many other mums. I wasn’t the easiest of children, with my behaviour becoming difficult when my dad was away due to missing him terribly, as we all did. This was the main factor in avoiding Matelots as a teen. I knew all too well how tough it could be. Meeting my husband, I knew he had aspirations to join the Fleet Air Arm as a pilot, but we were merely friends so I wasn’t too concerned. But as the article has implied, things changed and we later married. Now seven years into our marriage I have experienced life as a Navy child and presently as a Navy wife. Being a naval wife is not the easiest of roads and certainly not for the faint hearted! I have had to learn to enjoy my own company, it can be bitterly lonely at times.You really have to put yourself out there and make time for yourself and socialising. I have had days on end where the only conversations I have had are with our five and two year olds. I also found a new respect for single parents, having experienced that life to a certain degree as well.You learn to become strong and dependant on yourself as nine times out of ten you do not have the luxury of family close by, and are rarely able to directly contact your partner when they’re deployed. Most of all you have to learn to live with constant worry. The places our partners are sent to are rarely friendly and not being able to know if they’re okay is very hard. Sending the person you love most in the world, to somewhere they could be killed or seriously injured, is heart-breaking and terrifying. I never realised how much our mum had sheltered us. Now in our last year in the Navy and my husband finishing off his last deployment, after being away a lot over the last few years, I have gained an insight into what life was like for my mum and many other women who are left behind. There are great things about it, like being in control of the tv remote and being able to make your own plans and rules without someone asking when, where and why; and your food bill is usually cheaper. But when something

happens, let’s say the car breaks or one of your children becomes ill, then you really feel the weight of responsibility on your shoulders. It can be scary at times. I feel in some ways that I have it easier than many as my husband’s deployments have never been longer than four and a half months with him, on average, doing two deployments a year. I am also lucky because we live on a military patch. Having neighbours that get it, like randomly dropping some food round, offering to take the kids to school one morning or even just a text message enquiring as to how we are, really makes a big difference. Living here I know that whether I know someone or not I could knock on their door, day or night, and say “My partner’s away I need help” and there would be no hesitation, no “what do you mean your partner’s away?” or “who are you?”. It is a unique community that supports each other without necessarily being friends. I have also found that very few of my non-military friends are understanding to what having your partner leave for months on end is actually like, with some saying “well you knew what you were marrying into”; a comment that irritates military spouses to no ends.You know what to expect when having a baby but that’s still one hell of a shock to the system! Having lived my life in the shadow of the military it has given me a unique perspective on life and a certain type of strength, distinctive to that of a military family.You will never meet a stronger, bolder more self-sufficient woman as that of a military spouse. We are a special breed of women who can do it alone, regularly do it alone and who you do not want to argue with. We are always ready to help and support others as well as allowing others to help us when needed. We struggle, we feel and we cry because no matter how strong we are and how well we are getting on, we are all coping with the fact that our partners are gone and a part of us is missing. With my husband becoming a civilian this year, we will miss certain aspects of the Navy, with him having been a Navy child too; it is and has been a part of our lives for as long as we can remember. We are looking forward to beginning a new chapter in our lives and are excited about the prospect of life outside this inimitable and rare community and lifestyle. Because it is a lifestyle.

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If deployment, work commitments or other emergencies leave you with a childcare crisis, you neednâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be left high and dry. Flexible or long-term options might be limited, but there are some solutions for armed forces familiesâ&#x20AC;Ś

The

Challenge of

Childcare 36

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hildcare is probably one of the biggest challenges faced by parents today. For families in the Army, Navy or Royal Air Force things can be even more problematic thanks to the added hindrance of deployments, exercises and shift work. And while juggling the day-to-day childcare demands of a nine-tofive job is tricky enough, finding a solution to caring for children for extended periods is positively unworkable for many families who can be left in a hopeless situation. If you are a single parent, or a working mum who is required to travel for work during your partner’s deployment, or if you have ever had to go to hospital for a few days while your husband is away you’ll probably have faced this puzzle yourself. The sad fact is, longer-term, flexible childcare solutions for armed forces families are thin on the ground. It’s a problem which the RAF Families Federation (RAF FF) is all too aware of. And it is currently gathering evidence on the situation. Its last survey into childcare, carried out in 2015, was in response to observations that the problem was becoming an “increasingly significant factor” in people’s lives. The results of its survey revealed the extent of childcare challenges faced by RAF families. Over 50% of families cited the cost as their most onerous problem, while 9% revealed deployment caused them the biggest headache. Indeed, finding out-of-hours cover also emerged as a big issue for families, with 16% of respondents saying this was the most challenging thing about the current childcare provision.

respondent said: “I think the MOD should do more to support families with access to nursery provision, particularly when you’re living so far from the extended family network.” The Army Families Federation (AFF) said, in its experience, many families solved the problems of extended childcare either by sending children to boarding school, using family members such as grandparents or, if just a few days, asking friends nearby for help. For families in the navy there is the Naval Nanny Service, which offers more flexibility than mainstream childcare, including emergency and irregular childcare. Naval Nannies are provided through the Royal Navy & Royal Marines (RNRM) Children’s Fund, which can also subsidise the cost for families with limited means. The nannies, who are all registered, thoroughly checked and accredited, step in if a parent needs overnight care whilst they attend a course. They can also help when a child cannot go to school, nursery or childminder because they are unwell, or their place of care has closed down for the day. They will also help if a parent has early or late meetings. Although they do not cover extended periods or deployment, the RNRM Children’s Fund will provide support to cover the financial costs to families, in extenuating circumstances, requiring long-term childcare. For more information visit http://rnrmchildrensfund. org.uk/ Another organisation that have noticed the difficulties modern life, long hours and shift work can have on family life is Freckles Childcare, which has launched a unique, flexible childcare solution for busy families. It’s a civilian company, but is run by Jo Chavasse, who hopes to extend the service to armed forces families and who is more than a little familiar with the challenges faced in military life. Jo’s father is a retired army major who served with the Royal Green Jackets (now 4 Rifles). She explained: “I have experienced first-hand what it is like when one parent goes away,” she said, “as I grew up with my Dad frequently away on tour and my Mum in need of more support. Now, we live in a society where many families do not live near their extended family, we see many parents isolated and in need of help but with no idea who to reach out to.”

Interestingly, the survey asked serving lone parents what childcare arrangements they made during deployment. Most in that situation got help from family or ‘external’ childcare sources, such as friends. Some had to pay for childcare from ‘external’ sources. In some cases, families have had to “Many families solved the problems turn down deployments or civilian work commitments due to the lack of childcare of extended childcare either by support. One anonymous respondent sending children to boarding school, to the RAF FF survey said: “My wife is using family members such as currently unemployed due to a number of grandparents or, if just a few days, It was this concern, coupled with her observations of family life picked up reasons. She is a nurse working within the asking friends nearby for help” working in childcare herself that triggered NHS and, as you can imagine, this involves Joanna into launching Freckles Childcare. It provides ‘Kayas’ to shifts; “Prolonged separation for courses, and spending 13 months work with busy families on a long or short term basis, full or partaway from my parent unit for pre-deployment and operation time to do a combination of childcare and housekeeping. Kaya deployments, make her employment untenable. Employers support is the native American term for “elder sibling”. The idea is they where they can but suddenly demanding 13 months off due to last fulfil the role an older brother or sister might play in a household minute deployments, or the regular cancelling of shifts due to me supporting parents to allow them to spend quality time with their being ‘on call’ is an impossible situation.” children. However, they also provide flexible support which could be the solution to many military family’s childcare problems. While some people believe the civilian family member’s employer should offer support to families in this situation, others also think Jo said Freckles could also support families who required care for an it’s time for the MOD to step up to the task. Another anonymous 37

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be over 18, and undergo enhanced DBS checks and must supply three references. They also receive training which includes paediatric first aid, food hygiene certificates and Freckles-developed modules.

extended period, outside of normal nineto-five working hours. “In this situation,” she said, “we would work with the family to place someone on a short-term and full-time basis to look after the children as the parent at home travelled for work, for example. “However, if the parent at home needed ongoing help and support during their other half ’s deployment then we would look to find someone for the longer term who can support them on a parttime basis. But, equally, who could step in if the parent needs to travel.This is a preferable set up for our candidates as it’s ongoing but it is still possible to find someone for the short term. With regards to length of employment, six months is perfectly possible for a part-time role.”

