COMPLIMENTARY
mama life STAFFORDSHIRE’S LUXURY PARENTING & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
magazine
ISSUE 2 / APRIL-MAY 2017
TIPS FROM THE DATING GURU JAMES PREECE
MENTAL HEALTH
DEALING WITH STRESS & ANXIETY
HOW TO FIX COMMUNICATION IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP FASHION & BEAUTY
welcome to
MAMA LIFE ISSUE 2 BEAUTY BEGINS THE MOMENT YOU DECIDE TO BE YOURSELF
Spring is in the air, and the flowers are blooming. Every season is beautiful but there’s something special about spring. It fills us with life. It has been non-stop at Mama Life HQ. Hours have turned into days and days into weeks as we have worked really hard to prepare you a fantastic read. We have been on some adventures and have had some very interesting conversations with some totally awesome people from all walks of life. We had a trip down to London to meet the UK’s No 1 Dating Guru, a definite read, especially if dating is a scary prospect for you. Obviously, we needed to put some tips to the test – so we found our way to the infamous Chiltern Fire House – the cocktails are lush! The support from our readers and businesses both locally and nationally has been tremendous. With lots of new developments and Mama Life events in the pipeline, we really have some great things planned. All will be announced through our Social Media pages in the forthcoming weeks, so please start following us for updates. We hope you enjoy the read. Stay Safe & Smile Our next issue will be out 12th June 2017
Meral Mehmet & Natasha Inan Editors-In-Chief
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3 / APR 2017 / ISSUE 02
Content
MENTAL HEALTH
tantilising the tastebuds
By Sheila McMahon
24-25
08 - 09
10 - 11
12 - 13
the dating game
Beauty
HAIR
By Alex Sullivan
By Rachelle Grimes
By Black Sheep Hair
// Top Tips from the Dating Guru James Preece
// The Ageing Process Taken Care Of
// Hairstyles To Suit Your Face Shape
fASHION
By Emma @ Stylissimo
child versus chores By Alex Sullivan
30-31
By Simon Smith
32 - 33
36
39
TRAVEL
what’s your story
SOCIAL MEDIA
By Amanda Rudham
By Susan Miller
By Jan Kiermasz
// Holidays for all Ages
// Using CreateSpace
// Keeping Safe on Facebook
18 -19
RelationshipS By Wendy Capewell
14-15
20-21
Mama Life Magazine is also available to view & download online: www.mamalifemagazine.co.uk
43
47
50
Money
PETS
Astrology
By Jenny Bracelin
By Su Ahmet
By The Secret Clairvoyant
// Inheritance
// Dogs & Natural Remedies
// April - May Forecast
MAMA LIFE magazine
PUBLISHER : REEL PUBLISHING & MEDIA LTD EDITOR IN CHIEF : Mel Mehmet SALES & ADVERTISING DIRECTOR : Natasha Inan DEPUTY EDITOR : Susan Miller FASHION : Emma Russell BEAUTY : Rachelle Grimes HAIR : Michaela Devlin BOOK REVIEWS : Christie Barlow FOOD : Simon Smith PRINTERS : Colourtone Press DISTRIBUTION : Self Select
AGELESS STYLE
MAMA LIFE EVENT
Contact: Editorial : editorial@mamalifemagazine.co.uk 01283 533 888 // 07956 643 433 advertising: advertising@mamalifemagazine.co.uk 01283 533 888 // 07816 861548 GENERAL ENQUIRIES: hello@mamalifemagazine.co.uk website: www.mamalifemagazine.co.uk
@mamalifemag
Mama Life Magazine
contributors relationships : Wendy Capewell FITNESS: Ben Walsh EMOTIONAL WELLBEING : Toni Mackenzie MONEY : Jenny Bracelin HAPPINESS : Jo Howarth SOCIAL MEDIA : Jan Kiermasz TRAVEL: Amanda Rudham ASTROLOGY : The Secret Clairvoyant PETS : Su Ahmet EDITORIAL : Alex Sullivan
GUEST contributors MENTAL HEALTH : Sheila McMahon DATING : James Preece
A scarf is not just for winter. No fuss, no tying, just button and go….
singles’ event THURSDAY 1ST JUNE 2017 7pm-10pm The UK’s award winning Dating Coach & Guru James Preece together with Mama Life Magazine will be hosting a special event in Birmingham Central This will be a ticket only event for over 30’sTickets £25.00 in advance includes 1 drink on arrival
next issue is out on the 12th june
To register your interest & for further information please email: events@mamalifemagazine.co.uk Venue will be announced after registration
www.rewclothing.co.uk or call 01827 58006
Buy online
Code : MAMALIFE2 for free postage
the Dating game
by Alex Sullivan PG Dip (SCPHN), RM BSc (Hons), RN Dip HE
3. Profile Images: 4 pictures are ample. Image 1 - A natural picture, if you can or ask a friend to take one of you on your phone. Image 2 - A headshot. Look friendly and approachable. Friendliness means fun. Image 3 - A full body shot, showing your body type. The reality is, when you go on the date you’re going to see one another anyway, so don’t be shy. All sorts of people like all sorts of “types”. Image 4 - The final picture is “the hook”. This should be a talking point, an ice breaker if you will. It can be as trivial as you like such as holding a pet or an action shot. If you have a particular hobby that you enjoy, then show it. Why not show someone that you enjoy life and have interests.
4.The main profile: Introduce yourself. Say hello.
Mama Life recently travelled to London to meet James Preece, the award winning Dating Guru, to find out what the latest dos and don’ts are when it comes to finding the “new” one, including how to profile yourself, behaviours to avoid and an insight into the one most important thing that any heterosexual woman wants to know……. What is it that men want in a woman?!?!?
W
ith an increasing number of fortysomethings entering into their 5th decade of life looking for new partners to share the next 40 or so years with, it seems appropriate to look at how the rules have changed since we were twenty-somethings. When once upon a time you might have met your significant other through friends, school, a party, at the local pub or even through work, before we had things like mortgages and children, in 2017 it appears our choices are plenty of online apps promising to electronically and harmoniously match us with our lobster. James Preece has over a decade worth of insight and experience being on both sides of the dating experience, be that the dater or the one supporting and coaching those wanting to find that special someone. He has worked with and alongside dating companies, including speed dating, running events and teaching people how to begin dating again. What is dating coaching? James helps single professionals navigate the very difficult path of finding love through the quagmire of overwhelming options, such as the plethora of apps which are easily accessible in the app store on your phone. Events and matchmakers, as well as online sites, provide a minefield of information, often misguided information at that. Therefore James provides his clients
ISSUE 02/ APR 2017 / 8
with a plan which they stick to, which he reports to provide very successful results.
The plan!! 1. Dating should be fun and natural. It appears that people have missed that memo and dampened down their natural flirting techniques, therefore James attempts to inject some fun back into the process for people, getting them to remember the joy in meeting someone.
2. Avoid free sites: If something is worth having, it’s worth
investing some outlay into it.
After all, aren’t you worth getting it right? James recommends EHarmony, Guardian Soulmates and Love Struck. For over 40’s he recommends Love and Friends which sometimes put on singles’ events. Word of mouth appears just as important in this process therefore he also advocates going with a site that has been recommended and that you’ve heard of. The more members the better. Trial a site before paying and if you’re happy, commit to a payment.
7.Sex!: Bottom line is it happens when you are happy for it to happen. However, the first date is rarely advisable. Date, flirt and HAVE FUN dating and flirting. Maybe as a measure, consider the 3rd or 4th date as an appropriate length of time to wait. Longer if necessary. It’s not a sprint ladies. There is something to be said for a little charm and a lot of mystery.
8.What men WANT!
(Directly from www.jamespreece.com) :
•Appearance: It takes all types so own what you have and be confident with it. •Independence: Needy women never find a healthy relationship. Know who you are. •Femininity: Men want a woman who respects herself totally and understands her role in the relationship. •Communication: Be able to discuss issues respectfully, rationally and with empathy. Men do not like unbalanced women. •Fun and spontaneity: Men enjoy women who are game for adventure. Be willing to go with the flow.
This isn’t an application to be our next Prime Minister, so relax and talk as you would to a friend. Who are you and what makes you special and why would someone want to date you? Then speak to them directly about what you are looking for in your date. For example, avoid saying things like “he will be fun and outgoing with an athletic physique”. Instead say “you are fun and outgoing and you have an athletic build”. See the difference? You speak to him not at him. End with a statement or question such as “if you like what you’ve read then please get in touch” or “I’ve not long lived in the area, can you recommend somewhere good for a coffee?” Avoid generic. Don’t just state something, discuss it. For example, you like being outdoors….. Well that’s just great…. But what is it about being outdoors that you like so much? Capture their attention and interest.
W
5.Taking it off text: As James says, you’re not pen pals.
Best of luck ladies. Wishing you happiness and love.
Your ultimate aim is to meet and start dating, so what’s with all the texts? By the 3rd or 4th message, offer to exchange numbers, because you “have to run right now but would like to have a chat later on the phone”. If they resist, ask yourself why. If they don’t have a plausible reason, move on. Talking on the phone is a bit of a pre-date. You can hear voices and intonation. If you speak on the phone and you like what you hear, arrange to meet. Time allowing; make a date within a few days. Why wait?
Mwah xxx
hen all is said and done, when you reach a certain age, the hope is that you have a much better idea of what you want and how to get it. Have faith that you’ve faced life with all its ups and downs and guess what….. You’ve survived!! How hard could it be to take a few nice photos of yourself, write a few sentences about your positive attributes and for goodness sake, SMILE!!!!
