Hat Trick Magazine December 2012 by Hat Trick Magazine

Ask Patti: Survive The Holidays Festive Recipes!

Bran!ng 101

Personality Tools Shannon Kring Buset Talks Film, Mentors

Hot Off The

& The End Of The World

Volume 1

Runway

Zac Posen, BCGB, Georges Chakra & More!

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Issue 5

December 2012

~Äçìí Hat Trick: It’s a sports metaphor for three achievements by a single player in a game. It can also refer to a magic trick, seemingly producing something impressive from nowhere. We like to think that we came about, as a result of a combination of the two. Hat Trick Strategies is a firm based in the UK and with a presence in the US and parts of the EU. Our consultants have worked in some of the biggest transformation programs within the UK and US and been on the inside of major corporations in numerous industries. We are specialists in project, programme and portfolio management, strategic services and business services such as web development, retail and copy writing, marketing and branding. We’ve seen what works and what doesn’t, what sells and what doesn’t quite get the job done - and we’re still learning. Throughout our careers, we’ve benefitted from a strong network of professionals on the journey to becoming competent change professionals and business women. This magazine is our way of giving back what we took, coming up in the game. Yet, we aren’t about gimmicks, just results for our customers and sharing what we know with others. Philanthropy is important to our business and so we are proud that in addition to our paid consultancy practice, we offer our range of services to registered charities and non-profit events, free of charge, to help them maximize every penny they raise. Hat Trick Magazine is a programme made possible by Hat Trick Strategies, and an extension to our dedication to philanthropy and knowledge sharing for women. Since the late 90s, too many were left behind by a technologydriven age, where less was made with hands and ‘lingo’ prevailed. On the other polarity, we have told young people to ‘degree-up’ now, while the job market is poor, producing more graduates and post-graduates than ever who fall into the “over-qualified, underskilled” trap. With complicated and seemingly endless routes into employment, many of which offer no guarantee to an actual paid position, throw into the mix a challenging economic situation, children (or simply, life!) and it can be difficult for many to know what skills are valued in the workplace. For those who finally get there, how does one progress up the ladder? In sharing our skills and expertise, we help close that gap for those ‘learning to fish’, while recognizing those who have achieved their dreams. It is with the spirit of knowledge sharing that this monthly e-zine is produced, in hopes to create a network dedicated to professional development, best practice and knowledge sharing, across business industries. We welcome your involvement; consider yourself cordially invited.

Hat Trick Strategies Ltd cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, reviews, articles, manuscripts or photographs. While every care is taken, prices, details or availability of covered items are subject to change and Hat Trick Strategies Ltd cannot accept responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters or correspondence received via email, social networking or other such communication. Photography in this publication consists of original, licensed and works for which express permission has been obtained by the contributor, directly. DISTRIBUTION This publication is electronically distributed, with coverage in England, Wales, Scotland and North America and is available in print in select UK locations. Special thanks to CIPD, CIMA, BPP Professional Education, Wildheart Vision, Shannon Kring Buset, AumRak Sapper, LA Splash, Zac Posen and the amazing management and creative teams at Fashion Houston 2012.

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Team Michelle Fitz

Editor-In-Chief

Sarah Alt

Copy Editor

Ann Pissard

Graphic Designer

Michael Hartley

Graphic Designer

Lindsay Pullen

Photography Editor

Semant Jain

Photo Journalist

Shalanda Turner

Fashion Editor

Marina BerBeryan

Celebrity Stye Expert

Karen Salmansohn

Self-Help Editor

Amber Hamilton Henson

Home & Garden Editor

Brittany Harper-De Staedtler Tanya Jackson

Beauty Editor

Mina Muirhead

Health Editor

Patricia Bayne Cherie Brooks DeBurger Joseph D. Phillips Charlene SanJenko Christine Ritter

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Food Editor Opinion Editor Opinion Columnist Business Editor Wellness & Lifestyle Editor Social Media

Nina Nuru

Social Media

Lorraine Hill

Global Planning

Suzanne Perry

Broadcast Media

Patrick Dati

Special Advisor

Sorelle Amore

Columnist

Rosie Mazumder Manuela Wahnon Zoha Memari Dara Avenius

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Columnist Columnist Fashion Writer Fashion Writer

Our team consists of professionals at the top of their field, many of whom can be found elsewhere online! Please be sure to explore the hyperlinks associated with their names, for great blogs, businesses and more, from this elite and talented group!

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Cover Photography By Hat Trick Photo Journalist Semant Jain, PhD; dress Georges Chakra at Fashion Houston 2012.

CONTENTS Reader Responses .......................................... 8 Branding 101 ................................................ 10 Initiating A Project ..........................................14 Spotlight: Women In Leadership ....................20 Models, Theories and Personality Tools ........24 Have Your Say ...............................................27 2012: Film, Mentors & The End Of the World Interview With Documentary Film Maker, Shannon Kring Buset ................................39 The Buzz (News Highlights) ...........................47 Health Matters, Column . ............................... 44 Spotlight: Women In Leadership ...................46 Charlene SanJenko: I Build Strong Women ....50 Like Magnolias: Christmas Pineapple Salad .54 Christmas Ideas From Betty Crocker .............56 Manuela’s Attitude of Gratitude ......................66 Karen Salmansohn: Oprah Columist’s Art .....69 Little Nippers Cartoon ....................................70 This Inspiring World: Through Ann’s Lense ...71 Ask Patti: Advice Column ..............................72 Musings From A Life Lived Well, Column Drawbacks of Electronic Toys ..................76 What Amber Loves: Curtains .........................78 Posh Brats: Brrrrrrrrilliant Winter Skin! ...........80 Plus Christmas 2012 Picks! ...................84

CONTENTS Pin Up Passion: Latest Videos ......................86 Shasieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Picks: Holiday Party Season .......... 94 Confessions Of A Hollywood Stylist ...............98 Inside Fashion Houston: Hat Trick Was There! ..100 A Bit Quackers...............................................183 Cake Masters ...............................................186

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She decided to change her life, so she did just that.

FROM THE EDITOR

Every year, I ask my little girls what they want for Christmas (and with the same reactions). Katie is techsavvy and particularly as she’s 5 years older, always knows precisely what she wants. Charlotte, however, is a different story, being only still quite small, never quite wanting to ask for much (and perhaps not entirely sure what her options are). It’s what childhood should be. I love those kids. They bring me back to centre. A friend of mine moved to Mexico earlier in the year and has been doing some work with an orphanage. Now and then, I catch snippets of his daily exploits and updates in my Facebook newsfeed. Some days, they are really positive and other days they are reminders of the gross delta which remains between the world we enjoy and that of a global plague of poverty, “elsewhere”. There is a thin veil of poverty even in great nations like the United States and the United Kingdom but in nations like Mexico, the contrast between their definition of “what I want for Christmas” and ours is cause to stop most decent people in their tracks and pause for thought. Mexico is a tourist haven, with a strange contrast in cultures between the “spend, indulge, carefree” atmosphere and the every-day reality faced by those who actually live there. My friend, Mike Bucari, is working with Puerto Vallarta Children’s Shelter, which is essentially an orphanage, just like anywhere in the world. But in Mexico, unlike the Angel Trees, Toys For Tots and other major drives for those in state care at Christmas, children often will never see a new item or open a single present at Christmas most of their lives. Our firm works directly with registered charities in the countries in which we operate, and we see a huge value in contributing to organised campaigns for both small and major charities alike. I am touched throughout the year by stories of hardship, poverty and abuse from around the world. We are proud to financially support UK charity New Unique Home for Girls, as part of our philanthropy roster but nothing has touched me more than my friend Mike’s dedication to the children at Puerto Vallarta Children’s Shelter. Often digging into his own pocket, Mike helps to provide awareness, and also to meet the tangible needs of children in the orphanage, every day. Children who quite simply “would be ecstatic to receive a new pair of shoes for Christmas”. Page 6

FROM THE EDITOR As Mike negotiated a better deal on bulk shoes for the kids at a local shoe store, he watched in amazement as friends signed up in record time to sponsor each of the children, to share the costs of the shoes. It caught my eye whilst killing time waiting for my next conference call as I pursued my Facebook feed - just 12 girls left who need sponsors. We sponsored each of the last 12. I’m not telling you this to get kudos or to impress you. I’m telling you this because the Christmas message really went home for me this year through these kids. I can’t comprehend what it is like to have nothing. We have a welfare system, and depending on where you are in the world that will consist of varying degrees of support. In the UK, in my opinion, poverty is a different ballgame entirely - at least a homeless person here can obtain a small amount of money per week, assistance from his local government, etc. I never want to be in a place in my life where I cease to be affected in this way by true poverty, as these beautiful children experience, on a daily basis. We are wasteful and unappreciative beyond tolerable comprehension in comparison to these very humble souls. So humble, a maid working for my good friend could not find it ethical to accept a whole tip left in true gratitude for extra work on an extra messy home, citing it to be “too much”. I needed these updates in my newsfeed. To be honest, I had started to wallow a little bit in some frustrations, which pale in comparison to the plight of people who live in Puerto Vallarta. Whatever your beliefs, take a moment for the poor - whether it be in finances or in spirit. Give as much as you can and as often as you can. Happy Holidays, from our family to yours and we wish you every possible success and happiness! (P.S. You’re in for a great issue) Michelle Fitz Editor-In-Chief

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She knew it would be a challenge, and so

Last month, we asked our readers: Will the World End In Dec 2012? Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Your Holiday Budget? Did Your Presidential Candidate Win?

content@hattrickmagazine.com Page 8

Everything I’ve read says that 2012 is going to start an era of enlightenment, not the end of the world. I guess we’re going to find out, huh? - Agata, Warsaw (PL).

I didn’t have a strong view on the elections. I am just fearful for our nation. I think we are in a place of change but it’s not clear which way is the right way for us to evolve. The debt scares me, so does the epidemic of toxic hate, religious extremism, GM foods, scare mongering, people dying from not being able to get the care they need, and never really knowing which news channel is telling it straight. I’m scared to death and I just pray we got it right. Linda, Jacksonville, FL (USA). We decided that we were only going to get each of our kids (we have three) one gift this year and instead put on a big spread and have our entire family over to make memories and not debt. We are a middle class family, we don’t have lots of debt or anything, but we think it’s become a little too much, all the consumerism around these days. Plus, I noticed over the years that although we had all the toys in the world on Christmas day, they didn’t really seem to care too much about most of them. So Zack, Ty and Emily agreed that they would much rather spend less on “swag” and maybe do more activities instead like maybe a ballgame, ice scaking, etc, so all in, I think we’ll spend no more than $500. - Jamielynn, NYC (USA). Page 9

píê~íÉÖáÉë by Michelle Fitz

Branding 101

Everyone talks about brands these days, but what exactly does that mean and how does an individual or firm go about the process of constructing one? And why even bother? Isn’t a company name enough?

‘Branding’ is form of packaging for your business, a product/ service, or even yourself, with an identity which defines you/ your company as an individual amongst the options in its marketplace and hopefully sets you apart from the competition. It’s much more than a name. If we walk the supermarket, you will see branding all around you: “Ho, Ho, Ho … Green Giant”, is an excellent example. If you see the Green Giant or hear the slogan, you automatically think green beans or some other form of canned veg. Really clever branding can mean that your brand is decipherable through a simple icon, colour scheme, or even a sound. There are a few simple steps to developing a brand for your business so let’s get started. 1. Determine what, exactly, you wish to market and what actually requires a brand. It could be a service, yourself, a company as a whole, or a product. For some, this is obvious. For others, it’s an essential milestone not to be glazed over; are you marketing your whole company, or do you need to focus on a product? Perhaps there’s an element of parallel marketing required, here. It’s worth some time for consideration, as it will save you time and money in advertising in the end. 2. Identify who would actual benefit from what you have to offer. Find your customer base and do research on the market. Understanding your identity, your product/service, and the right approach to reaching your target audience, is an essential step which will ensure your marketing campaigns are more productive. Again, this may seem obvious, but research on the market may lead you to a far different conclusion as to whom your customer base may be. Your company may make chocolate, and have several established lines, but perhaps you’d like to market a diabetic-friendly line. It is logical for your company, and each of your lines to have its own brand, its own target customer base and even its own market. Each of those will need adequate research to ensure you understand the drivers currently in the market (perhaps your customers are concerned about animal welfare, or are costconscious, or quality-driven). This is, in my opinion, the most important step.