MIDLANDS MILITARY CATCHMENT

The Kayas are usually between the ages of 20 and 28. This means, Jo believes, they won’t be so set in their way with regards to how childcare ‘should be done’, which allows them to be moulded into the family they are working for and be a supportive influence. All Kayas must

Freckles charges £1,200 finders and assurance for a full-time Kaya (working 25 hours or more per week) and also for a long term placement (12 weeks or more). This is paid in two instalments. For long-term, but part-time placements, Freckles pro rata the full-time fee down to a minimum of £600 depending on hours. Short-term placements, such as holiday cover, cost £100, plus £10 per week of employment.

Freckles: “We would work with the family to place someone on a shortterm and full-time basis to look after the children as the parent at home travelled for work, for example.”

Jo added: “As a company we strongly identify with families that are isolated from their extended family and even have a few clients where we have simply instigated and now manage a relationship with a Kaya for them on an ad hoc basis for evenings babysitting and the odd day cover.” For more information visit www. freckleschildcare.co.uk

Angelic Therapy A unique connection to the Angelic and Spiritual realms

• • • • •

Angel, Fairy and Life Purpose Readings Master Teacher and Angelic Reiki Practitioner Spiritual Facilitator Crystal and Spiritual Workshops Group or one to one readings

Angelic reiki teaching is an intensive course which runs over three days • Email readings and guidance £25

Vicky: 07989 985051 Email: glowfactor@hotmail.com Leicester based but can and do travel!

www.KIDDIEBEADS.co.uk Children’s jewellery making par es Hand cra ed jewellery made by your child and their friends, suitable for ages 4 yrs and upwards. With a variety of par es to choose from please contact us and we can help Adult lessons too learn how to make dangles, connectors, use links, caged beads and much more!

07737 666834 E: donna@kiddiebeads.co.uk Oxfordshire based www.facebook.com/kiddiebeads

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JAA Gemstone Jewellery

Genuine Gemstones

J o s e p h i n e ’s I n s p i r a t i o n ’s

One-of-a-kind Handmade Jewellery

After giving up smoking over 6 years ago I wanted something to do with my hands. I thought I would have a go at making jewellery and I loved it! I also teach jewellery making classes. I try not to make the same piece twice, the design may be similar but the gems will be different.

mpcarwardine@yahoo.co.uk • 07964 128614

We provide a selec on of alterna ve therapies to suit each individuals’ health needs. Located just outside of Horncastle, Lincolnshire, we are able to meet people in the comfort of their own homes or in our relaxing clinic room in an idyllic se ng. By being able to travel to client’s homes has enabled us to offer our services to a wider popula on covering all of Lincolnshire and across surrounding borders into Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Leicestershire, No nghamshire and South Yorkshire. We also run a twice yearly clinic in Kent.

01790 763174 al olis chealth@gmail.com

www.alf-holis c-health-for-you.co.uk

Love the beauty of Mother Nature’s gift to us, my jewellery designs are enhanced by ethically sourced stones from all over the world & purchased from UK companies. The perfect gift for you or a loved one.

07875 598778 karen.fentem61@gmail.com Genuine Gemstones - Josephine’s Inspiration’s

07941 556742 info@thelittlehippieshop.co.uk

www.thelittlehippieshop.co.uk

Are you having an Event and looking for a Mobile Barista?

At The Little Hippie Shop you can browse a beautiful array of ethnic, hippy, and fair-trade gifts. With our competitive prices and amazing choices, along with our one off, bespoke, recycled wood items all handmade by ourselves.

Then why not get in touch .... Mrs Tracy Annabelle Ambrose Email: tracy@twoocoffee.co.uk 01604-870849 or 07481-106250 Take a look on our website for further details of Twoo Coffee,

www.twoocoffee.co.uk

Creative Wood Solutions Featuring Alex Henry Digital Art

Shirewood Furniture Handmade wood furniture and crafts, using recycled timber. Rustic up-cycled handmade gifts and furniture, made to order. T: 07929882583 E: fiona.hayes2@ntlworld.com

www.facebook.com/shirewood

Creative Wood Solutions is focused on providing high-quality service and customer satisfaction - we will do everything we can to meet your expectations. We have a selection of carved wood panels that make exceptional and different wall art, great gift for a friend or family member Featured in our website is the Talented Digital Artist Alex Henry, Alex turns your wedding photos, babies, family or even your treasured pets into wonderful Wall Art. Visit our website for more info.

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Knitting and Crochet for the 21st Century bursting with up to the minute fashionable on-trend patterns and wools for the whole family - including the dog! www.theknitshack.co.uk | questions@theknitshack.co.uk

If you’re looking for a great idea for wedding catering, you’re in for a treat! Fancy Fries is a family run business that sell traditional hand cut, twice 077185 89312 cooked crispy fries cooked in beef dripping (optional) served with a www.fancyfries.co.uk selection of home made hot and cold toppings including meatballs, meat gravy, chilli con carne and cheese, chicken tikka and Beer battered fresh fish. On the dessert menu we have fresh made Belgian waffles with fruit, cream, sweet sauces as well proper Belgian waffles. As well as fries, we are experienced caterers that can work to a budget and food preferences. Whether it’s a big juicy burger, a baby shower buffet or a hog roast, Fancy Fries are your one stop catering specialists that can take care of your needs so you can relax and let us worry about the food.

Longmorecastings LTD

Longmorecastings allows for your ideas to take form into models, made out of bronze resin this gives you that same look as real hot cast bronze but at a fraction of the price. We also specialize in pewter, which allows us to produce key rings and other small items that the customer may want. Here at Longmorecastings we aim to offer the highest quality we possibly can.

www.longmorecastings.com

Lovely and unique hand woven bags. Great as a gift, perfect for any occasion. Available for craft events, home parties and speaker events for associations.

Tel 01789 565075 Email: siimpp@yahoo.com www.analizajones.com

Want to... Build emotional resilience? Recover from trauma? Handmade children’s clothing and accessories and toys.

For individual therapeutic work and 1 day psychotherapeutic courses.

10% discount

Quote “forces10” 01993 703908 dolittledumplings when ordering!

www.thrivepsychotherapy.co.uk

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>> FASHION LOOKBOOK

Marks & Spencer M&S Collection Floral Box Clutch £29.50

Very Floral Clutch Bag £18

Marks & Spencer Floral Skinny Belt £8 Primark Print Crepe Cami £4

BHS Floral Tea Dress £45 La Redoute Dress £35

Florals are a springtime given. They come out for weddings, they come out for the races, they are the go-to print, the signifier that the season has finally changed. The floral trend comes in fiesty colours or demure pales and mixes well with neutral pieces.

Spring Bloom

Apricot Black & Pink Stripe Peony Print Midi Skirt £29

BHS Floral Prom Dress £55

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River Island Pyjamas Top £18 Shorts £14

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>> FASHION LOOKBOOK

1 3

SAY IT WITH

These go-faster stripes are your quick route into Spring/Summerâ&#x20AC;Ś

5 2

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1. New Look Horizontal Stripe A-Line Skirt £19.99 2. Phase Eight Wide Stripe Maxi Dress £89 3. Debenhams Principles by BDL Black and White Jumper £38 4. Phase Eight Elsa Stripe Maxi Dress £110 5. River Island Midi Skirt £28 6. White Stuff Neon Woven Stripe Scarf £25 7. Debenhams Red Herring Striped Bag £20 8. La Redoute Dress £35 9. Long Tall Sally Long Sleeve Breton Stripe Top £22 10. Next Striped Shirt: £32

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>> FASHION LOOKBOOK

Feathers, ruffles, pastels, cream, chiffon and sheer details make us all swoon for Spring 2016 and these ultra feminine styles…

2 1 5

Romantic 1 Monsoon Heather Lace Dress £129 2 Matalan Pussybow Blouse £14 3 Marks & Spencer Limited Edition Blouse £29.50 4 Debenhams Debut Dress Nude Ivory £120 5 Very Pink Feather Clutch Bag £28 6 BHS Ivory Lace Peplum Top £35 7 Missy Empire Kristi Mocha Feather Strappy Heels £30 8 Primark UK Dress £10 9 Miss Selfridge Pink Overlay Trim Maxi Dress £55.00 10 La Redoute Dress £45 11 Miss Selfridge Lace Dress £65

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>> FASHION LOOKBOOK

Marks & Spencer Per Una Dress £75

River Island One Shoulder Dress £42 River Island White Frilly Bardot Peplum Top £28

River Island Light Pink Frilly Wrap Front Culotte Jumpsuit £48

Flamenco

This season is set to have a strong Spanish inﬂuence. Flamenco rufﬂes, offthe-shoulder necklines, bold colours and silhouettes will transport you to Spain this spring.