6. It’s all in the timing: If someone messages you, don’t make them sweat it out for a response.
Not only is it game playing, but quite honestly, the next person he says “hi” to will be all too happy to respond faster and probably engage him in conversation and have arranged a date before you exhaust your “3 day rule”. Same applies to after the date. If he isn’t for you, by all means send him a polite text stating that it was lovely to meet him, but that you’re not sure you are compatible romantically. If he doesn’t like what you say then BLOCK BLOCK BLOCK!
Mama Life have a Special Singles’ Event planned in conjuction with James Preece. Please email events@mamalifemagazine.co.uk to register your interest. Over 30’s only Follow us on FB for further updates
Mama Life Magazine
9 / APR 2017 / ISSUE 02
The Ageing Process
beauty
Every woman wants to look her best; feeling attractive is the key to confidence, and having confidence is the opening to success. Staying youthful is the start to all of this process, so it is important to look after what you have been given. The first impression you give is the face people see, so taking care of your skin with skincare will help maintain your youth. People often say “I never remember a name but I always remember a face”.
Anti-Aging hand cream SPF 25
multivitamin power recovery masque By DERMALOGICA
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Treat your face twice a week to this “Ambulance in a bottle” (quote from Victoria Beckham). The powerful masque will nourish dry, lacklustre skin and improve elasticity while also helping your skin to recover from biochemical triggers that can lead to skin ageing. Price £ 35.70
MAMA LIFE LOVES
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A woman’s age can always be told by her hands so it’s just as important to look after them and protect them. This hand cream will do just that and also help to reduce dark spots.
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Multi task in luxury with a foundation containing triple correcting serum and enriched with the essence of the new longoza cellular complex that targets youth replenishing cells to create even skin tone and a youthful luminosity. Price
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Pump it Up lip plumper By NYX
“Go ahead, pout about it”. Pucker up and drench your pout in pump it up Angelina. I promise you won’t be disappointed. Price
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If you’re not a fan of chemicals, why don’t you keep it natural with the powerful blend of high quality ingredients such as carrot seed, frankincense, sandalwood and rosehip seed oil. These 3 daily essentials will help smooth, plump and replenish for a result of healthy, beautiful skin.
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ISSUE 02 / APR 2017 / 10
Mama Life Magazine
Gentle foaming cleanser by Clarins £19.50
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EYE CREAM – “Prevention is better than cure”. Keep fine lines, puffiness and dark circles at bay. Remember to not drag the skin. When Kiehl’s creamy applying, instead of rubbing, tap to this Eye treatment £22 delicate area. SERUM – This is the step when you start treating any issues you might have. Such as brightening, spots, whitening, calming, oil control, anti-ageing or hydrating. The good news is, this step is optional. Janmarini transformation
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CLEANSE – We all cleanse our skin at night to remove make-up, however it’s just as important to cleanse in the morning to wipe away all the oil that the skin creates overnight.
4
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A double duty hero, not only does it protect your skin after one application but it leaves your body with a shimmering, oil-free glow. So, say hello to being sexy and safe this summer.
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Taken Care Of
How old would you be, if you didn’t know how old you are?
MAMA LIFE top tip
Avoid matte, dry products on the skin. This will only draw attention to any imperfections and make the skin appear dull. Instead, use glowing, creamy products to bounce the light away from imperfections to give the illusion of a bright, flawless healthy skin.
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MOISTURISER – Saving the best till last, using a moisturiser will protect your skin from drying out. It acts as a protecting layer from all the harsh pollution and weather. Your moisturiser is also a great base to your foundation. Clinique Moisture Surge Gel £35
11 / APR 2017/ ISSUE 02
the most FLATTERING STYLES FOR YOUR FACE SHAPE
ROUND Face
Many women with round faces want to camouflage the roundness, rather than highlight it. The secret to a great hairstyle on a round face is to create the illusion of length instead of roundness. The secret to a great hairstyle on a round face is to create the illusion of length instead of roundness
Long face shapes tend to have more structure. Cheek bones, jaw line and forehead will elongate the face shape.
Long Face
Long, side-swept bangs create angles on a round face. They angle down, which makes them fall nicely with the rest of the hair. It creates length around the face.
Fringes are great to shorten the face length. Soft waves and volume at the sides will create the illusion of a shorter face. Avoid volume at the crown. No short layers or too much texture.
Oval face
SQUARE Face
Some of the most famous faces in the past and today have a strong, angular jawline. Women with square faces also age very well and take the best photographs. Lucky you! Megan Fox has a natural square face.
Any shape and style can be worn, whether it’s short, long, layered or bobbed. The only thing to consider with an oval face shape is what part of your face you want to accentuate. This is where you can get creative with a fringe or how you style your hair everyday. No matter the length of your cut, you’ll look best with layers near your cheekbones, lips or chin; basically whichever feature you want to highlight.
HEART face
Unlike women with long faces who can’t get away with long hair, women with square faces look gorgeous with the length. So, keep your length. If length’s not for you and you would like to use your natural features to make a more striking impression take a leaf out of Sophie Ellis Bexter’s book and have an angular bob cut right on the jawline… this will utilise all of the structure of the face.
Heart face shape is probably the best for a woman to have in terms of the versatility in which you can have your hair. A soft, side-swept fringe accentuates your eyes and draws the focus away from a pointy chin. A long bob that’s all one length, like Jennifer Aniston’s, helps soften a strong jawline on heart-shaped faces.
FREE Hair Colour Consultation
This haircut highlights more than a pretty face. It will also accentuate the shoulders. If you want a blunt fringe, be sure to discuss its width with your stylist. Jennifer Lawrence nailed it by cutting her . fringe at her brows and blending them with wispy layers in the front. You don’t want to widen heart-shaped faces any more. If you keep the bangs slightly narrower, you’ll notice the cheekbones, but they won’t be so pronounced.
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Jessica Stroup’s sleek crop looks sophisticated and stylish, but it’s not for the shy...if you have a heart-shaped face and aren’t afraid to show it off. ISSUE 02 / APR 2017 / 12
13 / SEPT 2016 / ISSUU 08
Upcoming Trends
fashion
Springtime patterns do not need to mean girly florals, instead why not embrace the pattern of the season, STRIPES! Go bold with wide, colourful beach stripes or for a more professional, smarter look opt for narrow banker stripes. My top tip –always wear them vertically to create the illusion of length and height
Spring Stripes
Embrace both the statement sleeve trend as well as the stripes with this two piece co-ord from River Island and give the illusion that you’re taller than you really are. Style it with this season’s hot shoe trend, the block-heeled mules for a perfect summer holiday look.
Style TIP
Stripes can create illusions, worn vertically they will give the illusion of length and height slimming you down. Horizontal stripes widen you. My tip - always wear these on an area of your body you feel most comfortable with or wish to add width.
Valentino’s SS17 runway featured this deckchair style stripe, and a bold yellow is this season’s must-have colour, a fab alternative to the navy nautical stripes. Debenhams J by Jasper Conran Skirt £55
A subtler approach to the pattern is through narrower banker stripes. Create a less formal, more chic look by wearing pieces which include ruffles, cold shoulder cut outs and full on off-theshoulder Bardot style tops. Stylish mummies can add this one shoulder top to their daytime wardrobe with skinny jeans and mules. You’ll tick three trends in one with the off-the-shoulder ruffles but still feel comfortable lifting your little ones into pushchairs. River Island Shirt £32
A nautical themed jumpsuit can be worn both formally or casually maximising your pound per wear. The ruffle detail on the top is a great way to create volume around the bust, therefore great for girls who ‘do’ wish to add curves here. Monsoon Jumpsuit.
(Price not available at time of print)
ISSUE 02/ APR 2017 / 14
Want to know how you can wear the latest trends? Book in for a Personal Styling session Quote Mama Life for 1 0 % off Courtesy of Stylissimo
I’m eagerly awaiting this dress hitting the Marks & Spencer stores. I love this quirky alternative to a shirt dress with its funky tie waist belt and elongating vertical stripes. I’ll be styling mine with metallic ankle boots. Marks & Spencer Dress £39.50
Style TIP
Break up the stripes with a waist cinching belt, accentuate curves and draw attention to your narrow waist. New Look Waist Cinching belt £9.99
LIFE MAMAVES LO
Bold Stripes can be more disco than beach babe. This 70’s inspired glitter fest from Biba can be worn as a co-ord look or worn individually to increase your outfit options. House of Fraser - Biba Top £39 and Skirt £59
Style Must Have
Dune Mati Mules £80
River Island Striped Top £32 and Trousers £35. Dune Mati Mules £80
Amp up your work wardrobe with this skirt from River Island or style it with a white cotton Bardot style top for a night of cocktails with the girls. River Island Skirt £35.
By EMMA RUSSELL
www.stylissimo.co.uk
This Marella dress from Young Ideas is two dresses in one! Wear it one way for beach stripes and a round neck or turn it around for banker stripes and a V Neck with the hot spring trend: a tie waist detail. Two for the price of one, this dress will see you right through the summer.
Marella Dress £255 available at Young Ideas, 31 Bore Street, Lichfield. Call 01543 255020 to reserve your size.
The bag, or should I say bags of the season are micro mini. Not the most practical for daytime, so why not layer them up, wearing more than one at a time cross-body to ensure you fit your essentials in there. Take your look from day to night with this Gucciinspired embellished cross-body mini.
Don’t fancy taking the trend head to toe, why not add these funky mules to your work wardrobe to create a real talking point. Style them with cropped culottes or ankle grazing trousers. Miss Selfridge Mules £32 15 / APR 2017 / ISSUE 02
GO L D & SI L VER PACK AGES
Natasha’s Blog
The perfect prom look begins here. GOLD: Nails, Spray Tan, Makeup & Lashes £80.00pp SILVER: Nails & Spray Tan £40.00pp
My Journey to Find Me
3 months into my diet I heard Nicky shout out my name. FOR ALL MAMA LIFE READERS QUOTE PROMO CODE: MAMABB
‘Congratulations goes out to Natasha. Everyone give Natasha a really big clap…she’s lost a fabulous 3 stone in 16 weeks.’