3. Take time to document the brand you want to create. We call this brand definition. Some people advise to do this later in the process, but just like a lessons learnt document in project management, we believe that for an image overhaul or the establishment of a brand, it can be helpful to go ahead and write it down on paper now, and evolve it as you do your research. It’s less timeconsuming and it will help you see clearly, in black and white, the direction you’re going and whether it is making sense. 4. Choose Your Name, Logo, and Strapline. This is the fun stuff. It’s also damn hard, unless you have something very specific in mind from the off. Your logo in the symbol of your brand. Your Strapline is also sometimes called a Motto or a Tagline, and it is a catchy phrase that tells a bit about your brand and market. This is your brand’s personality and the way that people will relate and interact with it. Choose wisely. Rebranding ... is not fun (I think you are aware we’ve been there!) 5. Get Ready To Go! It’s time to launch your brand and doing so at the right time will mean that you look, act and sound the part of a professional outfit. Don’t make the mistake of launching too early; it’s time consuming, costly and can also be embarrassing to have to try and refocus your audience. It’s tempting to invest in a number of marketing materials, ranging from business cards to product embellishments. Ask yourself “Do I really need this”before you fully kit yourself out. That said, there are a few things you really do need. It’s embarrassing to be sitting next to an Executive of a major company, who has hung on your every word on a train for 20 minutes, and not have a business card (believe me). 6. Continually evolve, realign and leverage your branding. Branding is a lot more than just coordinating colours and icons. It is about making sure your brand is clean, flows in a logical way and really gets a concise message out to the public about your product/service/company. Just as Chanel once told us to take off the last accessory we put on, make sure you haven’t overdone it – make each element, word and colour meaningful and ensure that it evolves with your business, over time. Leverage your branding by linking its presence across social media, and even your local news outlet, where the opportunity may arise.

Remember - Check out trademarks - Be Original! - Research competitors - Price Point Matters! * But It’s Not Everything Page 11

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Initiating A Project by: Joseph D. Phillips Business Editor

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Initiating the Project The first process group in the project management lifecycle is initiating. Initiating allows the project to be authorized. It allows the project manager to act on the project sponsor’s behalf, and it empowers the project manager to lead and manage the project team to complete the project’s scope. While initiating seems like a small and quick process group if it’s not done properly the project can be haunted from the start. If you’re working in an organization that uses a project management office, a project selection committee, or some other group that controls which projects get selected and chartered you, the project manager, may not have much to do in this process group. It’s a good idea, regardless, to understand the processes and principles that go into initiating a project. While every organization may have a slightly different approach to initiating projects the principles in this section are universal. Selecting the Project Is this you? You arrive for work (early of course) and your boss greets with a new project. You didn’t ask for the project to be initiated. You did participate in creating the vision for the product. You didn’t query any stakeholders – yet. You may have heard some rumblings about a new project – but you were busy with your 8,000 activities, projects, and countless meetings. All you know, now, is that you’ve got more work to do, another team to manage, and another project that has to be done. Or are you more like Nancy’s firm? Nancy sees an opportunity within the organization for a project that can make the company more profitable. She creates the vision for the project. She completes some analysis of why the project should be initiated. She pitches the project to the project selection committee. It’s just the way her company does business. While either model is fine, Nancy’s model has an advantage – she has a deeper understanding of why the project should be selected. She’s invested in the selection of the project and is involved with the selection process. Both scenarios have one thing in common: the project manager doesn’t choose which project gets selected – someone else does. That someone else often becomes the project sponsor.

Real World Note: While Nancy’s company sounds dreamy and ideal I don’t know too many companies where projects are launched that way. Most companies that I work with as a project management trainer and consultant are somewhere between these two scenarios. Page 15

Why Projects are Initiated Projects don’t just happen to give people something to do – usually. Projects are launched for a purpose. Now the purpose may be masked from the project manager and the project team, projects usually – if not always – center on two things: cutting costs or increasing revenue. Think of any project you’ve ever managed; did your project cut costs or increase revenue? I bet it did. If I drill a little deeper, and if you think back on your projects, you’ll find that projects are typically initiated for one or more of the following reasons: • • • • • • • •

Market demand Advances in technology Solving a business need At the request of a customer New laws and regulations (Think Sarbanes-Oxley and HIPPA) Social needs in your community Desire to be more competitive Responses to competition

While there may be many projects that could get initiated organizations usually don’t initiate all of the prospective projects they possess. The reason why? M-O-N-E-Y. Companies only have so much capital to invest in projects. Furthermore, companies only have so many resource (as in folks like you) that are available to do project work. So project managers, project sponsors, and management as a whole has to make some tough decisions as to which projects will get initiated and which projects will be tucked away for later usage, discarded, or dismissed. While there are lots of inputs to selecting a project most companies use one or a combination of the following selection criteria in their project’s Go/No-Go Decision process. Historical Information. If this type of project has been completed before and it was successful in the past there’s reason to consider this type of project for funding. Historical information is always as good input for any decision-making process. • Murder Boards. Sounds cheery, huh? A murder board is a groups of executives, managers, key stakeholders, maybe even vendors, that asks the potential project manager of a potential project every conceivable, devil’s advocate type question about the proposed project in order to expose a project’s strengths and weaknesses. You might know a murder board by the friendlier name of a project selection committee. (I think murder board is more fun to say, • Page 16 though.) •

•

Scoring Models. A scoring model assigns values to all of the different aspects of a potential project, such as timeline, investment costs, return on investment, risk, and more. Each facet of the project is scored accordingly. Every potential project passes through the scoring model – the projects with the highest scores are initiated while the other proposed projects are dismissed. A scoring model can also be known as a weighted scoring model if some categories, such as return on investment, carry a higher score than the other facets of the project.

•

Benefit-Cost Ratios. This is one of the simplest, and therefore one of the weakest, selection models. It’s a simple ratio of cost-to-benefits for every project. You may know these as BCRs; the benefit side of the ratio should always outweigh the cost side of the ratio. For example, a project with a BCR of 3:1 is good, while another project with a BCR of 2:5 is not-so-hot.

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Management horizon. Management horizon, also known as the payback period, defines that point in the future when the project is expected to earn back the original investment the project needed to get started. For example, if your project required $4 million to get started how long until the project’s deliverable will return the $4 million to the company? Beyond the management horizon is the promised land: the project is earning a profit.

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Math. There are several mathematical models that an organization can use to predict the value of a project. For example, there’s present value, future value, and net present value. These time value of money formulas (Yawn!) are good models for examining the costs and return of project, but don’t necessarily consider the intangible aspects of the project, such as goodwill, cultural goals, and expected efficiency and productivity.

While all these benefit measurement methods are good, your organization is likely to use a combination of these approach – and maybe some of their own. There are instances, such as a new law or regulation, where the costs of the project don’t promise a return on investment but your organization is required to do the project anyway. Regardless whether you participate in the project selection process or not, it’s good to understand how your organization chooses a project and what the project’s return means to your organization. Why? It’ll help when you need to negotiate for additional resources, cash, and time. Page 17

Author Bio Joseph Phillips is a leader in the project management and adult education community. He is a PMI-certified Project Management Professional, a Project+ Professional, and a Certified Technical Trainer. Phillips has consulted on project management, business analysis, and adult education for hospitals, architectural firms, manufacturers, and information technology consultancies. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s consulted organizations on project management framework, process engineering, change management, and the principles of project management. As a leader in adult education, Phillips has taught organizations how to successfully implement project management methodologies, information technology project management, risk management, and other courses. He has taught more than 10,000 professionals through seminars, conferences, and presentations in the United States, Belgium, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. He is a member and of the Project Management Institute and speaks often for chapter meetings throughout the world. He has taught for Columbia College Chicago, Vincennes University, and Ball State University. Phillips is the author of several top-selling books, including IT Project Management: On Track from Start to Finish, PMP Project Management Professional Study Guide, CAPM/PMP Project Management Certification Allin-One Exam Guide, Project Management for Small Business, Vampire Management, The Lifelong Project, and others. Contact Joseph Phillips

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Spotlight: Women Jasmin Harvey Jasmin Harvey ACMA is the manager for risk and sustainability at the Qantas Group, Australia. In 2000, while working for Deloitte, Jasmin was seconded to Canada. In 2002, while working for the Australian Securities Institute (now FINSIA), she led a project in Mumbai and worked closely with the Indian Institute of Bankers. In 2003, she moved to the UK for four and a half years, during which time she completed the CIMA professional qualification. After returning to Australia, Jasmin joined the Qantas Group, a leading global airline group with headquarters in Australia, as the group manager for risk and sustainability reporting. Jasmin’s role involves developing the sustainability agenda and external reporting strategy for the group, continuous improvement of the group’s risk management framework, and providing risk and sustainability advisory services to the group and its business units. Over the last two and a half years Jasmin has been instrumental in evolving the group’s sustainability reporting from a ‘basic’ level to ‘best practice’, as recognised by external stakeholders including investors, lenders and corporate customers. Jasmin is also a member of CIMA's research and development and research advisory boards, and the Deakin Business School's academic advisory board as a risk and sustainability advisor. She talks below about her highly successful career. Working overseas One of the most influential aspects on my professional career has been gaining international experience and working across different cultures. This international experience, supported by CIMA’s international qualification, broadened my skill set and, in particular, developed my emotional and cultural intelligence through working with diverse cultures. It also provides a distinguishing feature on my CV for leadership and, in future, board roles. Page 20

In Leadership The Qantas Group

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Chartered Institute of Management Accountants cimaglobal.com/women

The value of mentors I believe a mentor relationship is invaluable. It keeps you focused and provides a different perspective on the challenges you face at different times in your career. Mentors offer an independent perspective and can provide a great sounding board for current challenges and workplace issues. They also provide a source of motivation and ensure you remain active in managing your career.

‘A mentor relationship is invaluable’ I have found having multiple mentors of most value – male and female mentors, both internal and external to my organisation. Internally, a senior mentor can act as a talent broker and help you progress to the next level, while externally a senior mentor can ensure you’re focused on the bigger picture and on your long-term aspirations. Seize opportunities The only way you will develop and progress is to continually stretch yourself. Never say no to an opportunity, especially if it is outside of your comfort zone. Being a good leader A good leader needs to inspire and engage those around them. They also need to lead by example and this includes upholding the highest standards of ethics and integrity. While a strategic vision is required, it’s the softer skills such as influencing and empathy that have a significant impact on successfully leading a team.

‘Never say no to an opportunity’ Page 21

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

I think in general women possess some different qualities compared with men, including being more compassionate, better listeners, and more intuitive around how others are feeling, for example through reading body language. These skills can help them be better leaders. The role of employers

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Women are at a short-term disadvantage when commencing and returning from maternity leave as they have to naturally take a career break. The role of the employer is critical in ensuring that this does not impact their long-term career opportunities and development.