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Very Black One Shoulder Maxi Dress £55

Debenhams Red Herring Top £28

New Look Bright Orange Ghillie Heels with Tassle Detail £34.99

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Angels Speak can offer a wide range of services to help you on your Spiritual Path It is my honour to work with Spirit and to be an Angelic Communicator to offer: • Hypnotherapy • Angel Readings/Mediumship • Angelic Healing Sessions • Angelic Ascension Workshops • Angelic Reiki Teaching Level 1/2 and Masters 3/4 • Five Day Shambala Training Course Experience of Dealing with People with PTSD based in Coventry, Midlands. Willing to travel

Contact Lorraine on 07717 838399 Look at the full service available on my website www.angelsspeak.co.uk E: lorraine@angelsspeak.co.uk Member of the Angelic Reiki Association

Pallisers Paper Shack Soywax candles and wax melts. Hand painted personalised glasses and more. A great gift for any occasion!

www.facebook.com/palliserspapershack15

Nannette 07818 519219

Amethyst BioMat Benefits of the BioMat...

Reiki, Clinical Hypnosis, Meditation, EFT, Guided Meditation, Past Life Regression, Energy Healing, Ear Candling, Crystal Healing, Alleviates anxiety, PTSD and depression. Good for relaxation and personal development.

07723 317195

https://www.facebook.com/subtlebodiesholistic Nottingham based

Aromatherapy Indian Head Massage Healing Reiki Master/Teacher Readings ...and more

Reduces Stress and Fatigue Promotes Relaxation Provides warm, soothing pain relief to joints and muscles and more

Approved Richway Distributor, UK and overseas

Retreats to relax and recharge available Please contact me for further details

Fully qualified and insured

07896 304 301 • Amethystbiomatwales.co.uk linda.chester@icloud.com • sanctuary@springmoor.co.uk

Jehandra

Wellbeing for Mind and Body, Holistic Healing Training for the Fully qualified in non-invasive therapies, we Soul

Bespoke bridal cakes, vintage style hand painted cakes, cupcakes, occasion cakes and vintage hire service. E: thesugaredrose@hotmail.co.uk M: 07813458582 The care is in the details, the joy is in the eating & the love is in the baking.

offer aromatherapy, crystal, colour therapy, cupping massage, Emotional freedom techniques (which helps with trauma and anxiety), Reiki and more. We have a shop in Shifnal selling angelic, fairy and new age gifts as well as silver and hand crafted crystal jewellery.

Unit 11, Shifnall Shopping Centre, 26 Bradford St, Shifnal

Shop: Open Mon - Sat

Tel: 07821 380038

Suzanne: (herself a former RAF wife) 07754 908434 sumcgill27@blueyonder.co.uk or Norma: norma.topping@yahoo.co.uk

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Check out our Sister Magazine…

JustFamilies for

Incorporating The UK

Forces Education Guid

Giving Birth while your Partner is away

Win A Fa mily Ticket To Lightwater Valley Theme Park Pare nting in

The Force s

Issue 1

JustFamilies for

Incorporating The UK Forces Education Guide

JustHer for

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Gloria is a holistic health and wellness coach and founder of Rock On Divas. She specializes in women’s health, wellbeing and nutrition, particularly focusing on Preconception health (supporting women who want to prepare their bodies for pregnancy), whether that’s because they are struggling to conceive or simply because they want to have the healthiest pregnancy possible. A few years ago she went through breast cancer treatment and coming out of that she wanted to do something to heal. Prior to that she worked in the IT industry as a contractor – it was all about stress, stress, stress. Nutrition and wellbeing have become very important parts of her life during and after cancer – She needed to find out what supports the body and what helps it to heal. She went into research mode and ended up writing a book (Healing Foods Healthy Foods), which wasn’t the plan when she started her research, but it happened & in all senses it was a very organic process. Her book has been very successful selling thousands of copies especially at Wholefoods Kensington. She trained and became qualified as a holistic health coach in New York, and is certified by the American Association for Drugless Practitioners. She is also a member of the International Association for Health Coaches and sits on the board of the charity TPOT (The Power Of Touch). Over the last four years she set up and has been running her business focused on women’s health and wellness with a special focus on hormones, preconception and natural fertility (she also runs healing retreats for women who have just finished cancer treatment). Gloria feels it makes sense to have a special focus on new life and new

Gloria also looks at the areas of stress a client is experiencing in their work and life and helps them create tips and tools to manage stress; work, stress, lifestyle, nutrition and exercise all have their part to play in health, nutrition, overall wellness and conception.

beginnings in her work and runs retreats and workshops to support that. She teamed up with a gynaecologist and a fertility massage therapist (a powerhouse trio that is not available anywhere in the UK). They run retreats on preconception health (how to prepare your body for pregnancy) using nutrition, spa treatments, taking time out, relaxing and finding out what you can do to improve fertility. There’s so much disease in the world that’s linked to stress, diet and lifestyle and Gloria believes that if people can get the right knowledge they can make their own choices to improve their life. Women want to make changes to help them live their healthiest and best life but the common complaint she gets when clients come to her is that they don’t have the right information or knowledge to even get started – this is where she comes in to help. We’re a nation of dieters, sometimes we think going on a diet is a step to being healthy but Gloria disagrees – she says when you decide to go on a diet, you’ve already set yourself up for failure as this is just a temporary solution. What we need to do is look at it as a whole and make it a lifestyle change. When she starts working with a client she puts them on a detox to get rid of toxins, bacteria and free radicals running riot in the body, replacing them with healthy, powerhouse nutrients to heal and energize. One piece of advice Gloria has to offer everyone to get started on healing and health, is to start juicing today – using more vegetables than fruit. She says to think about

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nutrition this way - what you put into your body can either heal you or kill you so it’s best to go for the more natural, healthier options and cut out processed foods.

Getting into the details of nutrition, Gloria indicates that the main foods that are beneficial are greens – eating, blending and juicing them. Particular favorites are kale, spinach, lettuce, broccoli and sprouts, so focusing on more vegetables than fruit. Focusing on a more plant-based diet is key. Gloria believes it is important to provide women with the knowledge and intuition to listen to their own bodies and give them the nourishment and care that they need. Looking at Gloria, it is obvious she practices what she preaches and is an absolute picture of radiant health. She is careful about taking time out and remembering that wellbeing is always a work in progress because, as human beings, we’re not perfect. She juices almost every day, eats healthily, exercises, and tries to make a point to set aside time with family and friends and ultimately enjoy life. The Thrive Preconception Retreat, is focused on preconception health and fertility, which is coming up April 28th – 29th 2016 at the Lifehouse Spa and Hotel in Essex. Also in attendance will be the other members of her powerhouse team consultant gynaecologist Dr. Marcellina Coker and fertility massage therapist Clare Blake. So for those ladies who are ready to get pregnant, have been trying or about to embark on IVF, this is one event you cannot miss out on. For more details about the retreat and how to book go to www. rockondivas.com/events or if you would like to contact Gloria for nutrition and wellness support, send an email to info@rockondivas.com.

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HUGGABLE

HEROES Goes to the ‘Millies’! Hi Jo, how are you? You’ve obviously been very busy since you last appeared in Just for Her! How are things? Hello! Oh my goodness, yes very busy and exciting!!

Congratulations on your recent ‘Millies’ nomination in the ‘support for the armed forces’ category. Can you just explain to our readers what the ‘Millies’ awards are? Thank you, yes of course. The Sun Newspaper holds Military Awards annually to thank armed forces personnel for the amazing hard work they do. There are so many true heroes doing very brave things to protect our country and it’s a lovely way for the country to say thank you. They are very inspirational people and I am very proud to have met those who were at the awards.

Who nominates and decides on the winners?

The general public can nominate anyone they feel should receive an award for the work they do and a panel from the newspaper decides who are finalists and winners. This years panel included Karen Brady, Penny Lancaster and Jeremy Clarkson (who were all at the ceremony).

Where was the awards ceremony held?

This years ‘Millies’ were held at The Guildhall, London. We were also invited to 10 Downing Street for a reception with Samantha Cameron and Michael Fallon, Secretary of State for Defence.

How did it feel to be nominated? What was it like being there? Oh my goodness, I still do not feel it is real! I feel so proud and shocked and I am still speechless when I think about it… The day was truly amazing! Mum and I were made to feel so very special. Everyone was so kind and the other nominees were very inspiring.

What was the best thing about the day?