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6 weeks
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The previous four weeks I’d had a 1 1/2 lb loss, a 1lb loss, a ½ lb loss and the week before I’d stayed the same. I had worked really hard, so what was going wrong? I came home that night after staying the same and felt so deflated, and the smell of that chippy that night was yummmmm. So nice. It was even more tempting than it had been before. I stood there and thought, ‘I could devour chips, fish & mushy peas! Sod this. What’s it all for? Am I any happier than I was before’? I wasn’t happier, but I did feel better. I’d come up with a countdown a month into my diet. If I fancied something naughty to eat I’d think about it whilst counting to 10, and most of the time by the time I’d hit 10, I didn’t want it anymore.
After Nicky presented me with my 3 stone certificate, I held on to it like it was gold. Nicky always did a group chat after weigh in and certificates were handed out. I didn’t take in what she was saying, I just sat there staring at ‘3 stone’ written on that priceless piece of paper. How I had nearly given in!! Afterwards, I sat in my car crying. I called my friend Sam. ‘I’ve done it!’ I cried down the phone. ‘I got my 3 stone, mate!’ ‘That’s fantastic, well done,’ she said. I got home and stuck my certificate on my fridge with the others. It reminded me every time I went to the fridge how far I’d come, and how close I had been to giving up. Now the hard part begins. It’s becoming harder, the more I lose!! Out with the size 28 clothes and in with some new…
I got ready to go to diet class that day and I thought, ‘If I don’t get my 3 stone tonight I’m jacking it in’. It was now starting to make me miserable.
In the next issue…
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I could hear everyone clapping and shouting “well done” as I walked up to Nicky to get my 3 stone certificate. This one meant more to me than the 1st stone and 2nd stone certificates. Those had seemed to come off quite quickly, but to get to this 3 stone loss was bloody hard.
I drove to diet class, sat in the car and took a deep breath. In I went again, nervously waiting in the queue. I met my friend Faye there; she was doing well. We supported each other on this journey. She asked me how I’d done that week. I said, ‘Ok, I’ve stuck to plan’. Then Nicky called me over to the scales. ‘Hop on then, let’s see how you’ve done.’ ‘I’ve bloody done it!’
@lesbeauty
Follow Natasha’s journey of Highs & Lows
LAURA ELIZABETH SMITH BEAUTY
17 / APR 2017 / ISSUE 02
Child versus
CHORES BY aGE
chores
2 - 3 years
4 - 6 years
*with assistance
*all of the previous chores plus
•Put their toys away •Place dirty clothes in laundry basket •Dress themselves •Place items in correct places •Help sort recycling •Clear their plate from the dinner table
•Make their bed •Feed a small pet •Set the table •Water plants •Use a dustpan and brush •Help sort out socks and underwear and put them away in correct drawers
7 - 9 years
*all of the above chores plus by Alex Sullivan PG Dip (SCPHN), RM BSc (Hons), RN Dip HE
Is it just me, or do we appear to have raised a generation of young people who believe that money grows on trees, the bedroom fairy changes their bedding and tidies their rooms for them and that the cutlery somehow miraculously goes from their empty dinner plates and lands spotlessly in the kitchen drawer. Or is it possible I sound like all the generations of parents before me who have moaned about having “just mopped that floor and now look at it!!!” I remember having these exact thoughts a couple of years ago whilst locked in a battle of wills with my then 9 year old daughter, about why it was in fact necessary for her to tidy her room unless she wanted to see its entire contents in the rubbish bin. In this modern age, it is increasingly normal for both parents to be out at work in order to pay the mortgage, run their 2 cars, pay for that all inclusive holiday where one child goes free and in between all that fund their children’s ever increasing extra curricular activities… but wait… there’s more… apparently we have to maintain show-home standard houses too. It occurred to me at one point, when I was 10 years old, that my job was to do the family ironing each week and my brother and I would have to do the washing up after dinner, yet I rarely hear about children doing household chores nowadays. When I tried to relate those memories to my own child, I did consider whether I felt it was appropriate for her to be ironing or whether there were more suitable chores that I could expect her to complete, so I went in search on the internet.
ISSUE 02/ APR 2017 / 18
Pinterest was like an awakening of all the things I could ask my child to do and not fear she’d report me to Childline for promoting child labour! As a result, I’ve compiled some of the most popular chores I found and split them into age groups. Those of you with toddlers will be excited to know that even they can’t escape taking part in the day to day running of your home. As for the teenagers in your life… have no fear, I found plenty to keep them occupied. Most importantly, don’t be shy in showing your child how to perform and complete what will essentially become a life skill, so that they too can run and maintain their own home in the future. Here are some ways chores are beneficial for your child: Obedience - One of the 1st virtues a child learns. They respect the instructions & directions of their elders. Brain Development - Research has shown that when a child is asked to do a job, their brains do a mathematical calculation with how to do it, how to start and what will be the shortest, fastest way of completing the task. In other words problem solving!
•Shower on own (may need help washing hair) •Sweep and vacuum floors •Fold own laundry and put away in room •Assist with gardening such as raking leaves, sweeping etc. •Make a simple sandwich •Pour own drinks
10 - 12 years
12 years & up
*all of the previous chores plus
*all of the above chores plus
•Show younger siblings how to complete simple chores •Use the washing machine and tumble dryer •Load and unload the dishwasher and put items away •Wipe down counters, toilet, basin and baths •Take rubbish out to the bins •Make breakfast •Put away grocery shopping •Brush own teeth without assistance •Do simple mending such as replacing buttons, stitching a hem
•Clean the car (you could pay them to do this) •Iron clothes •Wash windows •Cook a complete dinner •Shop for groceries with a list •Mop floors •Do own laundry •Take responsibility for own pocket money •Clean kitchen and bathroom •Babysit siblings •Help with home repairs
Routine - Engaging a child to do a regular chore on a daily basis like making their beds or putting their washing in the laundry basket sets up a routine teaching them certain life skills like planning and prioritising their time. Responsibility - A regular chore can be taken on as a responsibility where your child completes daily chores without being asked and understanding there may be consequences if not completed.
19 / APR 2017/ ISSUE 2
How to Fix
Communication in your Relationship By wendy capewell
www.howtochangemyrelationship.co.uk
Do you feel your partner just doesn’t listen to you? You know you told them something, but they are adamant you didn’t, and this ends up in an argument. Each of you are sure you are right.
The way you communicate reveals everything about you. Words are the clothes your thoughts wear. So let’s look at what is going on
I
f your partner is absorbed by something else when you are talking to them – perhaps rushing out to work, watching their favourite programme, or distracted by the children, you won’t have their full attention.
I will let you into a secret you may not know – we really can’t successfully Multi-Task. Well, to be correct, we can Simple Multi-Task, such as walk and talk, but we can’t Complex Multi-Task such as listening to two conversations at the same time. What actually happens is that our brains switch between the two, meaning we probably miss vital information. So if you want to ensure your partner has really heard you, make sure you have their full attention by talking to them when they are not distracted. And, to make doubly sure, write it on the family calendar!
The way you speak to your partner will make all the difference to the outcome
A
sk yourself if you would speak to your best friend in the way you speak to your partner? If you wouldn’t, why would you speak to the most important person in your life in that way? Don’t make the mistake of talking to them as you probably do the children. If you talk to them like their parent, they are likely to respond as your child, and a rebellious one at that, feeling nagged and thus switching off.
W
Don’t get caught up in the Blame Game hen you start a tricky conversation about an issue you want to discuss with your partner, think about the way you approach it. Definitely start the conversation by creating a positive, warm environment. Put away your pointy finger, and instead see it as something to resolve together. Avoid blaming your partner as they are likely to become defensive, and lash out at you.
Mis-communication can cause real problems
T
his is something I can be guilty of, especially when I am in a rush. Perhaps hurriedly skim-reading a message or mis-hearing something because I’m not paying full attention. I try to take a breath, and either check out with the other person whether I understood them correctly, or re-reading the message and not firing back a terse response. It’s got me out of a lot of hot water I can assure you!
Listening attentively will reduce a lot of misunderstandings
W
hat can often happen in conversations is that part way through the other person speaking, you start practising your reply. Result – you miss vital parts of what the other said, and you respond to what you thought you heard. Or, you may even put your own spin on what you thought your partner meant.
I know what you are thinking!
H
ow I hate it when someone says this to me. I find it totally disrespectful, as no one knows what someone else is thinking. To be honest, I don’t always know myself, so how can anyone second-guess me? So please refrain from trying to predict what your partner may be thinking. Instead, be interested and curious. You will be amazed what you will discover about them.
This so easily escalates, with each defending your corner, thus a discussion turning into a heated row, with no resolution, and just creating resentment. It’s far more powerful to use the phrases -
’I think’ and ‘I feel’,
and viewing it as an issue within the relationship rather than your partner being in the wrong.
ISSUE 02 / APR 2017 / 20
wendy capewell author of:
From Surviving to Thriving in a Romantic Relationship http://amzn.to/2jkxJ8D
21 / APR 2017/ ISSUE 02
NUTRITION BY: BEN WALSH www.walshfitness.co.uk
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In my last article, I looked at mind-set. I said there was nutrition and training also, so let’s move on to NUTRITION. Everyone thinks of nutrition differently. The majority of people want to lose weight. If you think you have to reduce the quantity, or put a restriction on the food you can have, it’s not true! You can, with moderation, have what food you want but you have to put yourself into a calorie deficiency. This means you burn more calories than you have eaten. This doesn’t mean hours of your day are spent on a cardiovascular machine; you can also do this by lifting weights, so a good mixture is required. You’re best having clean food, freshly prepared which takes just as long to prepare rather than having pre-prepared meals from your local supermarket. I always ask one important question before going too far into the nutrition zone.