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es i r o e h T , s l e Mo d and ls o o T Â y t i l a n o Pers

abial by Sukh P ditor Careers E

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I’ve been bothered in recent days. And it’s all to do with understanding people. We’ve just made life so complicated. In days of yore, it was the religious leaders, philosophers, writers, or the national leaders who did the thinking for us. That’s what they did. They would sit there and think and debate and discuss and get emotional and put pen to paper or stand on a soap box of sorts. It worked in the main, and the message went out there to the masses in the form of Chinese whispers. Then, gradually, life started to become interestingly complex. A breed of people called psychologists were coming out from their closed doors and writing journals and papers and books about their insights into the human condition. They were becoming highly sought after by high officials and sent off to inform how to break the other side. Weird and wonderful experiments were carried out, and today we can reflect on them and either be amazed at the results or astonished at the practice undertaken. As businesses grew and became more powerful institutions, CEOs and the likes suddenly started gaining a sense of authority and praise. PR and Marketers and book publishers started telling them that their words could earn them money. And so they wrote. Every one of them. Every year. Every industry. Every sector. And they were paid to speak too, in front of hundreds and thousands. This took the inevitable turn to business thinkers and us professionals adding more to the mix. We were studying business from the inside and had awareness of culture, of interventions, of theories, of models and personality tools. These gave us power and authority. The successful salesperson, the wealthy banker, the high flying politician, and many others decided to write their words of wisdom too.

Which brings us to today where there is now so much information available that you look a fool if you haven’t read the latest thinking, or know the latest leader to follow, or bought the new business book. So varied and so vast is the knowledge landscape now that it’s hard to know where to start and which topic is the one for you to begin your journey. In fact, so cumbersome is the new world of thinking that we now rely on sole individuals to coach us to better solutions. I am at the same time in awe of what is out there, and all the insight it offers us, and troubled at the same. I look at my role in L&D and see that I am in a stronger position to be more influential in my job role today than at any time in the history of the profession. But so much of that is down to the motivation of the L&Der to be knowledgeable. Where I am an advocate of continually being aware of the latest development, and the latest theory, and what applicability there is to working life, I am cautious not to burden myself with so much. And through it all I cast my mind to the people at work getting on and doing their job. What do they care about? What do they need to know? Will this model actually help them? Will that theory actaully five them insight? Will this personality test raise their self awareness? Will this action plan make a positive difference in their life? I’d like to answer yes, and I’m sure there is a appropriateness to all of that. But maybe it’s just about getting people to talk. Maybe it’s about the basics. Be courteous. Be respectful. Be inquisitive. Be inclusive. Support development. Give feedback. Listen. Coach others. Be mindful of both your actions and others’. Be healthy. Gain balance. And there’s no neat model, theory or personality tool that gives you all of that in one neat one hour session. Except life itself.

Working with Sukh I’m available for consultancy and associate work in the field of learning and development and positive psychology. Read on for more details… Learning and Development. My chosen career path for the last ten years, and I’m not stopping yet. Designing and developing solutions to make workplaces successful through the skills and abilities of their people is the core role of any L&Der. I take this seriously and am actively involved in being a key part of the continuing thoughts and developments in this field. I’ve done everything from interpersonal skills training to management training to leadership development to basic behavioural skills like time management. It’s all interesting, but importantly it’s about getting it right for the business. I’ve developed L&D strategies, been involved in culture change initiatives, delivered whole programmes, and more. Raising self awareness. This is what I live and breathe. We can all learn about ways to influence and encourage others to do things, but until you learn about your own style and what this means for you, how can you expect to do the former? In learning about your strengths, and your weaknesses, you gain strength of mind and conviction that you have a clear path ahead of you. This is what I will help with, and I’m qualified in the MBTI and 16PF to help you. Conversation. That’s what I help to enable. I’m a collaborator, facilitator, and interested in the challenges you’re facing. Through bringing people together, ensuring the right conversation is taking place, and bringing to front of mind better ways of working with others, I want to be part of making it happen. Making things happen. That’s what I enjoy too. People can achieve great things, either on their own or with the collaboration of people around them. I will use what I know to help you make things happen. There are good ways of achieving your goals and ambitions, and there are bad ways. The good ways mean you enjoy the work you do, you have a reason to be motivated, and the output you produce will be better. The bad ways mean none of that happens, and generally things are very selfish. I’m in the camp for doing things the right way. I can be contacted for consultancy and associate work on any of the above. Have a look at the About Sukh page for contact details.

Sukh Pabial is a learning and development professional and if you like what he says, he writes a regular blog. Page 26

READER QUESTIONS

Have Your Say!

We love hearing from our readers! If you have a question or comment for one of our writers, please feel free to write to them content@HatTrickMagazine.com

Q. How much did you spend this year at Christmas? What are your resolutions for 2013? Share your views for publication in the January issue. Page 27

20 film, mentors & the with Page 28

shannon kring buset

12 end of the world by

michelle fitz

in fairness, i’d forgotten You know ... about the end of the world, the apocolypse, which is due right about now. My brother-in-law sent a gentle reminder via Facebook about the Maya calendar. It was accompanied by an article about three objects, believed to be space craft, advancing at rapid speed for Earth, due ... right about now. As we’ve approached the end of the year, there has been increased focus on interpretations surrounding the Mayan calendar, which conveniently stops in December 2012. Some religious groups have claimed that 2012 doomsdayers have it all wrong, predicting dates ranging from 1999, 2003 and even last year. The world has yet to cease (I’m still getting an electricity bill anyway). We thought it would be great to do a round up, and considering the latest internet-rumour (sorry David), it was perfect timing to chat with Hat Trick favourite, Shannon Kring Buset, about her new film 2012: The Beginning, and her honest opinions about 2012. Page 30

the rumour mill 1 absolutely nothing

2 technology blackout

3 catastrophic event 4 spiritual enlightenment Ranging from zen mode to enhanced understanding to alien interaction

Shannon Kring Buset Documentary Film Maker

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e interviewed you earlier in the year for our predecessor publication, the CFP

Journal. I’m going to set the tone for everyone and explain that you are a former PBS presenter for hit reality cooking show Kitchens of Biro. You went through a painful divorce, some personal hardships with your body image and then sought a spiritual transformation through moving to the Maya lands to reconnect with your spirituality. You met the man of your dreams (though you had to comb the Earth to find him!) and began a brand new career in public speaking and now, documentary film making. Now, you’re promoting your documentary, 2012: The Beginning and since we are leading up to December 21, 2012, it couldn’t be more timely. As the most watched documentary of 1,500 films at this year’s MipDoc, the world’s leading factual programming event at Cannes. It gave context and insight into the Maya people, their rituals and traditions, and particularly what the people today believe about what will happen on December 21st. For those who perhaps are not aware, tell us about the curiosity that surrounds that date. December 21, 2012 marks the end of 13 b’ak’tuns, or thirteen 400-year cycles in the Maya Long Count calendar. People mistakenly believe that that the Maya predicted that this date would bring the end of the world. My film uncovers what the ancient Maya really said about this much-storied date. Do we know why they bothered making calendars, especially for millennia so far in the future? It’s important to note that there is not just one Maya calendar. The Maya have lived by more than 50 calendars throughout their existence, and each calendar served a different purpose. Some calendars were for practical purposes, such as knowing when to plant or when it’s best to go to war. Others were spiritual in nature. Today the Maya live by two calendars, one that is a spiritual calendar, and one that is a solar calendar. These calendars will go on past December 21, 2012. The Long Count— which is a linear calendar that tracks very long cycles of time—actually hasn’t been used by the Maya for hundreds of years. There are a number of so-called 2012 scholars; who made the cut and what drew you to bring them into your project? Some 2012 scholars are reputable, some not. My research before I began shooting the film was very extensive. I was drawn to the scholars who didn’t peddle sensationalism, and who were respected by the other most prominent scholars. I also trusted my intuition, which is just as important to do in filmmaking as in life. If someone didn’t “feel” right to me, I didn’t do the interview. Unfortunately, some of the fantastic scientists and living Maya I interviewed didn’t make it into the film. Taking a couple hundred hours of footage and cutting it to 52 minutes was at times painful! I put some of these outtakes on my Vimeo page, http://www.vimeo.com/ wildheartvision.

In this amazing film, your crew takes us to the 1,600-year-old Margarita Temple in Honduras and we also get to learn about the Dresden Codex, one of the only authenticated manuscripts of the ancient Mayans, the Tortuguero Monument (which bears the inscription “2012”), and so much more. Which sacred place made the biggest impression on you and why? Words cannot express how it felt to stand before the Dresden Codex—the oldest book from the Americas. The darkened room in which it’s kept also held 50+ other books from 4 millennia: a 13th Century Jewish prayer book; bibles dating back to the 15th Century; a Sumerian cuneiform script instrument from 3,000 BC; bound scores from Wagner, Schumann, Bach. I was honored, humbled, and beyond grateful to have been given this opportunity. That being said, the highlight of filming, and one of the most significant experiences of my life was traveling 20 meters (66 feet) underground the ruins of Copán, Honduras, to visit the Margarita Temple and the tombs of their dynastic founder and his queen. Margarita Temple is featured prominently in the film, and is a large plaster relief on a wall. It is spectacularly preserved, and bears huge, gorgeous hieroglyphs that explain how the Maya thought about the change of the b’ak’tuns, which we’re about to do ourselves on December 21, 2012. Can you give us some highlights that about what the Maya believed in terms of a higher power and the way they worshiped then and today? The ancient Maya believed that all of life is sacred. They believed that life existed in three levels: the spirit plane, the earth or material plane, and the underworld. They believed that at all times, all three planes were in existence, and were therefore to be honored. This idea of honoring the underworld, or the darkness or negative aspects of life, is unusual to many of us in the Western world. To them, the light couldn’t exist without the darkness. They had great reverence for both science and spirituality. Page 34

Ac Tah

Spiritual Leader, Izapa, Mexico

Copan King â&#x20AC;&#x153;18 Rabbitâ&#x20AC;?

(At Left) Margarita Temple, Copan, Honduras (At Right) Copan Temple Copan, Honduras

One misconception people have about the Maya is that they died off a thousand years ago. There are actually approximately 7 million Maya living in Mexico and Central America today. Their spirituality is much like that of their ancestors: honoring nature, honoring one’s fellow human being as well as animals, and prayer. The Sacred Fire Ceremony, three of which are shown in the film, is the highest way of honoring the ancestors, the natural world, and the lives of those inhabiting the earth. Why did this topic touch you personally and why did you choose to direct this film? I lived in Honduras for a year, and spend a couple of months there every year now. When I came back to the US, it seemed every time I turned on the TV, I would find the same thing: documentaries on the so-called “Maya doomsday prophecy”. Invariably, these documentaries began with one of two scenes, either Nostradamus—as if he were somehow connected to the Maya—sitting at a table writing with a quill pen, or a tidal wave engulfing New York City. Always, it was New York City that was hit in the apocalypse. And always, the Maya were depicted as savages. At first, I was mildly amused by these programs. But as more and more of these documentaries hit the air, I started getting upset. In the Maya lands, I wasn’t hearing anything about doomsday. In fact, I wasn’t hearing much of anything about December 21, 2012, the so-called “end of the world”. So where did this idea come from, I wondered, and why is no one making a documentary about that? In April of 2010, I caught yet another documentary about the Maya doomsday prophesy. This time, I didn’t get amused or upset. I got furious. “I just don’t know why no one is trying to tell the real story!” I cried. “Why isn’t someone doing something about this?” And then as quickly as my tears began, they stopped. I realized what felt like truth: I had no right to be upset about someone not willing to change something, if I myself wasn’t willing to do it. And so though I had no money, no experience in film, and no idea what the truth really was, I set out to make my own documentary film, 2012: The Beginning. Over the next 18 months, I traveled the world to examine what the ancient Maya themselves believed about the much-storied date of December 21, 2012. You talk about how discovering the Maya tradition and way of life changed you as a person and helped to make you far more spiritually grounded. That’s hard to really take in, unless you have done the work to discover what that really means. Can you please tell us what it means, to you, to be ‘spiritual’ and what you learned by exploring the mysteries and secrets surrounding 2012? I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to live and work alongside spiritual leaders in places as diverse as India, Bali, Finland, the Native lands in the US, as well as the Maya lands and beyond. For every woman who embarks on a soul-searching journey to India, Bali, or other sacred sites around the world, there are countless other women whose lives don’t Page 36

permit an uninterrupted trip to the bathroom. The good news: there is wisdom to be found in the most unexpected places, including within yourself. I am grateful for the opportunities I have to travel the world. However, with open ears, an open heart, and an open mind, one can truly just as easily find inspiration in a grocery store in Little Rock as at an ashram in Kathmandu Valley. Like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, I had to travel very far to realize that I always had what I needed right inside of myself. I hope that others who seek a deeper connection with his or her spirituality don’t need to go to the extremes I did. I know now that one can truly just as easily find inspiration anywhere, and that the opportunity to connect with your highest power and uncover your highest self can happen absolutely anywhere in the world. -The Maya world in particular forces a person to slow down. The lifestyle is very relaxed. Things happen in “Maya time”, which is sometimes hours off from what the clock dictates. Busses run behind schedule. Events start late. Things are cancelled with little or no notice, if that’s what feels right to the organizers. Natural phenomena and political issues cause entire countries to shut down for days. Even the land, which is very uneven, hilly, and rocky, forces one to move slowly. Internet doesn’t exist in many areas, or is sketchy. All of these things make one slow down, go within, and live by the natural order of things. -Being “spiritual” is a deeply personal and unique thing. For me, being spiritual is living your life in a way that honors your highest power and your highest self. Living a more spiritual existence can happen when anyone, anywhere, chooses love over fear, for instance. When we are honest with ourselves and others. When we choose service over selfishness. I call this nourishing the sacred within. Once we begin nourishing the sacred within ourselves, we come to realize and honor the sacred that exists absolutely everywhere in the world.