The Downing Street reception, I met Samantha Cameron and Michael Fallon. Their response to Huggable Heroes® was brilliant. I have to keep looking at photos as it feels like a dream.

Why do you think you were nominated?

The Sun told me that I was nominated by lots of people, which makes me beam every time I think about it. My wonderful customers have said they nominated me because of the huge 50

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positive difference Huggable Heroes® have had on their child and family. Incredible feeling.

What would you like to say to your supporters?

Wow! Thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Without you believing in Huggable Heroes® and me and without your wonderful messages, photos and reviews, I and Huggable Heroes® wouldn’t be here today.

What’s next for Huggable Heroes®?

My head is exploding with ideas, I am hoping to work closely with

autistic children in the coming months as the impact a Huggable Hero has had on my autistic customers is huge, goose bumps every time. Mum and I are also working hard to get the turnaround time down to under 2 weeks, so far so good. My Nan and Aunt also help make the heroes. They are definitely made with love. Thank you for having me and Huggable Heroes® again at Just For Her Magazine. Jo xxx

“

My wonderful customers have said they nominated me because of the huge positive difference Huggable Heroes® have had on their child and family. Incredible feeling.

“ 51

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CONTRIBUTION

S ’ M U M Y S U B E TH

T U O K R O W THE SET UP

By Susie Buchanan By the end of my day as a stay-athome mum, I’m lucky if I have the energy to walk to the sofa. Slotting a workout in between sing and rhyme and the pile of dirty washing is easier said than done.Yet I’m probably fitter now than when I was working fulltime. After I’ve run up and down the stairs, cycled to school, walked the dog, hoovered the house, rolled out the bins and done some gardening, I feel like I’ve done the equivalent of a 10K run.

It is important to look after your back which is particularly vulnerable to injuries. With all the following exercises keep your back straight and activate your core muscles. You can do this by gently tightening your low tummy muscles between your hip bones.

THE SINK PRESS Make washing dishes worthwhile by strengthening your biceps and triceps at the same time. Shapely arms and shiny dishes!

The average British woman spends more than 16 hours a week doing housework. The good news is that everyday chores can burn a surprising amount of calories. Housework can be a great cardiovascular workout but it is also important to strengthen your muscles to avoid strains. The easier a workout fits into your day, the more likely you are to stick to it. Women are great at multitasking so why not try this simple strengthening routine next time you do some cleaning. Turn up the radio and hoover and polish your way to a 1950’s housewife’s figure!

With feet hip width apart, a step away from the cupboard, rest your hands against the surface with your arms straightened. Keeping your legs straight and knees soft, breathe in as your lower your body towards the sink allowing your elbows to bend. Breathe out as you push away straightening your arms and returning to the start position. Repeat 15 - 20 times.

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“The average British woman spends more than 16 hours a week doing housework. The good news is that everyday chores can burn a surprising amount of calories…”

THE STAIR LIFT Next time you go upstairs try adding in some calf lifts on the bottom step - women may not wear heels to do the housework anymore but we’ll be ready for them when we have some time off!

THE LAUNDRY SQUAT If your house is anything like mine, the piles of dirty washing never seem to go down. Double up doing the laundry with some thigh and glut strengthening squats and this monotonous task won’t seem so bad. Standing with your feet hip width apart, bend both knees as if you are about to sit on a chair. Go as low as comfortable.Vary the amounts of washing in the basket to make the exercise harder or easier. Repeat 15 - 20 times.

THE HOOVER LUNGE With two kids and a dog, my hoover is almost permanently attached to my right hand. By adding some lunges, hoovering can double up as a good hip and thigh strengthening exercise.

With your heels hanging over the edge of the bottom step and your hands resting on the bannister for support, slowly lift and lower your heels 10 - 20 times.

Stand with your legs a stride distance apart with both feet pointing forwards. As you push forwards, bend your front knee over your foot then straighten again as you pull backwards. Alternate the front legs as you move across the room. Repeat on each side 20 - 30 times. 53

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’S M U M Y S U B E H T

WORKOUT TOY TIDY LEG LIFT Mums spend a large proportion of their time on their hands and knees. My kids found it hilarious when I started doing some leg lifts whilst tidying up and even joined in too!

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On all fours with your back and head level with the floor, raise one leg out behind you. Keeping your toes pointing downwards, slowly lift your leg without arching your back then lower to touch the floor. Repeat on each leg 20 - 30 times.

Homeopathy is a natural, non-toxic, gentle and effec ve system of medicine that can be used to treat everyone including babies, children and pregnant women. Homeopathy can help in acute and chronic disease and it can be used alongside conven onal treatment. My pa ents receive personalised prescrip ons based on their individual needs. Registered Homeopath Some of the issues my pa ents sought Iris Hay RSHom BSc (Hons) HOM Homeopathy for include: Recurrent contact@irishayhomeopathy.uk condi ons like children’s sore throats & ear www.irishayhomeopathy.uk infec ons, woman’s & teenager’s hormonal 07774 233721 imbalances, fa gue, anxiety, post-natal Based in London depression & trauma. Offering Skype consulta on

We create delicious gourmet street food to cater for all occasions. Our hot dogs are our stars but we shine in many other areas of food! We source local fresh produce in season to accompany our dishes to the highest quality. We also have big respect for our meat free friends out there and try where possible to cater for vegetarian/ vegan and other dietary restrictions we may encounter.

kurbsidekitchen.co.uk

Radiant Angel Energy

Tel: +44 7473 283 042 Email: info@peonybymarianna.com

www.peonybymarianna.com Bespoke handmade flowers, flower arrangements, statement jewellery and hair accessories made of air dry clay. Wedding bouquets, hair accessories, centerpieces, boutonnieres. Clay flower making classes and workshops in London.

Connecting you with the Angels Angelic Reiki Healing is a beautiful, gentle nurturing experience carried out on a fully clothed body. It is an effective aid for physical, mental, emotional and spiritual healing that can be used alongside orthodox medicine and other therapies. Each healing is unique to the individual and the energy flows to the area that most requires it.

www.radiantangelenergy.co.uk

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ON-THE-PHONE KNEE DIP Whether it is sorting out the family’s activities or catching up with friends, we all spend time on the phone. Do some stabilising knee dips at the same time to improve your balance. Standing on one leg with a hand resting against the wall, slowly bend your knee over your toes as low as comfortable then straighten again. Try without the hand to progress. Repeat 10 - 20 times on each leg.

Calories burned in an hour: Vacuuming - 194 Ironing - 113 Gardening - 288 Washing the car - 300

www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ suzybonomini suzy@redcatknitwear.com

10% discount with “just4her” voucher on Etsy site

07810 888 310

Crystal Healing

by Sarah Jane “ACHO”, RP

Nourish your mind, body & spirit with the art of crystal healing.

I am a registered and accredited practitioner with the Affiliation of Crystal Healing Organisations. Crystal healing is a gentle, non-invasive form of complementary healing that works holistically to harmonise the mind, body, emotions and soul. I look forward to being part of your healing journey soon, Love n Crystal Light S.J

Spartans CocktailTaxi prides itself on being the first 24 hr cocktail delivery service in London, as well as a catering company. Our mission is to provide professional cocktail’s at the highest service for client’s private and corporate parties, weddings & birthdays, offering a wide range of cocktails. Our service will exceed the expectations of our customers. We have a unique camper van converted into a bar with which we deliver alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails to the customers.

07585021616 bookings@spartanscocktailtaxi.co.uk info@spartanscocktailtaxi.co.uk

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Spartans Cocktail Taxi

spartanscocktailtaxi.co.uk

Find me on Etsy: Zayunu by Design 07792207073

Zayunu by Design original wearable art created to enhance your natural beauty. The designs are also created using various traditional and self taught wire wrapping and bead weaving techniques that adds texture and character to each piece, so every creation is unique.

www.crystalhealingbysarahjane.co.uk • 07949 492070 55

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Be:FIT London is the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only

health and fitness festival designed specifically for women. Empowering ladies and providing them with the long term tools they need to increase their confidence and happiness, the festival removes the intimidation and competition from the health and fitness world, and brings back the fun! 56

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ack for 2016, Be:Fit London will be taking over the Business Design Centre, Islington from 29 April - 1 May 2016 with 3 jam packed days of fitness classes from London’s top studios, cooking sessions with you favourite chefs and nutritionists, inspirational talks from the stars, and a shopping village filled with over 100 of the best, hand picked health, fitness and nutrition brands.