Mama Life readers, when is your body at its busiest? A) morning B) afternoon C) evening This isn’t a trick question! The answer is A. This means always starting with a BREAKFAST. Why is this? Because, just as the name suggests, when we get up in the morning we must ‘Break-the-Fast’.
Look at it like this: we go to bed by say 11pm and we awake at 6.30am. During this time, our body has been repairing from the day before, and is preparing for the day ahead. This takes a lot of energy! So, we must replenish our energy stores, ready for the day. More importantly however, to lose weight, our body must burn-up the excess fat, but to do this, just like a fire needs wood to keep it burning, our body needs food to help it continue to burn away at the excess fat. Now, I always recommend eating around 6 meals; please don’t panic this doesn’t mean the size of the big meals that our grandparents would eat! We are not as active as they were so our meals are smaller in size. With snacking in-between, I would say that we must eat every 3-4 hours to keep our body going on what food we have so, this is the reason for smaller portions. Forget about eating with your eyes…simply, the portion you see may not be as big as you want. Take having a curry… how many of you would pour it all onto a plate thinking that will do me, but in reality, you only eat around a half ... or the special occasion meal where the fancy restaurant brings out the right portion but you think ‘I need to stop off at the takeaway on the way home’. I will continue next time on nutrition as we have more to cover REMEMBER THIS IS YOUR GOAL, YOU CAN REACH IT.
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23 / APR 2017 / ISSUE 02
LET YOUR INNER LIGHT SHINE THROUGH By Sheila McMahon Dip Counsellor MBACP and Comedienne
www.mindmanagementforyou.com
I
t may be hard to believe with me being a professional counsellor and comedienne that 16 years ago I was a client in therapy. I was suffering with depression and having panic attacks. For those who have never had one, let me explain…
‘A panic attack is like an orgasm – you’ll know when you’ve had one’!
I was in a black cloud of depression. I couldn’t see the point of anything. I had no confidence and no self-worth. If someone had told me 16 years ago that I would get through it, I would not have believed them. If someone had said that I’d not only get through it, but become a qualified counsellor and help other people through their mental health problems too, I would have laughed! And if someone had told me then that I’d not only get through it and help others, but that I’d also write a book about my own personal experiences with depression including exercises that could help others, as well as perform sell-out mental health theatre shows and be featured on national TV, I would have thought, ‘That’s Impossible’. Yet that is what happened. Sixteen years ago when the doctor told me I had depression, I asked a very important question: ‘Why’? I was not born with a mental health condition, it came about as a result of external and internal factors. Some of my external factors were physical and mental abuse in childhood and generational behaviours; I internally blamed myself for things that were not my fault, and got into a pattern of bad relationships. Through therapy, I learnt I needed to have a good relationship with myself first before I could have a good relationship with others. It does get better. The black clouds do break up and eventually your inner light does shine through. I learnt that the word ‘Impossible’ can mean -
‘I’m possible’ Changes Tamworth is a 12 Step Recovery Programme for Mental Health
6 Ladybank, Tamworth, Staffs, B79 7NB
01827 311006
T
here are many factors that can affect us, which is why it’s so important we wake up to our behaviours. How have we been conditioned and what limiting beliefs have been passed on to us? There’s other people’s worries, like the fear of what others will think. We worry about looking bad, that we won’t be good enough, that others might not approve and that we won’t be loved. No wonder at some point that one in four of us is expected to have mental health issues! We need to build our own identity, to create the confidence that encourages us to do things that make our own happiness rather than rely on others. It’s important that we learn to be how we want to be, and that we teach our children how to do the same. If you would like to know more and see me live, then my next Mental Health Show is on Thursday 1st June, 2017 at The Gatehouse Theatre in Stafford. My book ‘The Power Of Knowing You’ is available from Amazon. To find a qualified Counsellor in the UK or to come and see me for one-to-one counselling face-to-face or via Skype then please go to www.itsgoodtotalk.org.uk
I wish you all great mental health and encourage you not to take life too seriously…especially as no one gets out of life alive anyway! We like to say “Learning to live with not suffer from your mental distress”. Through allowing individuals from any location to connect with others with the same needs to develop more helpful forms of thinking and behaviour. Changes service enables those in mental distress to accumulate the necessary personal resources to promote and sustain their recovery and physical, psychological and emotional well-being. People are better able to manage their mental health problems and lead a full life. www.changestamworth.org.uk APPOINTMENT ONLY
25 / APR 2017 / ISSUE 02
Happiness Mantra By JO HOWARTH
stress & anxiety
in children & teens
www.thehappinessclub.co.uk
Hello there! I hope you are well today.
After the third time of checking I said to her,
My family and I went on holiday to France a couple of years ago. We spent a lot of our time on holiday in the swimming pool.
“sweetheart stop looking behind you, look straight ahead and concentrate on going forwards”.
One day my eldest daughter and I were swimming together and I challenged her to a race from one side of the pool to the other. Ready, steady, go! We set off....now obviously I was going to let my daughter win but she made it fairly hard because she kept stopping to look over her shoulder and find out where I was. She was so busy looking behind her, worrying about what I was doing and checking on my progress that she wasn’t moving forward herself much at all.
‘Nuff said huh? Stop looking behind you. Stop focusing on the past, stop being preoccupied with what the others behind you are doing. All that will do is hinder your own progress.
Look straight ahead and focus all your energy on your journey forwards.
S
tress. There’s a lot of it around these days isn’t there? And I’m not talking about us grown ups here, I’m talking about our children. I have lost count of the number of stories I hear about children as young as 5 suffering from stress, anxiety and depression. The work I do with teenagers has increased phenomenally over the last 6 months, the workshops I run in primary schools are now almost fully booked for the rest of this year and I have been contacted 3 times in the last week alone by concerned parents asking me to work with their small child. So, if you are one of those parents, concerned about your child’s mental health then please keep reading. I am going to share my top 3 tips on helping your child deal with stress and anxiety, methods that I use regularly with my own children.
Top Tip 1: Breathe….
T
I’m Jo Howarth. I am a speaker, author and founder of the Happiness Club. I teach people how to be happy. I believe that happiness is a simple choice, one that we are all capable of making. My Happiness Club helps people to make that choice each and every single day. “Being a member of The Happiness Club is a fantastic way to help you be happier with your life.”
“If everyone was a member of this club, the world would be a much happier place” “Jo puts life back into perspective.”
To find out about my books and purchase your copies visit: www.GladToBeDan.co.uk www.GetHappyBook.co.uk
If you would like a 1 month free trial of the club please contact me: jo@thehappinessclub.co.uk or visit my website www.thehappinessclub.co.uk
he simplest and most effective way to calm yourself down, when you feel stressed or anxious or wound up, is to focus on your breathing. An exercise I use a lot with children is one called Tummy Breaths. Ask your child to lie down flat on their back with their legs straight out. Place their hands flat on their tummy, one above the other. Now ask them to gently breathe in and out. They don’t need to change or manipulate their breath in any way, just breathe normally. As they breathe ask them to pay attention to the movement of their hands as the tummy moves up with each breath in and down again with each breath out. Get them to put their full attention and focus on the movement of their hands and their tummy. Tell them that if any thoughts about anything else come into their mind they can just gently bring their attention back to the movement of their hands and their tummy. Each time their mind wanders off, which it will do quite a lot, especially to start with, they just gently bring their focus back to their tummy going up and down with each new breath. This is a lovely thing to do just before they go to sleep, to relax those busy minds.
Top Tip 2: Be Glad!
E
very night, at their bedtime, play this game with your child. It is called The Glad Exercise and very simply you sit down and think about everything that has happened on that particular day. Then you must find as many things as you possibly can to be glad about or grateful for. They don’t have to be enormous, exciting things. Simple things such as seeing your friends, having a hug with someone you love, something nice somebody said to you, eating some food that you like, watching a programme you enjoy – all of these every day things pass us by without us giving them the attention they deserve. Play this game every night and remind your child, and yourself, of all the brilliant, wonderful things there are in your lives.
Top Tip 3: SleepTalk
T
his incredibly simple process involves you talking to your child while they sleep and repeating a set of tried and tested phrases designed to help your child to feel the love that is all around them. It takes a couple of minutes every night and, over time, can transform your child from anxious and worried to calm and confident. All of the techniques I have outlined are simple to use and incredibly effective at helping your child to manage their own emotions. And the best bit is you can use them all too! For more information on my work with schools please visit http://www.thehappinessclub.co.uk/schools/ For more information on The Goulding SleepTalk Process contact Debbie Hayes: hello@debbiehayes.co.uk
By JO HOWARTH
www.thehappinessclub.co.uk
27 / APR 2017 / ISSUE 02
MAMA LIFE magazine
LAUNCH EVENT IN PICTURES
Friday 10th February 2017 swinfen hall, nr lichfield, staffordshire
Mama Life Magazine launched with a spectacular evening at the beautiful Georgian Manor Swinfen Hall. There were over 120 guests in attendance to this invite-only event. With Champagne flowing and delicious hors d’oeuvres being served we shared our vision for Staffordshire’s 1st Luxury Parenting & Lifestyle read. Mama Life Magazine was honoured to have an Exclusive Preview of the latest work of art by the local and infamous artisit John Waterhouse. The first issue was introduced by the award-winning Bollywood Burnout dancers. A great night meeting and mingling with lovely people from all walks of life. Thank you to all who helped and supported Mama Life Magazine on this very special evening. Photography : Small Photography
ISSUE 02 / APR 2017 / 28
29 / APR 2017 / ISSUE 02
food By simon smith
www.simonsmith-chef.com
Tantilising Tastebuds the
Where are my puds, I hear you cry! Last issue I did a healthy five-day meal plan to keep you all on track after a festive culinary overload but I think this time it’s a good idea to share something a little bit naughty to satisfy the sugar rush. I realise that everybody is time poor, running around in these busy days so I thought I would do a couple of easy but sexy recipes that the kids can also join in with if you don’t mind chocolate up the walls and over the dog. Fingers crossed it won’t get that bad so here goes.