(Left) John Major Kenkins With the Tortuguero Monument

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This might seem like an odd question, but I want to understand the way you live your life in order to maintain this new spiritual lifestyle. Someone who has found Catholicism might say they devoutly attend confession, say the rosary, etc. What does your spirituality entail? What is a normal day or week like for the Buset family? Though Maya spirituality is new to me—I first visited the Maya lands in 2001—I’ve been studying spirituality since I was very young, and regular spiritual practices have been a part of my life since the early 90s now. I’ve experienced so many different religions and am honored to have participated in spiritual practices, services, and ceremonies in many of the 60+ countries in which I’ve worked and studied. I don’t align myself with one religion, a fact to which my desk is a testament. There, you’ll find everything from a Hindu statue of Kali, to a Buddhist relic I was given in Indonesia, to a Tibetan singing bowl, to a 19th Century Christian etching, and several pieces of art from my American Indian and Maya friends. When I feel like I’m in need of meditation, I do meditation. When I feel as if I’m in need of yoga, I do yoga. When I am drawn to it, I read the Bible. When I feel the need to do so, I light my Maya ceremonial candles. I also watch reality TV when I feel drawn to do so. I go shopping or to the spa when I feel the need to do that. I sometimes feel the need to cuss. In other words, I am not rigid with my spirituality. What was the process like from shooting to editing? Surely there was quite a lot of detail – how did you find sticking to timescales, costs and bringing it all together into a storyline? When people ask me at screenings or film festivals where I went to film school, I say Wikipedia. I’ve never made a film before. Haven’t even worked on a film. And so I had to learn quickly, and by doing. Oddly enough, directing and producing has come more easily and naturally to me than anything else I’ve done in my life. I guess my life in front of the camera as a television cooking show host and author who does a lot of media interviews served me well. Every day on a documentary film is different. One day, you might be on the phone begging a foreign official to allow you entrance to a sacred site that’s never before been filmed. The next you might be interviewing a shaman in a cave. At the weekend, you might be sitting in a darkened room with an editor, trying to figure out how much of an interview you’ll have to cut. You’ve called your film 2012: The Beginning and I know you will want as many people to go see the film (which we highly recommend) and to keep your views objective as a documentary film maker, when we went back and reviewed your last interview, we still weren’t quite sure whether this bounty of research places you in the “period of enlightenment” camp, or whether you think there is anything to be feared where the end of the world or major catastrophe is concerned. What are your personal views, Shannon? I’m asked my views a lot, and I say this not to dodge the question, but because I fully believe it: my job as a documentarian is to be as objective as possible. I purposely did not enter into the film having an opinion either way. One camp says December 21, 2012, will bring catastrophe. Others say enlightenment. My job, I believed, was to Page 38

2012: The Beginning WILDHEART VISION PRESENTS 2012: THE BEGINNING PRODUCED BY SHANNON KRING BUSET AND GABRIEL NOBLE EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS SOPHIA EHRNROOTH HELENA “KITTY” IHAMUOTILA SHANNON KRING BUSET CO-PRODUCER ALEX SOZONOFF EDITED BY MELISSA STERNE CINEMATOGRAPHY BY GABRIEL NOBLE MUSIC BY NEIL KRING ADDITIONAL CINEMATOGRAPHY BY VILLE TANTTU DIRECTED BY SHANNON KRING BUSET FI RST HAND FI LM S

shine an unbiased light on both perspectives. I like something one of the scientists in my film said. He said that he’s a great believer in the power of collective thought to shape the world in which we live. He said if enough people believe something is going to happen, we can make it happen. One thing I will say is that I know December 21 is not the end. Is the Maya world anything like ours in the West? Life is very different in the Maya world than in the Western world. But whether I’m conducting research on the streets of Guatemala, interviewing a spiritual leader in Indonesia, or speaking to a women’s group in Finland, what I find is that (Above) Shannon Kring Buset, at the 2012: The Beginning premeire in everyone everywhere seeks the same things: Love. Wholeness. Purpose. The Honduras Maya are no different. Do you think that you will go back to live amongst the Maya? I travel to the Maya lands several times per year. I have spent more than 2 months in Honduras in 2012, a couple of weeks in Mexico. On December 21, 2012, I will be in Copán, my spiritual home, with almost the entire cast of my film. I’m leading a tour there. http://jbjourneys.com/content/Maya_2012_Tour_Copan_Honduras What was the best experience or memory of your time actually living with this wonderful culture? I moved to Honduras completely heartbroken. I would pray for love every day. What I was praying for was actually that my husband would love me again. The moment when I realized that I actually had love—that it was all around me, in limitless supply— was one of the best moments of my life. Tell me about AumRak – who is she and how has she changed your life and your world view? AumRak is a Guatemalan medicine woman and ceremonialist who gave me my first immersion into daily spiritual practice in the Maya tradition. She is featured widely in the film. We’ve become very close over the past five years, and have traveled all over the world together now. Page 40

The greatest lesson this dear friend has given me is that I am okay exactly as I am. And that even with all my shortcomings, I do have something to offer the world. We all do. In what ways is her life very different as a shaman to that of the rest of modern Mayan people? AumRak, like many spiritual guides today, shocks me with her use of a iPad, MacBook Pro, cell phone, and the like. One of the shaman I interviewed in the film has never left his village. But in between takes, while dressed in full ceremonial garb, he whipped out his cell phone and fired off a text message. It still cracks me up. If this film impacts just one person, in what way would you hope it would change or influence their life? I would like people to watch the film and realize how deeply interconnected all things and all beings are. How connected we are to the past, to one another, to the natural world. I’d like people to think about how to better honor this interdependence.

Click Here! (Video Above) A wonderful video by Kris Sanchez, from NBC Bay Area, beautifully edited by Felipe Escamilla (Copyright Kris Sanchez/NBC, All Rights Reserved). Commenting alongside other experts, Shannon Kring Buset, -documentary film maker and expert on Maya culture, gives insight into how the Maya people 21,free 2012. Something I’veinterpret written inDecember the past; feel to pull what you’d like from it: Page 42

TWO lucky Hat Trick readers will win a DVD of 2012: The Beginning, straight from Wildheart Vision! Enter in four easy steps! 1. Like the 2012: The Beginning Facebook Page 2. Leave a comment saying you read about it in Hat Trick 3. Like Shannon Kring Busetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Facebook Page 4. Leave a comment saying you read about her in Hat Trick

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Louise Golbey

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Vinton Cerf, considered one of "the fathers of the internet" has raised concerns over increased legislation of the internet, to advances in technology. His concerns were primarily surrounding striking a balance against privacy and the free-flow of information, thoughts and opinions. Read more here. Weren't the 90s great?! Cory and Topanga (Boy Meets World) back on our screens! Actors Ben Savage and Danielle Fishel, confirmed the news Girl Meets World is officially a go! According to TVLine, which broke the original story, "Girl Meets World" picks up more than 10 years after the conclusion of "Boy Meets World," with Cory and Topanga now married and parents of a 13-year-old named Riley, a role which has yet to be cast. Bring. It. On.

Halle Berry had major baby daddy drama this month, as an alleged fight took place between current beau, Olivier Martinez and Gabriel Aubrey, the father of Ms Berry's daughter, Nala. The pair settled in family court at the end of November. Details were not disclosed.

A team of scientists at Texas Tech in the US, have applied microwave technology, to treat bread so that it can last as long as 60 days. Further work will take place to apply the technology to other foods, perhaps to include vegetables and fruits, though they note that at this time they have only had success with cantaloupes due to damage caused by rotation required in the machines.

Facebook was ordered to remove a page used by over 4,000 people called "Keeping Our Kids Safe From Predators". The plaintiff, a convicted paedophile, won the challenge for full removal of the page, on the basisi that it amounted to "prima facie harassment" and risked infringing human rights. The ruling stated that Facebook must remove the page within 72 hours; Facebook are determining next steps in light of the ruling.

Brad Pitt was (repeatedly) unleashed on UK and US TV screens in his new Chanel ad. The ad has created quite a stir on both sides of the pond, and counts the actor as the first male rep for Chanel's fragrances. Not too many ladies appeared to mind. Page 47

I’m writing this article while listening to Andrea Bocelli on my ipod. The reason I’m telling you this is because Andrea’s sweet, sweet voice helps me to become calm, centered and focused. If you ever need to be in a happy place it’s during the holidays. The stress by Mina Muirhead, R.N. of the season of good cheer is well Health Editor known. Everyone feels it to some degree. Not only are we expected to do our normal work, home and kids, but now we have to add gift buying, card writing, package mailing, people traveling and meal planning to go with it! Some deal with it better than others. For me images of Chevy Chase playing Clark Griswald come to mind.

Health Matters

Ellen: “Clark, Audrey’s frozen from the waist down.” Clark: “That’s all part of the experience, honey.” Fortunately (or unfortunately) my husband is the anti-Clark. If he could run away to an island every year and skip the whole season that would be fine by him. One of my favorite Christmas’ was going to Costa Rica with family and friends. My kids were young and still believed in Santa Claus. So, I bought them a small, inexpensive present as their Santa gift. I held my breath as they opened it. I had images of my son’s disappointed face and my daughter crying wondering why Santa put her on the bad list. But, in fact, they were both thrilled with their little trinkets! It made me realize that it really is about the excitement of the morning, the gathering and enjoying of our family and friends. If you choose to participate in gift giving it doesn’t have to be an expensive gift. It could be a handwritten letter telling the person why they are important or putting together a photo album for them. Page 48

How about giving a girl a hand?? This most recent Thanksgiving my mom came to my house the night before. We had a lovely time catching up. The next day most of my family cooked. Even my 8 year old daughter made the deviled eggs! It was a great time and nobody felt the burden was on them. Making a list and dividing the choirs is a great way to make the whole family involved in Christmas. Friends and family will love getting Christmas cards that were addressed by the kids. Maybe if your significant other stands in line at the post office he/she gets his feet rubbed that night. You can make the to-do list a game. That way you get things done and it’s a bit fun while doing it! Remember that the most important person in your life is you! Taking time for your self is of paramount importance. A hot bath with a glass of wine, a massage, or a pedicure is all great ways to pamper your self. Maybe your way of pampering is playing a round of golf or going for a hike. Whatever it is you like to do, do it! Slowing down and feeling more relaxed will help you be more organized. Even if you have a million little stressors taking a walk around your neighborhood will help to clear your mind. Continuing with that idea, getting enough sleep and a dose of exercise is a necessity. All of us need time to recharge our batteries. Start taking care of yourself from the beginning of the holidays. That way stress and exhaustion don’t sneak up on you. We all have something to be thankful for. Focusing on the good, remembering what is important and loving on your family is what this season is about. Enjoy your holidays and cheers to you!