This year’s incredible line up includes talks from James Duigan, Madeleine Shaw, Amelia Freer, Natasha Corrett and Zanna Van Dijk, along with fitness sessions lead by Tara Stiles, Danielle Peazer, Barry’s Bootcamp, 1Rebel, Equinox, Gym Box, Core Collective, FRAME, Girl Gains! You can learn to cook with inspiration from Tess Ward, Dale Pinnock and Julie Montagu, get free health checks and nutritional assessments, and shop ’til you drop, before enjoying a delicious cocktail at the bar. The perfect girls day out!

Win Tickets…!

Tickets are available now at www. befitlondon. com and are £25 for a day pass, or £55 for a 3 day weekend ticket, including all classes and sessions.

To be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets email or send a postcard to competitions@forcespublishing.co.uk or Forces & Corporate Publishing Ltd, Hamblin House, Hamblin Court, Rushden, Northamptonshire NN10 0RU with your name, address and phone number.

So what are you waiting for, Be:FIT! Closing date: 22nd April 2016

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HEALTH CHECK

Although it may be impossible to prevent certain illnesses, there are vital health checks that every woman should know about. We run through the top 5 that could save your life. EYE TEST Eyes are not the just the ‘window to our soul’ and an eye test can reveal serious medical conditions that may otherwise go undetected. It is recommended that we have our eyes checked at least once every 2 years and not just when we feel we may need glasses. Health problems which can be picked up by an Optometrist during an eye examination include high blood pressure/cholesterol, diabetes, glaucoma and in extremely rare cases, cancer or tumours. With the average cost of an eye test approximately £22 and with most towns having at least one optician, there really is no excuse not to get checked!

CERVICAL SCREENING According to Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women aged 35 and under with over 3,000 women in the UK, diagnosed every year. Cervical screening is a method of examining cells from the cervix and can detect precancerous/abnormal cells so that they can be treated to prevent the occurrence of cancer. Having regular cervical screening offers the best protection and all women, from the age of 25, are invited to be tested every 3 years.

MAMMOGRAM Breast Cancer screening involves testing apparently healthy people for signs that could show that a cancer is developing. Screening can help to find breast cancers early, when they are too small to see or feel and these tiny breast cancers are usually easier to treat than larger ones. The NHS Breast Screening Programme invites all women, registered with a GP, aged between 50 and 70 for screening every 3 years (47 – 73 in England). If you are older than the invitation age range, you can still have screening every 3 years but you won’t

automatically be invited. To make an appointment, talk to your GP or your local breast screening unit. If you are younger than 50, your risk of breast cancer is generally very low. Mammograms are more difficult to read in younger women because their breast tissue is denser. So the patterns on the mammogram don’t show up as well. There is little evidence to show that regular mammograms for women below the screening age would reduce deaths from breast cancer. For more information visit www.cancerresearchuk.org.

BLOOD PRESSURE High blood pressure isn’t usually something that you can feel or notice, but if you have it you’re more likely to develop coronary heart disease or have a stroke. As many as 7 million people in the UK are living with undiagnosed high blood pressure, without knowing they are at risk, as the only way to know whether you have high blood pressure is to have it measured. The British Heart Foundation, www.bhf.org.uk, recommend that everyone over 40 has their blood pressure taken regularly and advises that simple lifestyle changes, such as reducing your salt and alcohol intake and increasing physical activity can prevent you developing high blood pressure in the future.

CHECK YOUR MOLES According to the NHS, most moles are harmless but if you notice any changes to your moles or are worried about them, see your GP. A helpful way to remember what to look for when checking your moles is to use the ABCDE method. A – asymmetry, B – border irregularity, C – colour change, D – diameter, E – elevated (raised) or enlarged. Moles like this can occur anywhere on your body, but most happen on the back, legs, arms and face. Changes to a mole may be an early indication of a type of skin cancer called melanoma.

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Stressed want to find ways to live with inner peace Learn the easy way through meditation 1-1 tuition in person or by Skype

www.annettegoldsmith.co.uk Contact me: 020 8224 3295 or 0740 232 1331

Crouch End Coaching

Think back to a recent encounter when you didn’t get the result you wanted…

Was this an isolated incident, or an example of something that shows up on a regular basis? Just now, many more people are facing big challenges in their lives – the risk of unemployment, health worries, problems with family or relationships. It has never been so important to be on top of your game – for yourself and perhaps for your family too.

If you want…. • Clarity • Solutions • Improved selfawareness • Freedom from the past • Choice and control of your destiny • New energy to power your life

Roz Spencer Phone: 07905 348971

www.crouchendcoaching.com

Are you an Emo onal Eater? ‘Think Yourself Slim: How to Look Good and Feel Good Beyond Die ng’ is an online programme helping women transform their rela onship with food and their body. Who is it for? The yoyo dieters: you have a history of losing weight and regaining it The food worriers: you o en worry about gaining weight The ‘part- me’ healthy: you’re ‘good’ most days but go wild on weekends/holidays The EMO eaters: stress, worry, etc lead you straight to cakeland

www.hidarl.co.uk | info@hidarl.co.uk Sylvia Loots 01243 681084 Passionate about Design and Colour – Hand Crafted Home Décor – Creating Something Beautiful and Different

For more info, please visit www.prayanas.com or contact info@prayanas.com

Jackets Tasty Diner

Professional run family mobile catering business that covers a wide range of events and functions with delicious menus to suit every occasion. At Jackets we take pride in the quality of food we serve to your visitors and guests. Each jacket potato is freshly cooked So when you’re looking for a caterer for your on site in our traditional potato next event or function and require a healthy, oven which creates a beautiful low cost lunch with a warm welcome, then give me a call on 07595 747000 or crunch to the jacket but keeps the middle light and fluffy. email timsjackets@googlemail.com

Janice Wells

0793 30 233734 07930 4 E: janice.wells2@ntlworld.com 59

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My Scratch Map £14.99 - Been there, done that? The land masses are covered in gold foil that can be scratched off to reveal the countries you’ve visited.

The MasterPan £59.99 - The MasterPan’s ingenious multi-sectional design lets you fry or cook 5-6 different foods all at the same time.

FROM

GIFT GUIDE

2016

FATHER’S DAY S

unday June 19th 2016 is a day to celebrate and be thankful for dads everywhere! Military dads give extra meaning to the phrase ‘my dad is my hero’ and for a gift as great as he is, look no further! At Firebox.com there is something for everyone and here are a few of our favourites…

Make your own Bacon £14.99 - Each kit contains 3 flavours of bacon cure (original, sweet and smoked), curing bags and pop up thermometers. For each batch you’ll need 1kg of good quality pork belly or loin.

Waterproof Notebook £12.99 - Outdoorsy type? Love writing in the shower? This 60 deluxe Waterproof Notebook contains 80 pages of 100% waterproof and un-rippable paper.

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Beer Bread £9.99 - Just add a beer to the included ingredients, give it a quick mix and then bake. In less than an hour you should have yourself one fragrant and delicious loaf of bread. Simple, quick and delicious.

Tabasco Spicy Chocolate £4.99 - a cheeky treat-with-heat, or even try adding them to sweet and savoury recipes. Chilli beef with Tabasco chocolate? That’ll get tongues wagging.

Tight Wallet £21.99 - Made from a combination of soft Italian leather and high-quality elastic. It’s super flexible and scarcely detectable in even the tightest of pockets. Life Hacks Book £7.99 - 30 ingenious Life Hacks. Guaranteed to help you find the end of the cellotape, clean your shower and pick up dog muck more efficiently

Click Cube Clock £29.99 - No longer does your room have to be illuminated by a constant blinking digital glow, nor do you have to fumble to find your smartphone in the darkness… Just click your fingers or gently tap your bedside table and the time will appear.

The Essential Scratch and Sniff Guide to Becoming a Wine Expert £14.99 - Discover the difference between a Syrah and a Sangiovese in a jiffy with this hilariously illustrated and impressibly educational guide. Plus there’s a whopping 16 scent sensations for you to treat your nose to. Just 4 Her Iss 9 2016 FOR WEB.indd 61

ChargeKey £19.99 - ready to charge and sync your smartphone from any USB port.

12-in-1 Multi Tool Pen £9.99 - The Swiss Army (Pen)Knife featuring a hole puncher; a stainless steel file; a short cutting blade; a flat screwdriver; a wire sleeve remover/small nail remover; an ear pick; a long cutting blade; a tweezer; a Philips screwdriver; a stainless steel fork and a saw… What more could you need?!

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WIN!