Dark chocolate ganache with fresh raspberries (makes 4 ) 200 gms 250 gms 100 gms 25 gms 1x 3 1x 4x
Dark chocolate 70% plus depending on how bitter you like your chocolate Double cream Caster sugar Unsalted butter Orange zested Drops of vanilla paste or essence Pkt raspberries Crushed meringue nests
Method The joy of this recipe is the ease of making it. •Put the chocolate, cream, sugar, butter, vanilla and orange zest in a glass or steel bowl •Put the bowl on top of a pan of warm water and heat gently until melted, stirring occasionally •Add the orange zest, crushed meringue and straw berries and fold in •Tip into a mould lined with cling film or into glasses •Leave to set in the fridge for 4 hours •Turn out, garnish and serve This really is a rich sweet so be warned
Orange Mascarpone Cream (makes 6) 1x 1x 1x 1x 1x
325gm Jar of orange curd 500gm Tub of mascarpone Orange zested Shot Grand Marnier Pomegranate de-seeded (optional but great for texture and colour)
Method Again another really easy one that can be made two or three days in advance •Mix the orange curd and mascarpone in a bowl with a spoon •Zest the orange directly into the bowl to save the oils that come from the skin •Add Grand Marnier and stir together •Spoon into glasses and add the pomegranate seeds •You can either buy the pomegranate seeds or do them yourself •The best way to de-seed a pomegranate is to cut it round ‘the equator’, hold it over a bowl and tap the ends with a hammer (gently). The seeds will fall out but it may look a bit like roadkill as there will be red everywhere if you aren’t careful. ISSUE 02 / APR 2017 / 30
Now we have got the naughty stuff out of the way, it’s time for something seasonal and for this I am going to do an asparagus dish. Traditionally the English asparagus season starts with the first harvest day on St George’s day on April 23rd. There are two ways of preparing it, one of which is to peel the stem with a potato peeler and the other is hold it at both ends and bend it until it snaps in the middle leaving you with just the tender shoot to eat and the other half to turn into soup. If you are going to boil it, you need a large pan with plenty of boiling water so the asparagus can move about freely. Drop the asparagus in and cook for 3 minutes, depending on the thickness. Test it by putting a knife into the thick end and if there is just a little resistance then it’s ready to go. Either take it out and serve immediately or drop into a bowl of chilled water to stop it cooking and keep the colour. Asparagus can also be fried in some oil and butter or grilled with some olive oil which gives it a much nuttier flavour. The recipe I have given you is a risotto type dish using orzo which is a pasta. I know this is sold in Waitrose and I’m sure available elsewhere.
Orzo with fresh English asparagus 8ozs Orzo 6x Asparagus spears 1x Finely diced onion 1x Garlic clove ¼ pt Chicken or vegetable stock 2ozs Parmesan 2ozs Double cream Fresh basil Nutmeg Olive oil
Method •Finely slice the asparagus and sweat off with some chopped garlic and onion until soft. •Add the orzo and stir, add some stock. •Cook for 5 minutes until the orzo are soft. •Add some double cream and parmesan and stir in. •Finish with some grated nutmeg and fresh basil. This makes a great lunch dish and you can also add some grilled asparagus spears for more body if you wish
Food Around the World NOT FOR THE SQUEAMISH
Last year I went to Vietnam to study Asian food so I can build it into my menus. This being a very poor country, the locals tend to eat only things they can catch themselves rather than go to the shops. I have a strong stomach and knew it would be put to the test but went with an open mind to try anything (except dog which I find abhorrent). So many of the restaurants there don’t have a menu as such but instead a glass tank at the front with live creatures which are selected by the customer. One such tank I passed had two huge toads, a snake and some scorpions in it. In this country, that’s called a reptile house; over there, it’s called a menu. The restaurant I finally chose had a lot more options but still ‘exotic’ as described on the menu. I was talked into trying silk worm on the basis that it tasted like Foie Gras...absolutely not. It was disgusting and I couldn’t swallow it at all. Next, grilled scorpion on a kebab. Very crunchy and not pleasant. I also tried a slice of the whole crocodile which was roasting on a spit in the corner and, in fact, found that to be quite nice. Another member of the party ordered the snake ceremony. A live snake is brought to the table by the chef. It is stretched out and the heart removed. This is then given to the customer to swallow while still beating. The blood is then squeezed into a glass of vodka and taken as a shot. I am told this is good for virility but just made me feel unwell. That being said, the quality of the fresh produce there is stunning and the simplicity of the majority of dishes gives an outstanding taste sensation.
31 / APR 2017 / ISSUE 02
HOLIDAYS for all AGES
TRAVEL
By AMANDA RUDHAM
www.travelcounsellors.com/amanda.rudham
Travelling as a family should be great fun – an opportunity to relax, spend time together and experience something new. However, choosing a holiday destination to suit the whole family can be tricky! Particularly if you have a mix of ages. Here are my top picks for family holidays.
Babies
It can be daunting leaving the house to go to the supermarket with a young baby, never mind flying long-haul to some far flung destination! But choose the right resort and you’ll all enjoy your first holiday together. And don’t forget, under 2s often travel free or at a much reduced rate. In my experience, babies can cope well with long-haul flights but a flight time under 4 hours is recommended. Majorca, Menorca, Portugal and Greece are ideal as they have short flight times and there are plenty of great family-friendly resorts. You’ll also find familiar products in the shops so nappies and other baby products can be purchased in the resort to save on the luggage allowance. Check out the Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort Hotel in the Algarve – they offer a Baby Concierge Service so you can pre-book equipment such as sterilisers, safety gates and baby baths. Or the Sani Resort in Halkidiki who offer babysitting and crèche facilities including “Babewatch” on the beach so you can take a swim while baby is looked after.
Tweens & TeenS
This can be one of the most challenging age groups for family holidays. Try and get older children involved in the planning stage and let them choose some of the activities. If you’re an active family, choose an adventure holiday – how about white water rafting and kayaking in Croatia or jungle trekking in Thailand? Don’t rule out City Breaks for this age group; art lovers will enjoy Paris, Florence and Bilbao while history buffs will appreciate a visit to Rome, Berlin or Athens.
Toddlers & Young Children For young children, hotels with plenty of facilities and a great pool (ideally with water slides!) are a must. Kids Clubs offer an opportunity to meet other children and on site organised activities will give older members of the family a chance to relax while the kids are taken care of. Look for apartments or 2 room suites so everyone is able to sleep undisturbed. All-inclusive holidays are a good choice for this age group as you won’t have to worry about the expense of drinks and snacks and you’ll often find lots of activities included as well. Club Med, Mark Warner and Neilson all offer comprehensive packages in some fabulous destinations for winter and summer holidays.
Taking the Grandparents More and more I’m being asked to plan trips for extended family groups and multi-generational holidays are definitely on the increase with 20% of people already regularly travelling with 3 generations. The key to a successful extended family holiday is allowing everyone to have their own space and do things apart as well as together. My personal favourite for a multi-generational holiday is a cruise. As well as different destinations to explore, there are kids clubs & sports facilities for the children, spa facilities and activities for the adults and plenty of quiet spaces for those wanting some rest and relaxation. Evenings offer the perfect opportunity to come together for dinner and some family-friendly entertainment.
a day in thE life of BEST SELLING AUTHOR...
Christie Barlow
I am absolutely delighted to be asked to write a book column for Mama Life Magazine. I’ll be bringing you news, reviews and interviews with best-selling authors. My Background.
I grew up in Northwich, Cheshire where my parents still live today. After meeting my husband, we moved to Manchester where all of our four children were born but recently, we have moved to a gorgeous picturesque village in the heart of Staffordshire where I am the proud owner of chickens and a mad Cocker Spaniel called Woody. My writing career came as somewhat of a surprise! Once hitting my mid-life crisis (but dodging the tattoo and the fast car) after wholly dedicating my life to the care of my children, they asked me what I wanted to do in life while we were discussing their career options. ‘I’ve always wanted to write a book,’ I found myself answering, and so the notion was born. I self-published my first novel and will always remember the proud moment I showed my children the finished product. I stood in front of them, with a book that had my name on the cover and the message was loud and clear. If I could achieve something by setting my mind to it, then so could they. I would have been happy enough if my demonstration of what hard work and determination could achieve had ended there, but it didn’t. I knew that a strong Social Media presence would be necessary to promote it – and sure enough, it circulated quickly and became the talk of the town. Within a few months, the first novel I wrote became an Amazon
#1 bestseller in the UK and the USA. I landed a five book publication deal and an agent and recently I’ve signed a further contract with Harper Collins affiliate Harper Impulse. I am a full time writer of women’s commercial fiction, specifically romantic comedy.
I’m currently writing book 6 which is due for release September 2017 by Harper Impulse. I don’t want to give too much away except that it features narrowboats and an old picture house. I’m loving writing every second of it and I hope you’ll love it too!
Writing Routine.
What advice do you have for any other aspiring novelists?
After dropping the children off at school, I usually I go off for a brisk walk with my Cocker Spaniel, Woody. Then I come home to drink numerous cups of tea and settle down in my writing cave. I have read numerous blog posts about authors who have story boards and spend hours on mind plans, however I’ll let you in on a little secret … I write whatever is whirling around in my head at the time. I know my characters inside and out and the general gist of how I want the story to progress, but then I love it when all of a sudden the story goes flying off in a totally different direction than I’d originally intended. That’s the magic of writing! I write one draft from start to finish then I ping it over to my lovely editor and then go into complete melt down while I wait to hear her thoughts! My Books. I have written five books so far! A Year in the Life of a Playground Mother and The Misadventures of a Playground Mother (these are feel-good comedies about life at the school gates). Kitty’s Countryside Dream (a feelgood romantic comedy about life, love and family), Lizzie’s Christmas Escape (a sparkling Christmas romance) and Evie’s Year of Taking Chances (a heart-warming romantic comedy).