Mina

Mina graduated with honors with her BSN from the University of Northern Colorado in 1997. She is a member of the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery. Have a question for Mina? Please write to content@HatTrickMagazine.com and include “Mina” in the subject field. Page 49

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iBuildStrongWomen Permission To Be Selfish This Holiday Season: You Deserve the Gift of Your Very Best Life! I know what you’re thinking. Yes, I’m likely going against everything our mothers ever taught us about holiday giftgiving, after all, ‘It’s better to give then receive.’ Yeah, yeah, that’s all well and good, and I believe in that. However, this holiday season I need for you to do me a huge favour. What would happen if we gave ourselves permission ~ that’s right 100% selfish permission ~ to receive and I mean fully receive the best-ever gift of our very best life starting New Year’s Day 2013? I believe there are multitudes of opportunities circling all around us trying to land and fit into our lives to fulfill everything we want to happen. What’s holding them back? Well, Merry Ho! Ho! Let’s take a look: Creating Your Very Best Life in 2013! Putting It Into Practice. •Practice Clarity: Get super-clear about what you want. Use a journal, collage, mind-map, vision board, whatever works for you but get crystal clear. •Practice Positive Anticipation: Live as if you expect what you are waiting for to show up as the next logical step in your life. Page 50

• Practice Trust: Have courage to step into opportunities when they are presented and trust your intuition to guide you. • Practice Worthiness: Many things we wish for feel just out of reach. Why? Perhaps we don’t feel worthy of them. Every day in every way know that you are worthy. Practice worthiness. • Practice Attractivness: Ensure your health and wellness are top priority for 2013! As your energy and vibrancy grow and positively radiate, you become a strong magnetic force attracting everything you want to create for your very best life. The holiday season is the perfect time to spend getting clarity by journalling, collaging or brainstorming with a close friend. Give yourself permission to sneak away for an afternoon or up extra-early one morning to do so. There are a number of ways we can work together in 2013 to help make them a reality: 1 2 3 4 5 6

Start by reading my ‘quick-read’ Kindle book, Freeway to Fat Loss. You’ll learn about how I roll. Start with my simple, sensible & successful online fitness program that you can do anywhere, Sleek & Sexy! Add to that, one-on-one private coaching and mentoring for fitness and lifestyle management, in-person or virtually; Consider a full-on fully customized 12-Week Physique & Lifestyle Transformation, Create Your Body! Create Your Life! Ask me for details! Join us for an upcoming West Coast Women’s Wellness Weekend. The next one is scheduled for January 17th. Small group work focused on resistance training with weights (Women on Weights) as well as mastering the food your body needs for optimal performance (Focus on Food as Fuel Teamwork) which offers an important social component of women helping other women to meet their goals; As a client, receive continued support, camaraderie and motivation by being part of the CSJ iBuildStrongWomen Online Community! It’s plum full of training tips, meal ideas, motivation, recipes, peer-mentoring and so much more. Join us for a Mayan Riviera Destination Retreat for Women in the last week of May 2013. Fitness, yoga, beach-time, healthy food, cultural tours, spa-time, coaching and so much more! Need a goal to work towards in the New Year? Consider getting bikini-ready over the next 5 months and celebrating with an amazing getaway and Destination Retreat in Mexico! Looking for a Christmas gift? Gift certificates now available for this holiday season!

So there’s just one question left to ask: What are YOU creating for your life in 2013? I can’t wait to hear about your plans. Page 51

. Q r e d a Dear Charlene e R

I want to eat clean but I'm addicted to carbs, sweets and pretty much all unhealthy things. I feel like I could burst into tears at any moment. I can't give up dairy. I can't give up bread. I can't control my portions. I feel like I am going to kill myself gradually with food. How can I stop my food addiction. Please explain. Barbara R., New Mexico

Barbara, I don’t know your whole story but enough to ask three important questions. I’m not the one who holds the answers, you are. 1.

Tell me about what’s really going on. And I mean the God-honest truth because the food addiction is a symptom. The food addiction is showing up because of something much deeper. Go there and explore it. Tell me about the things you most value in life. Why do you get up every morning? Is it caring for your family, a passion or purpose that is so important you can’t imagine living happily without achieving it? Remember a time when you were really happy with how you looked and felt. Take some time to remember how it felt and get really clear on it. You may even want to find a photo or do some journaling around this. The key is in the remembering and feeling it again in your body.

I did up a little video about a year ago to help me remember. You are an amazing woman. Your body is an amazing machine. You’ve only got one of these to last you a lifetime. It deserves better, and you deserve better. I highly recommend that you honestly work through these three questions. You may not be ready to address them right away but when you are, you are ready to tackle the food addiction. The technical stuff can be addressed by reading my Kindle book, Freeway to Fat Loss (only $2.99!). It’s a quick and easy read written to make sense and work, but that’s the easy part.

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Like Magnolias

Classic Southern American Recipes by Tanya Jackson Food Editor

Christmas Pineapple Salad This is one of favorite salads to make and to eat. For Christmas it goes well with Ham. I have no idea why we eat ham at Christmas, cause we eat it at Easter. But this is the way with traditions. You know the story “Grandma always made the best ham. Wonder what she did to make it taste so good. She always cut the ends off of the ham and it always tasted so good, so that must be the reason it tasted so good. Asked Grandma and she said she cut the ends off of the ham because that was the size of the pan.” A tradition is born! We always had this salad when we had ham & of course I continued the tradition-just cause. It is refreshing cool and crisp contrast to most Christmas dinners. It is so easy and if you are in charge of the Christmas meal it makes one dish one less of a hassle. The kids love helping make this salad and not just for foodie reasons, as you will see. Let’s get going: This would be for 3-4 servings depending on how many slices are in a can. Adjust for a bigger crowd.

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Simple, Elevant, Perfect Accompaniament For Ham 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Need a can of sliced pineapple. Pop the top and drain. Clean lettuce, (it can be any lettuce you want, I am not a lettuce snob), and take outside leaves off and dry gently with paper towels. Get your mayonnaise ready, (ok, I am a mayonnaise snob and it happens to be Hellmann’s Mayonnaise) Grate cheddar cheese for sprinkling Open your maraschino cherry bottle. Do not tell your children how terrible these are and only fresh cherries are good for you. This is Christmas Dinner, do not spoil it!!! Get a tray or cookie sheet and start putting it all together. o o o o o

Lay a lettuce leaf on tray. Place two pineapple slices on tray Put dollop of mayonnaise on top in middle Sprinkle with shredded cheese Place cherries on top of mayonnaise § This is where children will have fun. Let them make faces or funny things out of the cheese-cherries. It is the fun times children remember and love you for. § If you have preteens, be prepared for giggles and blushes as they fix the cherries on top. Just ignore comments and state, “Let’s get these ready for dinner.”

Place wax paper or cellophane on top of pineapple and refrigerate it. Set table and place salad on individual plates. Have a festive and perfect Christmas dinner.

Tanya Page 55

Crème de Menthe Cheesecake

Crust

1 3/4 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (from 9-oz. pkg.) 1/4 cup butter, melted

Filling 3 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened 3/4 cup sugar 3 eggs 3/4 cup whipping cream 1/4 cup green crème de menthe

Garnish

1/2 cup whipping cream 1 TBS powdered sugar 8 Thin chocolate green mints, coarsely chopped

Heat oven to 300°F. In medium bowl, combine crust ingredients; mix well. Press in bottom and up sides of ungreased 9-inch springform pan. Beat cream cheese in large bowl with electric mixer at medium speed until fluffy. Gradually add sugar, beating until smooth. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in 3/4 cup whipping cream and crème de menthe until well blended. Pour into crustlined pan. Bake at 300°F. for 60 to 70 minutes or until edges are set but center still jiggles slightly when gently shaken. Turn oven off; open oven door at least 4 inches. Let cheesecake sit in oven for 30 minutes or until center is set. Remove cheesecake from oven. Cool in pan on wire rack for 1 hour or until completely cooled. Cover; refrigerate at least 3 hours before serving. Just before serving, carefully run knife around sides of pan to loosen; remove sides of pan. In small bowl, beat 1/2 cup whipping cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Pipe or spoon whipped cream around edge of cheesecake. Garnish with chopped mints. Store in refrigerator

y s

o S

a E

3 t i u r f d Ad

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Italian Eggnog Martini ★1 oz Disaronno ★1 oz vodka (pick your favorite brand) ★2 oz store bought eggnog ★Maraschino cherry ★Cinnamon ★Brown sugar ★Caramel syrup ★Candy cane and cinnamon stick for

Coat the inside of a small plate with caramel syrup, sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Dip the rim of a martini glass in the mixture and spin back and forth and all around until the whole rim is coated. Place the glass in the freezer. In a shaker with ice, add the eggnog, vodka and Disaronno. Shake for a minute. Remove glass from freezer. Place one maraschino cherry in the bottom of the glass. Pour mix from shaker into glass and sprinkle with cinnamon. Garnish with a candy cane and a cinnamon stick

Strawberry Santas Cut strawberries crosswise in half. Thread strawberry piece, pineapple chunk and remaining strawberry piece onto toothpick; press chocolate chips into pineapple for eyes. Pipe cream cheese mixture onto strawberry "hat" to form fur trim and onto pineapple to form beard. (If using bag, snip corner of bag to pipe cream cheese.) Cover and refrigerate no longer than 2 hours.

★1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened ★1/2 cup marshmallow creme ★12 large strawberries ★12 fresh or canned pineapple chunks (1inch pieces) ★12 frilled toothpicks ★24 miniature semisweet chocolate chips

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Chicago-based custom clothiers, Petchburi Ave. is coming to New York with a shave, a haircut, sexy male models, and the sultry songs of Cynette. Will you join us for the official launch party? On behalf of the Fascinate Media creative team and Petchburi Ave., you are cordially invited to join us this Wednesday, December 5th, from 8pm-12am for the Petchburi Ave. launch at Gallery Bar at 120 Orchard Street, NYC. Headquartered out of Chicago, Petchburi Ave. is a bespoke online men's suit company that is launching in New York City. For the gentleman who wants to indulge his unique sense of style and enjoys the luxury of a custom made suit from fabrics sourced from Savile Row and Italy. Petchburi Ave. is for the man who knows that his look is what will set him apart on the climb towards success. A women's line is now available as well. Come enjoy an open bar provided by Brugal Rum, get free hot shaves and haircuts for the gentlemen from Sveltemen, listen to the sexy tunes spun by DJ Eko, and hear sultry singer Cynette perform live, and most of all, see the gorgeous craftsmanship of Petchburi Ave. suits!

Fascinate Media + Petchburi Ave. would like to invite you to: The PETCHBURI AVE. Launch Party A sexy celebration of men, style and success! Presented by Petchburi Ave. www.petchburiave.com Wednesday, December 5th 2012 8pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C;12am The Gallery Bar - 120 Orchard Street - New York, NY 10002 http://www.gallerybarnyc.com/ Cocktails: Cocktails sponsored from 8-9 pm sharp by Brugal Rum https://www.facebook.com/BrugalRumUSA A free hot shave and haircut provided by Sveltemen www.sveltemen.com Dress: Upscale / cocktail attire Music provided by DJ Eko Girl and a sultry performance by singer Cynette www.ekogirl.com www.cynette.com All profits from suits purchased by attendees to this event will be donated to Renegade Sandy Reliefhttp:// renegadesandyrelief.tumblr.com/ RSVP: rsvpfascinate@gmail.com Password: Suits Hosted by: Fascinate Media www.fascinatemedia.net

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a nu el a ’s

Attitude of Gratitude By Manuela Wahnon Columnist

Christmas - Bah, Humbug! Welcome to my first article on having an Attitude of Gratitude. Odd you would think that I would start then, with such a confrontational title? Well really, isn't it all for the kids, hasn't it got far too commercialised? As with most things in life there is a grain of truth in those sentiments. But hey! Just because one grain is soiled, does that mean the whole beach is polluted? Christmas is the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus, or to put into every day parlance. . . it’s Jesus’ birthday. Question: What do we give each other when it’s someone’s birthday? That’s right! Presents /gifts. And if we are really fortunate we throw, or are invited to, a party, or some gathering where a feast will be laid on, in our honour. I guess the reason that children enjoy it so much is because they are imbued with an innocent joy for life and have not yet become eroded with cynicism.