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For your chance to WIN a £30 Firebox voucher simply…

£30 VOUCHER

Email us at justforher@ forces publishing. co.uk

Or tell us on Facebook or Twitter…

Why your Dad or partner deserves to win!

Spiritual Medium

Graham Watson Graham is a certificated spiritual medium with United Spiritualists as well as a spirit counsellor & also has a professional diploma in Transpersonal and Clinical Hypnotherapy. Graham is also a an Angelic Reiki practitioner. I have a friendly and calming approach to hypnotherapy and mediumship ensuring my clients are immediately at ease. You can book a service on a one to one basis, or in a small group.

Hypnotherapy can help with a variety of issues, including quitting smoking and losing weight. If you are fighting similar battles, choose hypnotherapy and take the first steps towards recovery. Tuning to each individual, I am able to offer advice on all areas of life – from romance to careers– helping you take steps towards a healthier, happier you.

Gift vouchers available for a private reading, hypnotherapy session or hypnotherapy course & past life regression with Graham www.mediumgrahamwatson.co.uk/tickets--booking To book an appointment please call

01372869651 or 07951 509760 62

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Self Love for the Loving Woman When was the last time you looked in the mirror and was able to smile at yourself? When did you last see the light sparkle in your eyes? I understand what it’s like having your man leave. It hurts. It tugs at your heart. It can deflate the will to carry on. Even if on the outside everything looks cosy & rosy, you can still feel alone, left, waiting, wanting and frankly, abandoned. I know that you’re an expert at positivity! I know how you put on a bright smile even if you’re not feeling it. No woman wants to feel sorry for herself whilst her brave and valiant hero is off saving the world. No one would approve. Few want to admit deep-down how painful it is to be second choice, (no matter how noble the cause) chained to the job, constantly having to be strong, and keep going when inside you’re crumbling, actually. Gulp. It’s hard to admit. I know you want to be brave, that you believe in supporting his role and the state, and that you have to be strong. That was your choice, and what woman wouldn’t be proud of their man? However, what woman wants to come second, to anything, in her man’s life? What woman wants to have to secretly guard and defend her true feelings & hold the fort like a tough & rigid soldier battling it out? Instead this woman could stop, drop in, feel, let the walls come down, let the waters flow and allow the true feminine, gorgeous goddess to come back to life! You are not designed for such masculine ways. You have other exquisite qualities, gifts & resources. Fighting is not our deal sister, loving is.

You have enough compassion to literally save the world! You have enough tolerance and understanding for every man, woman and child on the planet. You are a giver: Literally a life-giver. You have the perfect organs and perfect capacity to hold, nurture and heal, restoring life and value to any poor suffering soul. You have the eyes to see what people need and the kindness to give it. You are beautiful and very worth loving! You are virtually heavenly! So why is it that everyone else deserves to get this loving attention and detail from you, except you? How come you get left in the lerch, left in the dark and left alone almost every night? A long time ago, you were abandoned. And without realizing it, you’ve abandoned yourself ever since. You thought you weren’t worthy of such loving attention & you’ve grown up thinking it’s selfish to want to be put first, or to need it. You didn’t understand sacrifice for a bigger cause until you learnt it. Surely your birth was the bigger cause! It’s not selfish to need undivided attention & unconditional love, and to not be left. You can’t help it. It’s how you deal with it now that decides whether you’re happy or hiding. Put yourself first. Not righteously (I deserve it because…) Not bitterly, like an old woman through clenched teeth and tight jowls. Not resentfully (I’ll teach him….) or like a high and mighty spoilt princess. But like the soft, compassionate Queen that you are. Love yourself like that. Like a kind mother would love her most precious daughter, and hold her, and talk softly, and seek to understand her like no one else does.

Like a forgiving Mother Ocean, that has all day long for the energizing waves and deep currents of your feelings. Include and allow every drop of them to flow within the great water cycle of Life, to be part of your abundant humanness, to balance the climates of the earth so that flowers grow in deserts and a man’s thirst is quenched by your oasis. Love yourself the way a child does. Living in the moment; forgiving; loving selflessly and unconditionally, but very clear and unyielding about what her needs are! Feed your inner child healthy attention. Feed her what makes her heart sing. Feed her in such a way as all the aching, lonely gaps and unpermitted caves of grief can be filled again with the essence of your happy youthful spirit. Feed her selfless unconditional love and watch the tears melt the walls and the relief release the grief and the pain be washed away. Drink in, not the spirit of a bottle, but the spirit of your breath. Let it soothe all the parts that are raw with resentment and tired of feeling sick with worry and loss. Open and receive Queen of Hearts, the beauty of your own soul. Unburden yourself of the baggage and find your freedom. You are worth loving, you are worth your undivided kind attention, you are worth breaking the rules for and reviving the Divine and Feminine culture of You. Your Gentle Prowess is needed now to restore harmony in this world. Thank you. By Tara Love Perry 14 years Psychic Consultant & Transformational TeacherFor Self-Love Workshops, Speaking Events, Psychic & Healing Consultations. www.taraloveperry.com

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Jessica Griffiths j.griffithsgriffiths@btinternet.com

01702 480991

Feel relaxed, revitalised and refreshed with a reiki treatment from Reiki is a natural way to promote good health and vitality. Contact Julie on 07764 579112 or visit www.tonbridgereiki.com for more informa on

Lynx Originals

M Domoney Portrait Artist

Unique gifts you’ll wish you had received!

- www.mdomoney.com -

Quality made bunting, Tel: 07799 147684 bottle wraps, aprons, E: lyn.langton@me.com baby burp cloths and www.facebook.com/lynxoriginals blankets.

Helen van der Linden

Bespoke, vibrant & unique mosaics My mosaic work is heartfelt and all about colour, texture and spreading a feeling of happiness & joy. Each piece is uniquely created by incorporating handmade glass, china and ceramics as well as other decorative objects in a vast range of colours and forms that highlight their textural qualities for mixed media mosaic art & decorations.

LEXA

T. 07867 977 119 | maureenportraits@gmail.com |

Mystic Manda bookings@mysticmanda.co.uk

07401 445585

Energy Healthcare Reconnective Healing and The Reconnection

Clairvoyance, Mediumship, Tarot

Reconnective Healing connects you to the source of all Healing - the Universe. It benefits you physically, mentally, emotionally and or spiritually. It is non- contact.

Psychic reader/medium with over 20 years experience.

You might be infirm or super fit, young or elderly, curious or desperate, all who encounter these new frequencies will benefit. Many clients have had some amazing results.

Reiki master and teacher. I also work in the field of psychic development

Call me on 07533 019507

For further information please visit my website below:

www.sharingreconnectivelight.co.uk | www.thereconnection.com | Tel mob: 07740188833 Email: noel.denney@googlemail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/sharingreconnectivelight Normal fees for Reconnective Healing £75. Most people have between 1 to a maximum of 3 sessions. 333 Euros for The Reconnection. This is once in a lifetime

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E H T P O H S

Highstreet

From a tropical paradise to the Sahara Desert, a picnic on the beach to bringing the seaside inside, the Just for Her team have shopped the highstreet for some of our favourite themes this season… Sainsbury’s Tropical Outdoor Dining, prices from £2

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Cactus Ornament 3pk £12

Scatter Cushion Pink £6

Tropical Flamingo Honeycomb £2

Hanging Tea Light Holder £6

Tropical Double Injection Plate £2.50

DNC 4 Way Chip & Dip Dish £10

Pineapple tea light holder £6

Flamingo Scatter Cushion £12

Tropical Paradise

SAINSBURY’S

Round Ball Citronella Candle Large £12

Pineapple Citronella Candle £8

Drinks Bucket £10

Pineapple Bunting £2 Tropical Double Injection Goblet £2.50

Tropical Personal Lunch Tote Cool Bag £6 Tropical Picnic Rug £8

MATALAN

Shell Towel Rack £12

Driftwood Anchor £15

Beach House Jacquard Cushion £10 Copper Lantern £15

Weathered Rope Lantern66 £8

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Polka Dot Set of 4 Melamime Cups £12

Polka Dot Set of 4 Melamime Bowls £15 Set of 4 Polka Dot Owl Caddy £12

Watercolour 4 Person Coolbag £28 Flower Power 2 Person Hamper with Cool Bag £27.60