Go for it and write the best book you can. Always read and read widely. Writers always find time to read. Set time aside to write every day that way there will always be continuity. Find some people you can trust to read your work and give you honest feedback. Finally, only accept criticism if you respect the source. If my dream can come true, so can yours! The past three years have been truly amazing in the land of books and that is down to all the lovely readers, bloggers, friends and family. I absolutely appreciate that they have chosen my books to read and all the kind words and messages they send me. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be doing the job I love, so thank you. My new book Evie’s Year of Taking Chances is now available to purchase from Amazon, iBookstore, Kobo and Google Play. Christie is represented by Kate Nash Literary Agency. You can find her on Twitter and Facebook @christiejbarlow and read more about her on www.christiebarlow.com
BARLOW’S BOOK REVIEWS
WHERE THE DEAD WALK john bowen Kate Bennett may present a paranormal investigation TV show, but she’s not seen much to dent her scepticism, until she’s drawn to a building that holds secrets from her own past. That’s the premise for a book which may look like a standard (albeit brilliantly-written) supernatural thriller, but which turns out to be so much more. Where the Dead Walk is a masterpiece, a combination of smart, witty writing and a riveting plot that keeps you guessing to the end. It’s gloriously atmospheric where it needs to be, and blessed with some fantastic twists and a pace that builds steadily and effortlessly to a frantic denouement. Meanwhile, a cast of well-defined, genuinely engaging characters draw you in and won’t let you go. But like the best in its genre, Where the Dead Walk is more about its plot and its characters. Yes, there are spirits and the supernatural, but underpinning it all is a truly perceptive and beautifully-rendered meditation on the nature of loss and grief, worked so subtly into the plot that far from derailing it, they propel it inevitably on. I’d recommend this book for anyone who likes supernatural fiction, but I’d recommend it for anyone who doesn’t, too. A brilliant novel and a sign of a writer at the peak of his craft.
ISSUE 02 / APR 2017 / 34
REVENGE NIGEL may As the weather starts to warm up, if you are looking for a blisteringly hot read for the summer poolside or simply to whisk you off from the normality of everyday life then look no further. Nigel May’s sixth novel is a divine murder mystery cocktail of celebrity, intrigue, thrills, backstabbing and glamour. Nigel has been called ‘the UK’s male Jackie Collins’ and it’s easy to see why. His novels require page-turning so quickly that you are likely to gain blisters as the action is so plentiful. Revenge is a juicy romp which starts off with a mysterious death in the lush forestation of Brazil and then leaps forward five years to sexy celebrity chef Dexter Franklin as he gets ready to launch his new A-list restaurant in the backstreets of the jet-set capital of Europe, St Tropez. The list of wannabes wanting to show their faces at his opening night is long, but Dexter is merely concerned that five certain faces are on the guest list. They include a sultry Latina actress, two ex-girlband members who are definitely not up for a reunion and Dexter’s very own nemesis, his rogue brother Leland. As they all sit down to enjoy the launch party, if looks like revenge, revelations and regrets are on the menu. Spicy and sexy and as wickedly good as blockbuster novels get. Pamper yourself with Revenge.
A FAMILY HOLIDAY BELLA OSBORNE Bella Osborne’s writing is warm and welcoming and A Family Holiday is a beautiful and unusual story about love and family which entwines stories of two well-crafted female characters. It centres around Charlie, a nanny who is temporarily in charge of four quirky but loveable children. When tragedy strikes, Charlie is forced to decide whether it’s time to move on or fight to keep the children she loves. Part of the story is set in Antigua and the descriptions of the island are so utterly gorgeous that I could almost feel the sand between my toes! I fell in love with these warm and engaging characters. You root for them all to have a happy ending! The story has exactly the right balance between humour, sadness, hope and happiness. There are moments where you will be laughing out loud, and others where your heartstrings will be pulled by this extraordinary story. With a smattering of romance and a wonderful real cast this is an ideal summery beach read, perfect for fans of Katie Forde and Carole Matthews. A Family Holiday is a fantastic book and an absolute must-read.
35 / APR 2017 / ISSUE 02
what’s your story? Becoming a self-published author
By SUSAN MILLER www.teamauthoruk.co.uk
‘We’ve talked about becoming an author. Now, what does it take to self-publish your book? You can easily have a paperback or an e-book, or both. In this issue, we’ll look at publishing a paperback, through Amazon’s company CreateSpace. You can sign up for a free account at www.createspace.com. It may seem a bit overwhelming at first, but just take your time and answer the questions as they come. Since Amazon is an American company, it asks all sorts of tax questions, that you are mostly exempt from, but it does look daunting! Eventually, you’ll be asked for your ‘tax number’ – this is simply your NI number. You’ll then be asked to confirm how you want to be paid your royalties. Exciting! Make sure you have your bank statement with you when signing up. You will be asked for your IBAN number and Swift Code. These are international banking codes for your account and to identify your bank. Your bank statement should have these listed – if not, call or stop in to your bank and ask them. If you are writing under a pseudonym, you will use your real name for the tax information and bank account. Once you’re through this housekeeping – you are ready to set up your title. This is the title of your book and this is where you’ll list your name as the author – how you will appear on your book cover. Most people are aware that every book needs an ISBN number. CreateSpace will give you a free one – there is a place for you to accept their free number, or you can put in your own, if you have bought your own ISBN. Once you’ve entered an ISBN number, it can’t be changed. If it is an ISBN number from CreateSpace, they will be listed as the Publisher. CreateSpace has you do things in a certain order. You’ll see all the options available on your dashboard, but you may not be able to enter some things until the step before it is completed. You will need to know what size of book you want to publish. CreateSpace offers templates for many of the standard sizes. To find these, put ‘interior guidelines’ into the search box at the top. I suggest that you look at books of similar genres to yours and simply use a tape measure to see what size they are. CreateSpace uses imperial measurements, not metric. Once you have decided what size you want, you can download a template that has sample formatting or blank formatting. I tend to use the sample formatting option. This is where the styles are set up for you for the front matter, the Chapter titles, the body text and so on. The margins and headers and footers are also set up for you. Usually, this is where your editor /
ISSUE 02 / APR 2017 / 36
A Fear of FLYING or A Fear of FAILING?
By TONI MACKENZIE
www.innerdepths.co.uk
proofreader will be a godsend. I always help authors to do this part because it can be quite frustrating if you are not overly-familiar with using Word and its styles. Another thing you need to think about is what category your book should fall under. This is where you will be asked for your BISAC code. Go to the website for The Book Industry Study Group www.bisg.org - and search for your category/sub category. Once you are happy with this, you will choose it in the description area on your dashboard. You will also need to know what price you want to charge for your book, you’ll need your author bio and a description of your book. If you want to know how much it will cost to buy your own copies of your book once published, just enter ‘buying books’ in the search bar. CreateSpace lets you calculate how much it will cost to buy and ship books directly to you. You will need to know the size, the page count and the quantity. You can also figure out the royalties you’ll receive – again by putting ‘royalty payments’ into the search bar, and completing the information it asks you. You can order a physical copy of your book to proof once you’ve uploaded your final interior and cover. Alternatively, you can choose to proof it digitally – this saves you a bit of time but first-time authors often want to see the book in their hand before they press the ‘publish’ button. You can proof as many versions as you like of your book before you are satisfied and press ‘publish’. You simply upload a new version if you want to make changes. However, it takes CreateSpace 24 hours to approve the book’s cover, so every time you upload a new cover, you’ll have to wait 24 hours to get it approved. The interior can be checked almost immediately. Once you do click on ‘publish’, it will be live on Amazon either later that day or the next day. This is when it becomes difficult to change. So please make sure you don’t publish it until you are completely happy with it. Part of my service for editing and proofreading is to help you with all of these steps on CreateSpace and make sure the final copy is to a high standard. It’s reassuring to have someone else check everything over – to make sure nothing has been missed. Next issue: Timelines for publishing
In the last edition of Mama Life, I talked about the importance of learning to F.L.Y. – First Love Yourself – in order to live a happy life. This time we’re going to look at how your fears can hold you back from being truly happy.
It’s impossible to fly when you’re carrying a heavy weight So, if you’ve been wanting to fly higher for years but still find yourself weighed down at ground level, read on…
Y
ou were born with only two fears, the fear of falling and the fear of loud noises. Any other fears, including worries, anxieties or phobias, have developed as a result of your life experiences. You may feel afraid of failing, or you may actually be afraid of succeeding. You may have a fear of being ridiculed, being alone, being rejected, or being not good enough…and these fears are likely to be stopping you from achieving your dreams and manifesting your goals.
The majority of our fears are irrational and created by the power of our imagination. When we spend time worrying about things that might go wrong, we create the same uncomfortable feelings within ourselves as if they already have! As well as causing ourselves emotional pain over something that hasn’t even happened, this can hold us back in life so we miss out on new opportunities and experiences and limit the quality of our lives. I’ve worked with so many clients who have spent their lives ‘staying small’, for fear of even putting themselves in positions where they might feel vulnerable. Some people avoid relationships altogether for fear of being hurt, others engage in unhealthy relationships because they fear being alone. Others stay in overly challenging or dead-end jobs for years on end, because they fear they’re not worthy of even applying for more rewarding or better-paid positions. Then there are people who worry incessantly about what other people think of them, and those who have successful careers or relationships but feel like they’re impostors and live in fear of being ‘found out’.