What is gratitude? Simplistically? Well, it’s how you are feeling when you are thankful... You feel it. Page 66

The normal response when we are in this state is to say ‘thank you’. Here, let me recount an incident that happened in 1985. A relative and I were visiting the final resting place of my mum. Quite naturally I had brought a bouquet of flowers to lay at her feet. But I was about to witness and have a lesson in pure, unadulterated love that transcended generations and financial constrictions. This young lady sat cross legged quietly, lost in deep contemplation between herself and her gran. She was making an intricate and extremely large daisy chain. The reverence with which she did that humbled me. I saw through her eyes, that it’s not about the amount of money that you spend that shows how much you care for someone, but rather it’s about the effort involved and whether you are ‘present’ or not. In that moment of rare clarity I saw true gratitude. She had such dignity and poise. Likewise when purchasing something, for someone, it’s not what you get them that counts but the time and the love that goes into the wrapping. This will show the recipient of your gift how much you have appreciated their presence in your life. Christmas, as I mentioned earlier is not, our birthday, but Jesus’. To give someone a present, you have to be ‘there’ to feel their presence and enjoy handing over your thoughtful gift. As in the Daisy Chain syndrome? This Christmas, think of all those people that you care about and are thankful for - truly thankful. When you are thinking of them in that way, you are in a state of gratitude. Once you are in that state, it’s only a short step to regain that joyful zest for life and before you know it. . . Christmas will not be Bah, Humbug after all.

Take the gratitude challenge! Pledge a new way of living for 2013! Page 67

You know her from her inspirational books and posters Karen Salmansohn, Oprah columnist and happiness guru, has launched a brand new shop and now YOU can get her best loved posters, and slogans featured on handy notebooks, mugs, tank tops and more!

Believe/Materialize Keepsake Box

Jr. Ringer Tee “More love in the world please”

Mug “The cure for procrastination is caffeination!”

Visit Karen's fabulous new shop! Here's your chance to get some of Karen's awesome posters and slogans on everything from notebooks, to mugs to tank-tops! Treat yourself today, or share the love with somebody who deserves it! Don't forget to check out Karen's main website NotSalmon.com for more wisdom, humor and fantastic freebies!

by Karen Salmansohn Self Help Editor

Check out my book PRINCE HARMING SYNDROME which offers insights and tools to break bad relationship patterns for good. Page 69

Joey Phelps & Michael Phelps Cartoonists Hat Trick Magazine Page 70

Photography by: Ann Pissard Graphic Artist

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by Patricia Bayne Opinion Editor

AskPatti I cannot live up to everyone's expectations Patti. Everyone around me is living the perfect life and cooking and had the perfect house. My Facebook feed was full of people cooking for Thanksgiving and now they're decorating. I can't do it. Am I screwing my boys over by being a mom that just never is going to be the PTA president or the bake sale leader, let alone just making a beautiful home like my mom did for us? I'm so depressed. I feel useless. What do I do Patti? Paige, Nebraska

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Pai!,

This time of year, we are bombarded by ads and films that depict moms as superwomen, and we are. We do an amazing job of looking after our many roles. There will be plenty of women who like to show off their skills and it sounds like the gals in your area do a fair share of bragging on their domestic skills.Â The truth is, Stepford wives just don't exist. Sure, some may be great bakers but lousy lovers, others impeccably dressed but horribly unhappy and emotionally unsatisfied. Anyone flaunting their best parts is just hiding a big hole in other areas of their life. We each have our own talents. Maybe your challenges come from a lack of funds, maybe it's lack of know-how or experience, maybe it's simply not your thing and some ladies are bothering you by sharing some things they have prioritized for their lives. But we're all different, and each mom will parent differently - we also will dress differently, take different interests and want different things for ourselves and our kids. All of that is OK. From your comments, it sounds like you wish you could do better on these areas and if that's something you truly want, although you won't become Martha Stewart in a day or even in a Holiday season, practice really does make perfect. YouTube is a HUGE help - seeing someone do things really puts it in perspective. Also, choosing crafts, activities, recipes and decorations that are in line with your skill level will mean that your projects will have a better chance of turning out as you expected; that's a huge confidence boost and believe it or not, getting those basic skills and working your way up will make you far more knowledgeable than if you just dive in the deep end and struggle through. There is no perfect life, sweetheart. But there is the one you have and you need to know that the magic and love you share with your family, in the way that is right for you. And forget about the comparisons to mom. If we are lucky enough to have amazing mothers, then in our eyes, she could never have done wrong. I think you'd be stunned to know, if you asked her how it really went every year, just how many times the turkey went dry, the pot holders caught fire, and how much of the wine actually made it to her sauce after all the stress of hosting was over! Â :) Love to you this Holiday season and I know you will make it the best for your family. And Paige, make sure you take time to enjoy it OK?Â

Patti

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Dear Patti, This time of year is hard for me. I spend it totally alone. I have no one. I mull over my problems with old family members and all my mistakes. I can't cope with the holidays. I don't know how to get through another one these. I'm sorry to bring your column down but what am I supposed to do? How can I get over the abuse my family did for so long and the rejection? I just want a happy life without these thoughts hanging over my head forever. And even if I do all that how do I face life without friends or family? Elizabeth Perkiss, Maryland

Oh Elizabe",

This time of year can be so hard for people from all walks of life. There are a lot of people in this situation, not just you, but I'm thankful that you brought it out in the open so that others, just like you, can see that they are certainly not strange, different or alone in this situation. Here are my top five tips for surviving the holidays alone: Don't shy away from extending or accepting invitations to share a day with others, either on the day or around the actual holiday. OK this is assuming you know other people. Believe it or not, most of us have been the new girl in the area at least once. But believe it or not, 'new girl' can and often does eventually turn into 'just never met anyone girl'. Leading up to the holidays, you'll be asked at work, in passing and in small talk 'what are your plans for the holidays', share your plans and be honest. It's time to try and at least meet people and relate. OK, it might be weird to crash someone's family holiday dinner, but maybe having someone realize that you are alone during the festive season will prompt other invitations leading up or shortly following which will make you feel so much better about it (extended either by them or you and don't be shy OK? Put yourself out there). The point is, if you have an opportunity to arrange activities, shopping, whatever with other people either on the day or around the holiday season generally, you need to proactively make an effort to accept or extend those invites and get yourself out and in the mix.

Get out in the hustle and bustle,Â indulgeÂ in some people watching and the things you find beautiful this season. I don't care if it is that 10,000 calorie Starbucks drink, in your favorite winter white coat, in those fabulous heels you bought with no place to wear them, as you overlook ice skating, DO IT. You will feel sexy, confident, nostalgic and on some level involved in the holiday season rather than excluding yourself from the activities, which (let's face it) will feel unbearably lonely. And for that matter, partake! So what you're alone! This is an opportunity to laugh, interact, maybe even meet people like you and even if it's just mall walking and taking in the lights and music, exercise will increase your endorphines and really help the winter blues. Get away from it all. I know for some people the above suggestions just aren't tolerable and for these guys, sometimes the best thing is to put on your favorite music, watch your favorite films, and go on an awesome stay-cation, or if the bank balance allows, really go away for a few days and catch up with whatever you have put off this year but wanted to do or achieve. Some ladies I know use the two weeks they take off at Christmas and New Year to go on week-long courses, others catch up on reading and hit the sun beds for a tan and a boost of vitamin D, others simply go where winter does not exist and the mai tais are abundant (and so is the eye candy!). Whatever fits your interests, budget and tickles your fancy, do it. Join some online groups on Facebook, Yahoo or elsewhere on the net. It sounds trite, but when you are feeling like a total freak it helps you keep things in perspective when you see others who actually are in the same position, and you might find a few that actually are in a worse position. These are great for support, keeping you laughing at life and for making strong friendships online with people who share this in common with you, which means you'll feel better about talking about your feelings and that alone will help tremendously. Do some soul searching, keep perspective and seek help if it gets too much. Connect with your spiritual beliefs, make the holidays special in your heart, and seek therapy, even if only just for this time if you feel it might help. Try to focus on your emotional, physical and spiritual well being, and consider getting involved with those less fortunate. We are all seeking something, lacking something or poor in spirit. Reconnecting with your soul, refreshing your values and resolutions, analyzing what is good and what is great, counting your blessings all of these things will energize you in ways which will help you gear up for the New Year and truly focus you on what you want for yourself, while keeping you out of the winter blues or wallowing in the past.

Patti

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Musings From A Life Lived Well by Cherie Brooks DeBurger Opinion Columnist

Drawbacks of Electronic Toys The world is transforming right before our eyes and across the countries areas are becoming winter wonderlands just as they do every December. Christmas lights are being hung along the eaves of many houses, trees are being decorated with family heirlooms, children are working on their "wish lists", advent calendars are being assigned a spot of honor and the sweet old time melodies of Christmas carols can be heard softly streaming out of radio speakers at every turn. Families are making holiday plans as the houses are filling with the aroma of gingerbread while cookies cool on the counter. Gift wrapping, name tags and big red festive bows are pulled out from the storage shed in preparation of the many gifts that will need to be covered and transformed into brightly colored mysteries. I don't think I am the only one that feels like things have become a bit to materialistic. With the technology that has been developed everything seems to have an on/off button and a training manual as big as the bible.

I remember back to my childhood days (which wasn’t that long ago…in my mind anyways) when toys were not all battery operated. We had yo-yos, skipping ropes, Slinkys, toy soldiers, Hot Wheel cars, a variety of toys that we had to make go with our own hands and imagination. Almost all the toys that the little kids are getting these days are battery operated. Over the years I have bought more Duracell double A’s than I have diapers! We should be warning expectant parents to open a savings account to cover the cost of batteries as well as university. During the day it seems all I hear are bells, whistles, beeps or buzzes no matter where I go. I find it very annoying when these battery-sucking toys don’t get turned off, the batteries run out fast enough just from normal play. Of course with my kids, if I can get them to put the toys away I am doing good, if the kids actually shut everything off as well I would be sure that I had been transported to some parallel universe or that aliens have invaded their bodies.