Picnic Time

BHS

Plastic Straw Cannister £7 Flower Food Net £8

Glass Drink Dispenser 3L £20 Flower Power Set of 4 Melamime Cups £12

Flower Power Set of 4 Melamime Plates £15

White Wooden Stalk £8

Grey Ombre Baskets (Pack of 2) £35 Tin Mug £3

Lobster Wine Glass £4

Fish Wall Hanger £3

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Glass Jar with Shells £6

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Retro Revival

Wool Rich Geometric Applique Cushion £18

Cast Metal Candleabra £22

Retro Orange Glass Table Lamp £14

Orbit 5 Tier Shade £30

Me You Reversible Cushion £8

WILKINSON Set of 3 Fragranced Votives £6

Sahara Desert

Sahara Round Tribal Cushion £6

Elephant Lamp £20

Colour Sputnick Clock: £38 Set of 4 Colour Mount Frames: £30 Colour Coat Hook: £10 Dotty Glass Platter: £12 Set of 2 Studio Floral Prints: £40 Short Embossed Ceramic Vase: £14 Large Embossed Ceramic Vase: £14 68 Candelabra: £22 Dahlia Grey Vase: £16 Logan Sideboard: Cast Metal £325 Set of Two Paolo Faux Leather Dining Chair: £135

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Elephant Cushion 43cm x 43cm £6

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Milan Pendant £29 Elephant Canvas 48x48cm £5

Fearne Cotton Antigua Pendant £49

VERY

Vintage Easy Fit Pendant £29

Taco Pendant Blue £22

Light The Way… Set of 2 Wooden Metal Lanterns £59 Large Wood Copper Top Lantern £18

Bessy Table Lamp £39

Metal Tripod Floor Lamp £119

Gold Mosaic Hurricane £6

Sahara Hammered Large Gold Vase £10

Sierra Table Lamp £49

Bird Table Lamp grey £30

Home LED Wall Light £49 Elephant Doorstop £8

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Sharron Giles Wood

Roast Around The Coast

The Professional Spit Roast Specialists Catering for corporate and private functions since the 1980’s and recognised locally as being the best in their field Hog Roasts, Lamb Roasts and BBQ’s See web site for details www.roastaroundthecoast.co.uk

sharrongileswood@gmail.com

07528 724297

154a Parkwood Road, Southbourne, Bournemouth. BH5 2BW Tel: 01202 420610 or 07970 414731

The perfect caterers for any event, wedding specialists, large functions

• Traditionally bred hog roast • Barbecue

• Chef made desserts • Exciting street food • Homemade canapés

tel: 01202 398505 M: 0790 508 0349 E: carl@theperfectpig.co.uk W: www.theperfectpig.co.uk

The Proper Hog caters for all events and celebrations using the finest, locally sourced produce. We have extensive catering options from hog and lamb roasts and our new catering trailer to full wedding catering including canapés, main meals, evening buffets and staff. We pride ourselves on making your special occasion perfect and our menus our tailored to meet your exact requirements.

THE PROPER HOG Cornish Hog and Lamb Roasts

theproperhog.co.uk | 07899 960419 | 01288 341198

Vicki’s Premium Burger Van 07831 523173 vicki.graham@yahoo.co.uk

Family run business est 1974. 5 star hygiene rating, level 2 hygiene certificates. Full gas and electrical tested. We carry full public liability insurance.

Small enough to care, big enough to cope

Look at you. You’re a successful, hardworking and ambitious individual. Yet something feels, well, a bit wrong. You know where you want to go but you don’t know how to get there. Or you’re unhappy and you can’t pinpoint why. Let me help you. Coaching can change your life and put you back in the driving seat of your own future. I want to ensure you fulfil your potential by changing your whole mind-set - clarifying your thought processes, conquering any obstacles in your way and inspiring selfbelief, whether that’s in your personal or professional life.

Brahms and Lizst matt87mann@aol.co.uk 07712 534082

So if you want more from your world and recognise you’re at a point where change has to happen, and enough is enough, let’s talk. I can give you the support and tools you need to live an extraordinary life. Go online please visit www.yvettepuliga.com to book your complementary assessment “Lets Talk” W: www.yvettepuliga.com M: 07793 651482 T: 0208 123 9388 E: yvette@yvettepuliga.com

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Ceramics

www.mirandaberrow.com 07880554825

SOUTH MILITARY CATCHMENT

MIRANDA BERROW

MOTH AND MIRROR Unique handcrafted gilded objects w w w. m o t h a n d m i r r o r. c o m i n f o @ m o t h a n d m i r r o r. c o m

Commissioned work accepted 07960 587192

Sugar Sweet Moments Reaching out for some uplifting advice. If you’re looking to answer some of life’s big questions, or needed some extra guidance in your love life or career, look no further than a telephone conversation with International Psychic Syrita, known from Psychic Today TV. Not only will she be able to offer a sense of clarity on any unanswered questions that might be weighing you down, but she’ll provide you with that extra piece of reassurance when you’re feeling a little bit stuck.

Chocolate bouquets, sweet trees, sweet cones and seasonal sweet gifts. We also do sweet cart hire for parties, weddings and other events.

07841387091

sugarsweetmoments@outlook.com

To find out more, call 07868 948525, email syritasglow@gmail.com, or visit syritasglow.co.uk. Readings start from £60.

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CITIES A TO Z

Florence Spend a wonderful weekend in the ‘Renaissance City’!

lorence’s historical centre may be quite small but it’s packed with things to see and do. It’s a wonderful “outdoor” museum all on its own, where you can easily spend all day exploring its streets and architecture without the need to pay for a museum ticket. This, undoubtedly, makes it a perfect destination for a weekend to spend in the company of your partner, friends or family. If you are visiting Florence for the first time, you won’t want to miss seeing “symbols” of the city: the Uffizi Gallery, Michelangelo’s David (the original is the Accademia Gallery), the Duomo and Brunelleschi’s

Dome, Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria, as well as trying out amazing local cuisine such as a delicious Florentine Steak, Ribollita or Pappa al Pomodoro. The problem, if you want to see it like that, is that there are far too many things to do than you will have time for! That said, you can still see a lot, even if you only have 2 days to visit the “cradle of the Renaissance”. We recommend that if you’re planning to visit museums, you buy your tickets in advance to save some of the precious time you have by avoiding long queues. Here are our suggestions on how to organise your weekend, whether you visit as a couple on a romantic getaway, on a short

cultural weekend or a weekend trip with your children… A ROMANTIC GETAWAY Florence is not only beautiful, it is also a terribly romantic city. Together with your loved one you can enjoy a walk on the Ponte Vecchio and along the Arno River at sunset, enjoy the terrific panoramic view from Piazzale Michelangelo, as well as walk through the most characteristic city neighbourhoods such as San Frediano and Santo Spirito. If you want to surprise your partner, climb to the top of Brunelleschi’s Cathedral

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Dome or the Tower of Arnolfo of Palazzo Vecchio: the view will leave you breathless!

David Statue by Michelangelo

During your two-day stay you should visit at least one of the museums in Florence. If the Uffizi seems too challenging an undertaking (considering you should take at least 3-4 hours just to visit the most famous artworks), you can opt for the Accademia or for the Bargello which although smaller, still hold fantastic collections. Shopping lovers will find delight in visiting both the artisan workshops in the Oltrarno district as well as the designer brand and luxury boutiques and shops on Via Roma and Via Tornabuoni. There are also many other shops, including those more affordable ones to suit all budgets, throughout the centre. The P alazzo Vecchio With fortress like castellations and a 311 foot high bell tower, Florence’s Palazzo Vecchio conveys the message of political power supported by military strength. A beautiful museum today, a must-see in Florence hiding extraordinary treasures!

The Magnificent Uffizi Gallery One of the world’s top art museums, the Uffizi Gallery houses some of the most important works of the Renaissance, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Giotto, Botticelli and Michelangelo and a large collection of Greek and Roman sculptures.

The Accademia Gallery The Accademia houses Michelangelo’s David, easily the most famous sculpture in the world. Once inside, you’ll also see Michelangelo’s unfinished and powerful Prisoners, along with works by Perugino, Giambologna, Botticelli and Alessandro Allori. 73

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In the outskirts: just a few kilometres from Florence’s centre, you can visit the Medici Villas of La Petraia and Villa di Castello (unfortunately only the gardens are open to visitors). ART & FUN WITH CHILDREN Florence is perfect for children as far as size goes. The historical centre is concentrated to a small area, making it easy to explore by foot or with a pushchair (aside from a few bumpy cobblestones!). Any parents will know the length to which their children will tolerate being in museums or other similar “boring” places. Yet, there are several Florentine museums who have created programs especially

Boboli Gardens

A carriage ride in the streets on Florence ©Laborant / Shutterstock For a special coffee shop, we suggest Rivoire in Piazza della Signoria or Caffe Gilli and Paskoski in Piazza della Repubblica.You’ll enjoy a break in one of the most famous coffee shops in Florence, but be aware that prices are slightly higher than average. If you would like to enjoy a drink before dinner, an ‘aperitivo’ in Italy, you can choose the romantic setting at Il Santino in Santo Spirito or one of the many other tops spots for aperitifs in Florence. A C ULTURAL WEEKEND Trying to condense all the art and cultural treasures in Florence into just two days is

impossible so the real challenge for your weekend is to decide what to see and what to leave out for a future trip. In addition to the very famous aforementioned Uffizi and Accademia museums and the Duomo, we’d like to bring several other “gems” worth visiting to your attention… In the historical centre: the beautiful Palazzo Pitti and its collections, the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella, the small but lovely Brancacci Chapel, the museum of San Marco with its frescoes by Fra Angelico and the Baptistery.