W
e were all born with the potential to shine in our own unique way but our self-belief becomes buried under the layers of self-doubt and fear we develop during our early years. This happens as a result of the childhood messages and experiences we have, which leads to our limiting beliefs. Once we become aware of those untrue, unhelpful messages and beliefs, we can begin to release them and set ourselves free to fly.
So, just think about where you are right now – and then think about where you’d really like to be… Now ask yourself what’s been holding you back so far? Whatever you focus your attention on grows stronger so it’s important from now on to start focusing on what you want, instead of what you don’t want. The 7 life-changing steps along the journey to emotional freedom – as shared in my book – will provide you with powerful tools and techniques to release your fears and self-doubts, and allow your light to shine.
‘There is freedom waiting for you on the breezes of the sky, and you ask ‘What if I fall?’ Oh but my darling, what if you fly?’ Erin Hanson Toni Mackenzie is the author of the best-selling self-help book Your Flight to Happiness: A 7-Step Journey to Emotional Freedom, available to buy from Amazon at http://bit.ly/yourflighttohappiness. Toni is a Clinical Hypnotherapist and a Mindset-Coach working with people to help them change the way they feel by changing the way they think. 37 / APR 2017 / ISSUE 02
Keeping yourself & your kids safe on facebook
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Facebook was my daughter’s first venture into the world of Social Media. She was still in primary school when she started to ask about having a Facebook account – seemingly ALL her friends had one. The peer pressure was so unbearable that she opened a Facebook account behind my back. Yes, we had words. I wasn’t pleased with her and she shut the account down voluntarily. But the pressure didn’t go away. ‘Friends’ were making her feel isolated talking about being on Facebook. Eventually, I agreed to her having an account rather than going behind my back again. I decided it was better for her to have an account I knew about and could monitor. I was very concerned about safety; Facebook isn’t really a safe place for kids. I can’t wrap her in cotton wool, she has to learn what the world is really like. I still need to protect her from the worst of the world so there were strict rules. In my previous article I discussed the generic rules we put in place for my daughter using Social Media – those rules were created initially with Facebook in mind. Specifically the “don’t friend anyone you don’t know in real life” rule was the most important. The creators of Facebook have some social responsibility and accounts can’t be set up for kids under 13 years of age. Those accounts that declare themselves as child accounts (13 to 18) are automatically set to ‘private’. The problem is many children set their age as 18 – yes, they tell lies! This means that their profile is NOT private! Yes, the world can see what they post – not just those on their friends list! Many people mistakenly think that this is just fine for any adult and some parents won’t be aware that their own profiles are open.
Have you thought about who you are sharing those pics of your kids with? Just family and friends or the whole world? You have a responsibility to your child to ensure your profile is private too. Is it? I suggest you go and check. Facebook gives you a way to easily check if your profile is available for the public to see. 1) In your settings (it’s under that little arrow on the blue menu in your desktop version of Facebook) go look for the ‘Privacy’ tab. 2) Under this you will see the option ‘Who can see things on my timeline’ and the option to ‘view as’. Clicking this will allow you to see your profile as somebody else. The default is ‘public’ but you could view as a specific person too. The only things you should see as public are your profile picture and your cover photo. None of your posts should be visible – if they are, then you need to change your privacy settings. I could go into great depth about just how to do this but we really don’t have the room. The simple rule is, in your privacy settings if you can select ‘friends’ or ‘friends only’ then do so. Check the privacy settings for your child’s account too. The other thing to do is click on your ‘friends’ option on your page and then using the little edit symbol set your ‘friend list’ and ‘following’ to ‘only me’. Do this for your kids accounts too. It’s important we do all we can to protect our kids from their own curiosity. Let’s make sure we are using the technology available to help us not hinder us. Stay safe out there.
ISSUE 02 / APR 2017 / 39
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Home Harmonising
Which direction?
By THE SECRET CLAIRVOYANT
www.secretclairvoyant.co.uk
Decorating the home or just want to change your environment? Feel the need to change things around your workspace? Having trouble relaxing? Does a cluttered home show a cluttered mind?
bedroom, living room and even your kitchen. In this method, all you need to know is where East is in your environment; once you have found where it is situated, then you can start to understand.
From your home to your workspace these personal spaces in our lives are very important in many ways, and various studies in Environmental Psychology show us that our personified environment is pivotal to our wellbeing. The colours that we use and even the plants in our space are important to our wellbeing.
Clearing your space… To start with, you will need to know what area you are working on. For example, you may want to clear one room or you may want to clear each room in your home. If you want to clear your home, then proceed to follow the same instructions in each room. Secondly, roughly work out where East is within your space (i.e. home or work), which can be done by observing where the sun rises and sets in the space. Once you have an idea where this is, then start in that room/direction.
Historically, directions and their meaning have been in use across the world since the dawn of time from the East practicing the use on the Viking and Scandinavian belief that the housed world is part of a serpent. Here in the west, we are more familiar with the concept of Ley lines (developed by Alfred Watkins 1920’s) as a directional tool more than anything else. For thousands of years, Feng Shui has been used as a philosophical tool in attuning and harmonizing our personal environment from the sanctuary of our home to the productive work place. In the ancient east, it is believed that our environment and the physical structure of buildings that we erect have a mystical energy known as Qi. Directions are just one principle that is governed by Feng Shui as it takes into consideration the concept of time and space to where we have arrived at now to live and work in harmony. Just as the elements are considered also in eastern practices alongside astrology, they can be incorporated into a sense of harmony within your home and workplace.
1 2 3 4 5
With an array of methods that can be confusing when in application to the space you want to harmonize, the simplest methods are the best. Forget for now making accurate representations of north, south, east and west within your space and then aligning them with the elements Fire, Earth, Air and Water.
First, face East then light your candle and place by a window, then place your bowl of water and bowl of flowers beside the water and candle. Then simply say your blessing out loud and imagine (like a meditative state) the light into the room or area, and hold the thought. Then procced to do this in each room you want to clear, which if you do, then you will need a separate bowl of water, candle and flowers for each room.
The best way to start is at the beginning. The most universal method of using nature’s attributes to attain a harmonic space is to clear the space to begin with.
Finally, leave the candle in the room by the water and flowers and let it be aflame for as long as you can (don’t leave it unattended though. When you are not in the room, you can put it out and then come back to it).
You can start from any environment that suits you, for example your workspace (especially if you work from home),
You will need… White candle and holder (tea candle will suffice) Bowl of water (use the best water source you have) Bowl of freshly picked flowers from your garden (any flowers that are in season) Small bell (Ideally a simple brass one that you wrap in a cloth and only use for this purpose)
A blessing or prayer (something that is personal to you, it can be as little or as much as you want)
It may sound a lot but it will work and place a harmonic within your personal space. Do this on average about once a month. Some people find especially in where they sleep that they can sleep better facing one direction rather than another. Try this yourself and experiment on how you feel.
Your space is now blessed! ISSUE 02 / APR 2017 / 41
MONEY
INHERITANCE BY jenny bracelin
www.jennybracelin.co.uk
People dream occasionally, about inheriting millions from a long lost relative... Ensure your financial plans are working for you by talking to Wealth Design in order to : • • •
Protect your family – ensure the right level and cover appropriate to your circumstances Reduce your inheritance liability for the benefit of future generations Arrange an initial consultation at our expense Telephone: 01543 571238 Email: info@wealthdesign.co.uk Wealth Design Limited, Lagonda Suite, Virage Point, Green Lane, Cannock, WS11 0NH
In Business to help your Business •Accounts and Audit work • Corporate and Personal Taxation• Management Reports • Cashflow Forecasts • Computerised Payroll Bureau • Computerised Book-keeping Bureau • Company Secretarial Work • Management Buy-outs • Business Transfers • Strategic Business Advice Kelvin J Teal FCA / Peter Whitehead FCA / Karl A O’Neill / Susanna D Ault FCCA ACA / Carolyn T Palmer
www.tomkinsonteal.co.uk enquiries@tomkinsonteal.co.uk Tel +44 (0)1543 255612 Hanover Court 5 Queen Street Lichfield Staffordshire WS13 6QD Registered in England & Wales No OC353551 Tomkinson Teal is the trading name of Tomkinson Teal (Lichfield) LLP
To pay off mortgages or debts accumulated. To fund school fees or to live the millionaire lifestyle. But have you ever stopped to think about what you might be leaving your family? Mortgages and debts accumulated? Your millionaire lifestyle, or education about money? Learning how to manage money well, might be the most useful inheritance for your kids.
viewpoints. Even more popular now, is helping out adult children with home deposits and education, while you are all alive to benefit from the money. Particularly as one might be waiting until you are over 70 to inherit these days. 97% of people know the children are expecting to receive an inheritance, but 95% of them think they need to become more responsible for their own future. Skipton Building Society 2016.
Very wealthy families build and keep money through the generations. Yes the money helps, but passing on to the next generation the lessons they learnt growing up, is invaluable as the expertise builds up. Teaching how to make financial decisions, even introducing teenagers to the accountant, solicitor and financial adviser, it all helps.
Practical Information
This is even more important if you are the first generation in your family to make money. People rarely consider being the person with the millions to leave to the rest of the family!
If you receive an inheritance, you won’t have to pay tax on it, unless you sell something, like shares or a property. Then you will pay the usual capital gains tax at the prevailing tax rates.
What is your family’s culture?
What to do with your inheritance?
Traditionally in Britain, the aim of the wealthy was to leave the estate in better condition than you inherited it. In a multicultural world, different cultures and faiths have different ideas about inheritance – do you know your family’s views?
Do nothing. Wait and consider both wild and sensible options before committing your, possibly, once-in-a-lifetime amount of money.
Modern life encourages us to live our dreams now and older people are raiding their savings and pensions to do just that. Add in the cost of care homes and people like Bill Gates giving away large parts of their fortunes to charity. There may not be as much as you hoped for and inheriting your share might not be as guaranteed, as previous generations.