It is very creepy to be sitting alone at night, everything is quiet and you hear “cooooooommmmmee plaaaaaaaaaaaay” low and slurred almost to the point that you can’t understand the statement. When the batteries get low sometimes the toy will continue to make sounds or just beep even if no one is playing with it. I think they are designed to do this so that you can tell when the batteries need to be changed like some type of notification system. The designers were trying to be helpful but oh how wrong they were! I remember about a year ago my husband, Mike, and I were sitting on the sofa watching TV and every so often I heard a beep. I wondered if I had finally lost my mind until I noticed Mike glancing around after the beep sounded again. We were relieved to find out that it was a real noise and not the beginning of insanity. At first we didn’t know what it was and we stood in different areas of the house waiting to hear it again so we could pinpoint where it was coming from. It looked like we were playing some weird statue game as we stood stock still, heads cocked, ears strained in various parts of the room. We determined it was coming from the toy box but just as we started to narrow it down the beeping stopped and we were left without an answer to the mystery that had taken up a fair amount of our evening and most of our patience. The next night we were hit with déjà vu as the beeping started up again! After searching through the toy box and separating the each toy

with batteries from the ones without we were able to determine which toy was causing all the trouble. Turning the toy off still did not stop the incessant beeping so we determined the only way to stop it was to take the batteries out. Ready to rip our hair out at this point Mike grabbed a screwdriver only to realize it was much to large to fit into the hole of the toys battery cover. It was now time to search for the small screwdriver set that we hadn't used since the previous Christmas. By this time I am seriously debating on just whipping the toy out the back door and forgetting about it. We learned our lesson though and have since taken steps to avoid any more evenings that would be spent straining and searching for that toy with the dying batteries. We now keep all batteryoperated toys in one location and if either of us starts to hear strange beeps or blips we no longer question our sanity but immediately check the toy box. The tiny special screwdrivers are kept in a safe and handy place so I can find them at a moments notice. If Murphy's Law strikes and for some reason the first plan of action fails I have a back up plan, I know where my husband keeps the hammer. It may not be the smartest or cheapest solution but it is by far the most satisfying. May you have a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year filled with lots of laughter and many memorable life's moments. Page 77

Amber What

Loves

By: Amber Hamilton Henson Home & Garden Editor

If you’ve been following me on Pinterest, you may have seen that I’ve pinned a few sets of curtains made of scarves recently. See the inspirational photos that helped me choose a direction, by clicking here, here,and here. See? Aha! Easy, breezy curtains for the dining room made of varying sheer or shiny scarves?! Well, with 10′ ceiling and a desire for floor-to-ceiling curtains, that would require A LOT of scarves; so, I decided to buy scarf style material! I decided I would some of the yards of silk that friends brought me as a present from one of their recent shopping excursions in the fabric district in China and 3 more fabrics that I purchased locally. Btw, yes, friends (also, former neighbors of ours) travelled all the way to China and along the way they visited a region known for their textile production. They shipped back YARDS of beautiful silks. I’m planning to hang the new curtains using by clipping the fabric onto rings. Easy. Breezy. Mix of prints. Mix of colors. Etc. Here, in the next photo, you can see my new fabrics just tossed across the curtain rod awaiting sewing and proper installation. You can also see a bit of other items in the dining room: Page 78

Today, among other errands, I shopped for the curtain rings with clips attached, in order to hang my scarves and fabric in the dining room that I told you about yesterday. It turns out that retailers have lost their darn minds when it comes to pricing that particular hardware!! They’re sold in packs of seven rings for $11.99 per pack. I needed 7 or 8 packs, I guessed. There was absolutely no way I was willing to part with nearly a hundred dollars for rings with flimsy little clips attached. Seriously, who priced those things?! Crazy, I say. So, I still needed the rings. What to do? What to do? DIY, of course! I bought a bag of miniature wooden clothespins from the craft department at WalMart and bundles of costume jewelry from the $1 jewelry store on Chenal Parkway, here in Little Rock. I made a total of 50 rings with clips for $6.97 + a little spray paint, heavy duty upholstery thread, and a few unused napkin rings and bracelets that I had sitting around. ($1.97 for the miniature clothespins and $5 for four pair of earrings and a pack of bangle bracelets at $1/each = $6.97) My rings with clips are an assortment of sizes, all in silver and gold tones! I LOVE the look much, much more than if I had spent the $100 for them to all be standard rings.

1. Buy miniature clothespins and junk jewelry. 2. Snip hardware, just leaving the giant hoops of the earrings. (I used earrings that gave me a total of 8 usable hoops per pair of earrings for $1 per pair.) 3. Clip clothespins onto cardboard and spray paint them black. 4. Use heavy thread or wire to tie clips onto the ring (the thread fit through the spring in the clothespins, so drilling wasn’t necessary! Yea!) 5. Slide them onto the curtain rod and use the clips to pinch the scarves and fabric! Enjoy! I’m pretty pleased with myself about this little curtain project of mine! Yards and yards of fabric, lots and lots of my silk scarves, and a little DIY = my OWN curtain wall. Nobody will walk in and say, “Oh, so and so bought those same curtains,” or any such thing. That’s enough to keep me happy. I am just truly repelled by ever having a room that looks like it stepped right out of a big box store. My scarves are all still usable if I change to something else next year, and all of the scarves have some sort of memory attached to them, since they were ALL accumulated and worn throughout the years. For example, the scarf that has “Paris” all over it, was purchased by my grandmother in Paris as a gift for me when she travelled a few years ago. Are my curtains Hippie curtains? Gypsy style? I don’t know or care. I just really, really like them, so they’re fine by me!! I’m still playing around with the placement/draping of the scarves and fabric; I’ll have it finalized before I “reveal” this room in its entirety in a separate post! Page Page 79 79

Posh Brats Brittany Harper-De Staedtler Beauty Editor

The Winter Road by Otto Knirsch, printed by Currier and Ives

We all know that lovely old Christmas carol.... â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose, Yuletide carols being sung by a choir And folks dressed up like Eskimos.â&#x20AC;?

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~ The Christmas Song Nat King Cole 1946

Brrrrrrrrilliant Winter Skin! We love the crisp snowy days, the festive scents and sounds, the heartwarming bonhomie and the smiles that seem to be on everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lips......But what we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t love are the effects winter can have on our skin. Cold, whipping winds and dry indoor heat join forces in the winter to deprive your skin of its moisture, leaving you with scales, flakes, more visible wrinkles, itching and discomfort. Severe cases can even cause painful cracking and eruptions of skin rashes like eczema. Moisture doesn't just make your skin look younger and healthier, it provides a protective barrier. When this barrier is stripped, you're more susceptible to bacterial and viral infections as well as friction that can cause irritation and further drying. Aside from environmental changes, factors like age, genetics, smoking, health conditions and hot showers can contribute to dryness. Areas of the body with the fewest oil glands, like the lower legs, tend to dry out the fastest. Luckily, changing your hygiene habits and the products you use can make a difference in just a few days.Drink lots of water. If you're dehydrated, your skin will look dryer and saggier than it really is. Drinking more water can definitely help plump skin up and make it healthier, but it won't make a difference in the outer layers of the skin, so it's not Page 81

Here are some helpful tips for you to stave off those horrible winter skin blues. Shower in lukewarm water. It's tempting to luxuriate in long, hot showers and baths when the temperatures drop, but hot water is hard on your skin, stripping it of its natural oils. That doesn't mean you have to start taking cold showers, but it would help to keep the dial closer to body temperature than to boiling. Choose gentle, natural moisturizers. Many common ingredients in lotions and moisturizers, including petrolatum and silicone, are not ideal for your skin and can actually exacerbate dryness over time. Plant-based oils like borage, cocoa butter and jojoba help maintain a protective barrier over your skin, and many have additional benefits, like assisting in cell turnover. Moisturize while your skin is still damp. When you emerge from the bath or shower, take a moment to apply your lotion or body cream. The moisturizing ingredients in the lotion will help seal water into your skin, helping it stay hydrated longer. Exfoliate on a regular basis. Help your body shed the dead skin cells that can build up visibly when your skin is dry. Use a gentle exfoliant like a loofah or a body scrub made with sugar, salt or other coarse ingredients to buff your skin to a soft, smooth finish. Consider using a humidifier. Adding moisture back to the parched air in your home will also benefit your skin, hair and mucous membranes. Don't forget the sunscreen. We tend to associate sun protection with warm weather, but it's just as easy to get a sunburn in February as it is in July. Slather it on, and you'll prevent damage and dryness.

I leave you with this lovely Yule blessing and all my warmest wishes for the holiday season!

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May you be filled with serenity on this the shortest day and longest night. May whatever despairs or sadnesses you carry be burned away by the returning sun, for every period of darkness there will be one of light. May you be surrounded by loved ones and laughter, May your home be filled with joy and warmth, as you rejoice in this festive season. May you take some time for yourself, to reflect on days both past and future, May you find peace in the beautiful quietude of Winter.

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Brittanyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Top Picks

Christmas 2012

1.Â Honest Amish~ Skin Care Gift Basket -100% Natural with organic oils and butters Eye and Wrinkle, Hand and Body, and Lip Balm $22.50 Set Includes: Night Time Eye and Wrinkle Salve comes in a one ounce twist tin, filled with radical age fighting botanicals infused in to a base of premium organic oils, This salve melts instantly upon contact with your skin soaking deep and helping reduce age lines, dryness, spots, and helps keep your skin healthy and looking its best. It contains Virgin Argan, Olive, Virgin Pumpkin Seed, Grapeseed, and Apricot Kernal Oil. All of these nurturing organic oils are then mixed in with a small amount of Virgin Organic Shea Butter. This salve packs a punch and does so only the way nature can. Hand and Body Repair Salve will relieve your skin from irritation and dryness. This salve spreads on like butter and the combination of oils goes to work quickly by soaking in deep and helping to repair your damaged skin. Great on overworked and dry hands or feet and also wonderful to use on the body at night to stop your itching skin and provide you with a full night's rest. Filled with wild harvested botanical additives selected from age old remedies then bathe them with pure organic oils, this blend of botanical is aimed at skin issues including eczema, sores, abscesses, rashes, and other irritations of the skin. Our hand and body salve is filled with antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and enzymes that assist curing and repairing your skin. Comes in a two ounce twist tin. Honey Dipped Lip Shine is made from locally harvested beeswax and honey from North-Western PA. We combine these wonderful local ingredients with a blend of premium organic oils starting with Apricot Kernel oil for conditioning, pumpkin oil for its rich emollient nature and loads of vitamins, and castor oil for it's thick lush conditioning ability and shine. We also add organic avocado butter, rosemary oil, and a tiny bit of spearmint essential oil to make this lip balm absolutely mouth watering.

2. Naturallogic~ Bamboo Rice Cleansing Facial Scrub $18.00 Bamboo Rice Cleansing Facial Scrub encourages the skin toward balance, enhances clarity, unclogs pores, reduces dullness, exfoliates dead skin cells, stimulates circulation and drainage of environmental toxins, revealing fresh, supple, glowing skin. Essentially, these are cleansing grains, but rather than having to add an activator or liquid and mix it your self, this face scrub is already prepared. Once moistened and massaged between your fingers, the emulsion becomes mildly foaming and creamy, with a granulated consistency. The aroma is VERY pleasing, of lemongrass, grapefruit and lavender.