The Medici Villa at Castello Visit the Medici Villa at Castello and its splendid Italian garden. Designed by Tribolo, the same architect of the famous Boboli Gardens in Florence, the garden’s many statues and fountains, the Cave of Animals, secret gardens and more are a delight to enjoy a quiet day during your trip to Florence. Just a bus ride away, and entrance is free! 74

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dedicated to the little ones, and even if your stay is short, we think you should take some of them into consideration. At the very top is Palazzo Vecchio’s Museum dei Ragazzi which has created fun itineraries for children to discover history and the palace. On the weekend, you’ll find tours and activities designed just for families with children aged 3 and over. The Natural History Museum has a fine collection of fossils (including some very impressive reconstructions of mammals) in the section on Palaeontology, while lovers

of minerals can satisfy their curiosity in the Mineralogy and Geology section. The Egyptian Museum in Florence is second only to Turin’s by number of artefacts, and the entrance ticket also includes the collections of the Archaeological Museum (which houses the famous Chimera found in Arezzo). If you have budding scientists in your household, the extraordinary collection of astronomical and scientific instruments at the Galileo Museum (the Institute and Museum of the History of Science) may well win them over.

Finally, Florence also has its classic red double-decker “City Sightseeing” buses from which you can view the city. The route goes by many of the main historical sites as well as to the nearby Fiesole. It’s a great way to see the city without getting too tired and the ticket allows you to hop on and off the bus as many times as you want in 2 days. Take advantage of the reduced tickets which are available to families. All you need to do now is decide when you’re going to Florence and start planning your weekend in this beautiful city!

Kindly reproduced by permission of www.visitflorence.com

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wing to living 800 miles from the majority of my nearest and dearest, as well as having an insatiable appetite for travel, I have become quite adept over the years in the art of hand luggage packing for whenever I go on a trip. In the main, the key is to take layers, neutrals that can be dressed up and nothing that needs an iron. Here is what I take whenever I return to the Big Smoke or go on a city break. I will tackle summer holidays another time - but it is possible to take two weeks’ worth of outﬁts in even Ryanair’s hand luggage allowance!

HANDY PACKING 76

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By Rachel Carr of “This Is Carrt” www.thisiscarrt.co.uk 13/04/2016 12:36

Agave Leather Effect Skinny Trouser £ 175

One pair of smart trousers. I always take a pair of leather look leggings. They are surprisingly comfortable and are suitable for both day and evening wear so earn their keep taking up space in your carry on. Lk Bennett have this great pair…

One blazer, to keep you looking chic and put togeth er, whatever time of day - be it sightseeing or after dark cocktails. Rei ss always has a fabulous select ion that shou ld cost more for the level of tailoring prov ided. Zara also offers a more affordable rang e in a jersey mat er ial that are ludicrously co mfortable AN D well cut. Try to pack a plain one in a heav y mater ial that creases less, th ough I often wear mine on any plane jour neys.

Zara Blazer £

49.99

One pair of jeans. Take whatever set suits your shape best. Bootcut flatters 7 For All Mankind everyone, though skinny Jeans £160 jeans are a trend that won’t go away! For versatility, which is a premium on hand luggage items, take a dark blue or indigo coloured pair. If you can find some with a little bit of give or lycra in them, all the better for that extra bit of comfort whilst travelling. I like jeans from 7 For All Mankind, which hold their shape for years and years, but at the cheaper end of the scale you can’t beat a pair of jeans from Gap.

H&M Breton Top £14.99

Three T shirts in neutral colours (black, white and grey marl), should see you through any eventuality. Asos sells a well priced multi pack in said neutral colours. A slouchy shape can be dressed up or down with leather leggings and heels for night time, or jeans and converse for day. ASOS 3 Pack £15

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One long sleeved breton top - these are always impossibly chic and make you look like Audrey Hepburn in your holiday snaps. Again have a look at Asos, but H&M do a good range with Pima in them making them both wearable and breathable.

One fine knit crew neck jumper, and one fine knit boyfriend cardigan - cashmere if possible, to help with any chilly walks or draughty old museums and galleries. Cashmere always looks a little smarter which helps if you are in need of a cover up at night. J Crew is the king of the high street knit in a variety of colours to suit all tastes. I always err towards darker or neutral colours when travelling - but it is hard to resist this company’s electric colour wheel sometimes! It is not the cheapest shop, but their goods last, plus they always have a ridiculous sale online. J Crew Featherweight Merino Wool Crewneck Sweater £79.50

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HANDY PACKING J By Jasper Conran Black Suede Zip Up Ankle Boots £69

One pair of trainers. I fall under the Converse camp in this argument, but I was once an Adidas shells owner - both will see you walking very comfortably to wherever your destination of choice is on your city break. However, the high street is currently awash with trendy sneakers that aren’t just for gym use but made to be seen on the street.

Ankle boots - either flat or heeled if you have a pair that are comfortable enough for walking longer than usual distances. Black or tan will be the most useful. As these are my largest item, I will try to wear them on the plane, and as such I will always take a pair that I can pull on and off. By not wearing any brogue type booties I can breeze through airport security without having to tackle any laces or buckles. For a designer hit, I love Acne’s range, but realistically any ankle boot purchase comes down to your foot shape and size. I would recommend going to a department store that sells lots of brands and try on as many pairs as possible before going with a pair that not only look good but are uber comfy.

8 Kurt Geiger Bailey £99

High heeled pointed court shoes in black patent, suede or plain leather. These will smarten up any outfit for partying away the night. I would even argue that they don’t have to be comfortable, they just have to look good from hotel to cab, from cab to bar and back again. The ultimate pair here are Christian Louboutins but Kurt Geiger does a great range that will have a pair to fit every foot shape.

Converse All Star Low £44.99 Scarves, one patterned, one plain. Scarves will help brighten up any outfit but are also great for planes when you can’t quite bring yourself to cover up using the static inducing blanket supplied by your airline. Zara has an absolutely brilliant selection of scarves at the moment that are so soft you’ll want to wear them all the time.

Zara Basic Extra Soft £15.99

Zara Scarf £22

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11 Anthropologie Anth Comtesse Layered Necklace £68

Anthropologie Anth Luna Pendant Necklace £54

One loose fitting coat - again, I try to wear this on the plane if I can. As I live in a colder climate, I will often need it at my ‘home end’ out of sheer necessity. However, if I’m going to a warmer climate where I will only need a blazer, at most, in the evenings, I will try just to layer up from the front door of my house to the passenger door of the cab taking me to the airport door. I absolutely loathe having to carry things other than a handbag whilst travelling, so I only take a coat if I am going somewhere equally cold.

13 Accessorize Messenger Across Body Bag £15

Statement Jewellery - just a few pieces are needed! This is usually where I take far more than needed. Again, I love Zara here for costume pieces, but Anthropologie also has some really interesting items that will help ‘make’ any t shirt and jeans combo.

Zara Water Repellent Trench Coat £49.99 Hands free handbag. Luckily, this is a trend that is incredibly practical (given that you don’t have to carry your bag in your hand) so I say make the most of it. High street shops have them everywhere you turn, though the fashion set love a mini Gucci or Chloe number at the moment. Either way, they make travelling a lot easier and if you are flying with Easyjet or Ryanair, they are small enough to fit or hide under any large scarf, blazer or coat you are wearing. Additionally, a smaller size messenger/cross body bag makes a good evening option so no other purse needs to be packed!

romise it will p I t u b t, lo a e k li This may look on bag! Hope y rr a c n o ti la u g re ﬁt into any ich they are h w n o s, k a re b ir e everyone enjoys th very chic…! now going to look

Love, Rachel x

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13/04/2016 12:37

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