3. Ballyhoo Bath~ Gold Frankincense and Myrrh Soap $6.00 Warm tones of gold and deep red are swirled in this handmade bar inspired by the gold, frankincense and myrrh gifted by the 3 wise men. There is gold dust colored mica sprinkled on top for extra sparkle if giving as a gift. The sparkle comes off after a few washings. This soap is scented with a unisex fragrance that combines orange, lemon and tangerine with the spices of basil, and clove. You may also catch some patchouli, myrrh, amber, musk and jasmine wafting past your nose. This is a complex fragrance that is appreciated by both men and women. Page 85

4. Posh Brats~ Alpine Snowdrift Whipped Sugar Scrub ÂŁ7.00 The ultimate, wintry-fresh fragrance; reminiscent of fun on the ski slopes. This fragrance is a perfect blend of wet snow, Alpine trees, frozen air, menthol, woodland moss, spearmint leaves, winter anise and frosted vanilla. Posh Brats sugar scrubs are the BEST thing you can do for your body and your skin! Chock full of amazing moisturizing butters from around the world, natural scents, organic British sugars, exotic oils that will pamper your skin and will NOT clog pores. This is not a harsh scrub that leaves you with an oil slick and feeling like you've lost a layer of skin...this is gentle and it lathers and moisturizes, and leaves your skin dewy fresh and so very soft. It is formulated for all skin types. 5. Antoinetteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bath House~ Ginger Snapped Bath Cupcake $10.00 Gingie has finally snapped. Sick and tired of people always biting his head off, picking him apart, and crumbling his dreams, he has decided to run away to Candy Cane Mountain where he can be left alone. If you decide to take your chances with him, just beware this crazy cookie has quite a bite. Throw him the tub and watch him throw candy canes at you as he fizzes and foams. Gingie has been known to fizz up to 7 minutes so you never know when he will give up. Page 86

6. Villainess Soap~ Decadence Whipped! $10.50 An indulgent vanilla alcoholic, buttery and bittersweet with delightful undertones of tonka and coconut. Our favourite vice. Extra-decadent cherry kernel oil, antioxidant rich grapeseed oil, fragrant extravirgin coconut oil, and our favourite luxury mango butter. 7. AromaVilla~ Hops Hemp Honey Solid Shampoo Bar ÂŁ3.50 This shampoo is specially designed to gently cleanse, soothe and moist dry and lifeless hair. It has a delicious scent of star anise, cinnamon and faint traces of the sweet honey and hops. Rich in vitamin B complex hops add body and shine to hair. Honey repairs and conditions. Hemp oil is a natural moisturizer that boosts scalp health and protects against moisture loss. Macadamia oil helps develop stronger and healthier hair. 8. The Anatolian~ Set of Natural and Organic Turkish Towels $56.00 Used in the Turkish baths for centuries, 'Peshtemal' is a traditional Turkish towel, absorbs water as fast as towels, dries five times quicker and are extremely lightweight and easy to carry in your bag, luggage or storage. Peshtemals do not only provide practical, cost-effective and ecofriendly solutions (it consumes less cotton in production, also water and detergent), but also an elegant look as trendy beach towel (sand free!), pareo or sarong. Basically perfect for everyday use at the gym, sauna, spa, yoga centers, hotels, travel, pool, beach or simply on boat. Last but not least, it is unisex. Page 87

9. Meadowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Own~ Natural Healing Salve Sample Set $20.00 Meadowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Own believes in using only organic, raw, pure, and natural ingredients from trusted local and bulk sources so that you can enjoy optimal skincare health at the lowest cost. You will receive one of each of the following: Arnica Salve - for muscle and joint pain Chamomile Salve - for itchy skin Congestion Salve - for congestion and cough Daisy Salve - for bumps and bruises Dark Spot Salve - for dark spots Headache Salve - for headache pain

Rejuvenating Salve - for acne, scars, wrinkles Repairing Salve - for chapped skin Scrapes & Burns Healing Salve Page 88

10. Luluâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Garden~ Gift Set of Six Lip Balms $25.00 We spoke to Lulu herself about her fabulous lip balms and she told us, "My favorite lip balm now in a 'fingers free' tube! This balm is not addictive like many I've used in the past. You never feel like you constantly need to re-apply it like some crazy balm addict. It moisturizes and protects and the scents and ingredients are very natural and smell awesome and clean - not like chemicals. LOVE!" Also - just a fun fact - lulu's gardenâ&#x201E;˘ was Included in the 2011 MTV Movie Awards celebrity gift bags. Five for you plus one for your favorite fella lulu's tube gift set includes: clarity with grapefruit, basil, bergamot and lavender essential oils grapefruit peppermint with grapefruit and peppermint essential oils happy place with lemon, grapefruit and palmarosa essential oils pms avenger! with palmarosa, clary sage and bergamot essential oils revive! with lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, grapefruit and rosemary essential oils fellas blend with myrrh and patchouli essential oils

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by Sorelle Amore Columnist

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Shasie’s Picks by Shalanda Turner Fashion Editor

This is my favorite time of year! Christmastime/ Holiday Season/New Year’s Eve! So many parties to attend, so many opportunities to razzle dazzle. Here are some ideas for party season this year, for inspiration on that perfect look (that mixes and matches beautifully).

Accessories

1. Nine West: HOTNHERE 2.Mimco ACETATE SPLIT HEADBAND

1. ASOS Skater Dress With Ballet Wrap and 3/4 Sleeve

2. BADGLEY MISCHKA Midnight Glamour Dress 3. BCBGMAXAZRIA Guilty As Charged Dress

Office Party

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Sparkle

1. Mark & James by Badgley Mischka Mini Sequin Pixie Dress 2 ASOS PETITES Exclusive Tulip Dress With Jaquard Print 3 Bebe Low Back Fit & Flare Sequin Dress

4. Bebe Sequin Strapless Peplum Dress

New Years Eve

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Marina

Confessions of A Hollywood

Stylist

Page 98 MarinaBerBeryan.com

Red Carpet & Events

Season

Plus! Check Out This Bonus Video!

Click HERE to Play Video It’s been a busy few months for me! In addition to some great red carpet events, and exciting new interviews, Marina took time out to attend the annual Let The Kids Grow Foundation’s Holiday Gala, which took place on Saturday, December 1st, 2012 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, celebrating the inspiring individuals of the next generation featuring world-class entertainment, a one-of-a kind silent auction, dinner and dancing. The Inaugural Black Tie Charity Ball was hosted by Let The Kids Grow founder, entrepreneur and media-mogul Percy “Master P” Miller and Simin Hashemizadeh, who supports various organizations in which her contributions to humanity have been recognized by numerous celebrities Find out more and check out some great photos here! Follow Marina’s brand new column in LA Splash! Content by Marina BerBeryan. All photography and images used in this montage are the sole property of their original owners, and compiled by Marina BerBeryan who independently collated, published for educational purposes only, and granted special permissions for their collective use.

Link

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From Hat Trick, With Love

Fashion Houston 2012

Inside With Semant Jain, PhD

Photo Journalist: Semant Jain, PhD Fashion Writer: Zoha Memari

Fashion Writer: Zoha Memari Photo Journalist: Semant Jain, PhD

Brilliant

Inside

designers showcased their Spring/ Summer 2013 collections at Fashion Houston 2012 November 12 th -15 th . From color ful garments with graphic prints, to the incorporation of leather and metal, each line left us wanting more.

The first and second day, we had the pleasure of seeing incredible looks by designers such as Georges Chakra, David Peck, and Zac Posen. Georges Chakraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s collection was made for royalty with extensive use of white, black, gold and shades of blue. His one-shoulder dresses had intricate side detail that made each dress so special. David Peckâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s collection took us to the tropical islands of Fashion Houston 2012 Hawaii and Fiji as vibrant colors and a blend of floral and geometric patterns walked down the runway. One multicolored floral print in particular, shown in several of the looks, completely captured a fresh, summer-kissed ambiance. The second day ended with a strong, yet flirty and feminine collection by the very talented Zac Posen. His strongest looks used silk and tulle in the red, blue, and beige color groups. There were countless dresses that are sure to be seen on the red carpet. A blue floral gown in particular, that used tulle and was synched at the hip, was so exquisite. Designers such as Jerri Moore showcased their collections during the last half of this event. Her love of the Hollywood Golden Era inspired a very elegant collection that mostly comprised of deep-V, long and flowy dresses, and both pant and short jumpsuits. The use of satin and sheers in plum and lilac shades, to ivory, has bridged the Hollywood glamour to the every-day look. Fashion Houston 2012 was overall very impressive, as designers have certainly been experimenting with colors and patterns more than ever. Each designer delivered a collection leaving us yearning for Spring to grace us with its presence.

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GEORGES CHAKRA

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Fashion Houston 2012

GEORGES CHAKRA

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JERRI MOORE

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MAISON RABIH KAYROUZ

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MAISON RABIH KAYROUZ

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MAISON RABIH KAYROUZ

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MAISON RABIH KAYROUZ

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MAISON RABIH KAYROUZ

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BLACK HALO LAUREL BERMAN

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BLACK HALO LAUREL BERMAN

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BLACK HALO LAUREL BERMAN

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THE ART OF STATEMENT LIGHTING

www.kandabi.com

info@k

INJECTING TRUE CHARACTER INT

89 Causewayside, Edinburgh (Scotland) EH9 1QJ Eva Hammerson is a Spanish professional interior designer based in Edinburgh, with a passion for lighting, vintage finds, and mid-century-modern iconic design. After the successful launch of Kandabi, her quirky brand of statement lighting wall luminaries, Eva was itching for the right space to branch out onto every aspect of home interiors including lighting, furniture, accessories and wall art. Destiny, for the shop ‘found’ her, not the other way round, put the most perfect environment and opportunity in her hands to painstakingly and lovingly restore a jaw dropping Georgian space into a dream retail space in a sought-after and ‘left-bank’ area known as Causewayside in the South side of Edinburgh, Scotland. “After pealing 7 layers of vintage wall paper, I came across the original wall plaster and found the most incredible luminescent turquoise swirls of colour ever imaginable. I nearly cried with joy for it is precisely what gives my shop a highly distinctive and unique signature look. Next, I found an antique original stone fireplace in the back room no-one knew existed, which will provide a warm live fire in the winter, adding extra cosiness and much needed warmth in this northern climate”. Eva Hammerson’s shop is not really a shop, it’s a ‘private world’ where everything on display is up for sale, including its owner whose services as a professional interior designer can be put to the very best use. “Being Spanish, I wanted to create a true ‘Mi casa es su Casa’ (My home is your Home) welcoming feel-good factor. I think I have succeeded judging by the number of clients who sit comfortable in the sofa playing the guitar, taking inspiration from artfully displayed objects or having fun with my Spanish maracas”. Eva’s goal is to encourage people to be far more adventurous and have fun when decorating their homes, with a ‘no rules’ instinctive approach to putting interior schemes together. “I believe that if you only buy what you absolutely love, your home will somehow come together, pulled by the invisible but powerful thread of your personal taste. My mantra is follow your instinct and be brave for your house is an extension of your persona, and thus a blank canvas waiting for you to put your own unique stamp on it. The most successful interiors are always those with an eclectic mix of vintage and contemporary furnishings, which results in a more relaxed and authentic aesthetic, and avoids that ‘too studied’ and contrived show-home look”.

*****

Rated 5 Stars By Industry Experts For

Whether you are looking for that one-off unique piece to inject individuality and character into your space, or a special present with authenticity and ‘wow factor’, visit

Magazine

www.kandabi.com

info@kandabi.com

+44 (0) 131 667 7915

A Bit Quackers Ways to keep healthy level of insanity in the workplace:

1. Page yourself over the intercom. (Don't disguise your voice.) 2. Find out where your boss shops and buy exactly the same outfits. Always wear them one day after your boss does. (This is especially effective if your boss is a different gender than you are.) 3. While sitting at your desk, soak your fingers in "Palmolive." 4. Put up mosquito netting around your cubicle. 5. Every time someone asks you to do something, ask them if they want fries with that. 6. Put your garbage can on your desk. Label it "IN." 7. Determine how many cups of coffee are "too many." 8. Put decaf in the coffeemaker for 3 weeks. Once everyone has gotten over their caffeine addictions, switch to espresso. 9. In the memo field of all your checks, write "for sexual favors." 10. If you have a glass eye, tap on it occasionally with your pen while talking to others. 11. When driving colleagues around insist on keeping your car windshield wipers running in all weather conditions "to keep 'em tuned up." 12. Reply to everything someone says with "that's what YOU think?" 13. While making presentations, occasionally bob your head like a Parakeet. 14. Sit in the parking lot at lunchtime pointing a hair dryer at passing cars to see if they slow down. 15. Ask your co-workers mysterious questions and then scribble their answers in a notebook. Mutter something about "psychological profiles". Page 185

Proudly Serving Scotland & The United States by Appointment For rates, bookings and enquiries, please contact us. Page 186

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Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry! Cake Masters is preparing their December Holiday Newsletter right now. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll run this as part of our January issue, but you can catch all the amazing and inspiring cakes over on their Facebook page!

To Do Book T ra Tickets in Pen re fill Cat Fo s od

Charlotte

Katie

Have Your Say! Write to the Editor or any of our writers on content@HatTrickMagazine.com We are also seeking an Entertainment Editor and a Technology Editor. Email us for more information.