Is it our money to enjoy or do we have a family responsibility?
See an inheritance tax specialist if you are planning to leave or inherit an estate worth more than £325,000. Over this amount, the estate pays 40% tax prior to the money being distributed.
Consider this money in the context of your whole life. If you have already spent it, the only option is to forgive yourself and learn more about money. Or as James E McWinney says:
“Splurge thoughtfully” To create a new story about money, book an appointment with Jenny Bracelin, Business and Money Coach at www.jennybracelin.co.uk
An interesting question to consider – with many different ISSUE 02 / APR 2017 / 43
MAY / JUNE And Finally Phil Collins + the Diablos Saturday 13th May 2017 6:15 pm The Arena at Waterside, The National Forrest, Conkers, Derbyshire
APRIL Castle Egg Hunt Date: 08/04/2017 - 21/04/2017 - 11:30 am - 4:00 pm Tamworth Castle, Castle Quest Tamworth Castle, Tamworth Staffordshire
Madame Barlow’s Ginboree 2017 Sat 29 Apr 2017 -Session 1: 12.30 pm - 4.30 pm; Session 2: 6.00 pm - 10.00 pm.The Samuel Barlow, Robey’s Lane, Alvecote, Nr. Tamworth, B78 1AS
For more information please contact Tamworth Tourist Information Centre Tel: 01827 709581/618. www.tamworthcastle.co.uk
MADAME BARLOW’S GINBOREE: Tamworth’s first gin festival with an emphasis on locally produced gins.
Easter Egg-stravaganza at National Forest Adventure Farm Date: 08/04/2017 - 23/04/2017 - 10.00 am - 6:00 pm Postern Road, Tatenhill, Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire,DE13 9SJ
Staffordshire Day: The Curly Magpie Spring Fair at National Memorial Arboretum Sun 30 Apr - Mon 1 May 2017 - 09:00 am - 5:00 pm
Climb aboard the Easter Eggpress tractor and trailer take a trip up to Bunny Woods. Follow the woodland animal trail and meet some interesting characters on the way. The Easter Bunny will be waiting in his house to give chocolate to all the good girls and boys! Back at the Farm you can follow the Easter Treasure Hunt, help bottle feed our lambs and plant a bean in our kitchen garden potting shed to take home and grow! www.adventurefarm.co.uk
EGGS- ELLENT EASTER Date: 08/04/2017 - 23/04/2017 - 10.00 am - 6:00 pm Drayton Manor Park, Nr Tamworth,Staffordshire No matter what you enjoy, whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a young family member, you’ll have a cracking good time as there really is something for all ages. Please visit www.draytonmanor.co.uk or call 0844 472 1950 for information on our great value ticket prices, including season passes and group tickets.
And Finally Phil Collins is a 10 piece band specialising in recreating the experience of a Phil Collins concert. “Our mission has always been to perform the superb music of the amazing Phil Collins as accurately as possible with all instruments being played live. Although we can never compete with the great man himself we will continue to make every effort and recreate his music in true tribute style.” www.visitconkers.com
GREAT BRITISH FAMILY FUN DAY Sunday 28th May 2017 at Uttoxeter Racecourse
The very best of vintage and handmade in the Midlands! After two successful one-day markets in 2014 and 2015, the Curly Magpie Spring Fair is back and bigger than ever. Now a two-day event, the Spring Fair is the perfect place to find a vintage or handmade bargain.
MUSIC LIVE RACEDAY Saturday 20th May 2017 at Uttoxeter Racecourse Staffordshire Day: ‘Pumping Station in Steam’ at Claymills Victorian Pumping Station Sun 30 Apr - Mon 1 May 2017 - 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
The Steaming Events at Claymills Victorian Pumping Station incorporates fun for all the family - including activities such as: operating a steam engine, hands-on model making, children’s Victorian dressing-up corner, time capsule ~ follow the rat trail, miniature steam engine rides, woodwork and woodturning demonstrations and learning how metals are made from stone! Light refreshments are also available, in addition to a second hand book stall. www.claymills.org.uk
CONNECTING PARENTS IN BUSINESS JOIN US ON 5TH MAY 4.30-6PM
Nurture
KAISER CHIEFS HAVE BEEN CONFIRMED TO PLAY AT UTTOXETER RACECOURSE LIVE AFTER RACING The hugely successful English indie rock band from Leeds are currently one of the most popular live acts in the UK, and Uttoxeter Racecourse is expecting another sell out crowd for the latest edition of its annual Music Live Raceday.
Staffordshire County Show at Staffordshire County Showground Wed 31 May - Thu 1 Jun 2017 The show will be a truly great day out for all the
There will be 7 races on this day including the Clarke Chase, plus lots of entertainment in the Centre Course such as inflatable courses, face painting, Castle fun slides, Punch and Judy, PC Bluey and Konk & even a Boot Camp inflatable course suitable for adults too! All to keep everyone entertained. Remember under 18’s go free to all of our fixtures, making it a great day out for all the family.
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chance to *WIN a family ticket to the National Sea Life in Birmingham
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Family. Come and sample some superb local produce, find some exquisite crafts and enjoy a whole host of family activities, displays and performances. A memorable event, with something for everyone. www.staffscountyshowground.co.uk ALL LISTINGS ARE CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRESS
*Terms and conditions apply
www.enjoystaffordshire.com
ISSUE 02 / APR 2017 / 44
45 / APR 2017 / ISSUE 02
DOGS & NATURAL REMEDIES BY Su Ahmet
www.naturaldogsdirect.co.uk
SKY ROOM
Natural remedies are becoming an essential part of our daily lives in the family home. They are great for our dogs too!
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An ACV rinse is a beneficial treatment for skin, coat and bad odour. Mix 2-3 tbsp of ACV with 1 litre of water. Shampoo your dog as needed. Pour the solution over your dog avoiding the eyes. Do not wash the solution off. Towel dry and let the coat dry naturally.
Many dog owners are unaware that a few common products can actually be beneficial to their dogs in the form of natural remedies for ailments and therefore saving on unnecessary veterinary costs.
In addition to the flea and skin treatments, ACV is a superb remedy for cleaning ears. Mix equal parts of ACV with distilled water. Soak cotton balls in the mixture. You can then clean the ears with the soaked cotton balls until they are clear. Dry the ears, as leaving them damp can contribute to ear problems. Do not use on open wounds or sores, as it will sting.
Coconut Oil
Turmeric
This can be fed directly as a great source of Medium Chain Triglycerides. Research suggests that MCTs have been proven to improve mental alertness. It can be used internally to help improve immune function, reduce or eliminate yeast infections and can be used as natural ‘pill pockets’ for giving medication.
Turmeric contains an active ingredient called Curcumin. This has high anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, wound healing and anti-cancer properties! It has been proven to assist in fighting diseases such as diabetes, cancer, liver disease and gastrointestinal issues. Scientific research shows that Turmeric has provided arthritic relief and protection of the liver from toxins.
Topically it can be used to help improve dry skin and add extra shine and nourishment to your dog’s coat. The antibacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties make coconut oil an excellent first choice to help heal and soothe. As a bonus, coconut oil improves any dog’s skin and coat, improves digestion, and reduces allergic reactions. The oil is an excellent remedy for helping heal cracked paws and to soothe a dry nose. Introduce slowly with ½ a teaspoon. It can be fed 2-3 times per week as a supplement.
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Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
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The components of ACV help maintain a recommended pH level of 6.5-7. Due to ACV typically having an acidic pH level it helps balance out levels. It contains iron, potassium, magnesium and other essential vitamins and minerals. This can help improve digestive health, organ health and minimize bacteria. Holistically it is a superior flea and tick repellent. Mix one part water with one part ACV. Spray a fine mist onto your dog’s coat before going outside. Be careful to avoid its eyes and nose.
Golden Paste is now a very popular natural remedy for dogs. The recipe calls for freshly cracked organic peppercorns. This is because of a substance called Piperine. It is the bioactive compound in black pepper. Piperine in Golden Paste is what helps with the absorption of Turmeric. Take 250mls of water, 60g Organic Turmeric, 70ml Organic Cold Pressed Coconut Oil and 2-3 tsp of freshly cracked Organic Peppercorn. Add the Turmeric to the water in a pan. Bring the mixture to the boil. Leave it to simmer for 7-10 minutes until it gets to a thick paste. If it gets too thick, slowly add a little more water. Turn off the heat and add the pepper and oil. Stir well to incorporate the ingredients. Allow the paste to cool and store in a jar or container. It will keep in the fridge for two weeks. Alternatively you can pour the paste into an ice cube tray and freeze. Start with ¼ tsp and slowly work up to 1tsp 2-3 times per week.
ISSUE 02 / APR 2017 / 47
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ASTROLOGY By THE SECRET CLAIRVOYANT
www.secretclairvoyant.co.uk
APRIL
The beauty of Venus shines through this month and it completes its retrograde motion until the 13th; after this date you will start to feel like you are seeing further and clearer ahead. Prepare for powerful emotions and don’t let others’ frustrations hamper your progress. A philosophical outlook is required to perpetuate further achievements; you may feel under pressure just before the 10th but do not worry because there is lots of opportunities that lie further in the next coming months. What is needed is a clear vision as to where you want things to manifest and in what area of your life. There is a particularly powerful Full Moon on the 11th in Libra and this will mark down a new phase for us all for the rest of the year. It will signify a change in direction and you will now see things taking shape and entering a manifestation period and the key to this will follow through until the following New Moon in Taurus on the 26th. This would be a good time to start steering yourself where you want to be in the right way by seeing things through from start to finish, and to shed any tendencies you feel. All things will take shape from now on but if you have not tied up loose ends as much as you can then be cautious because things left may well resurface. This is a month to think clearly and focus on what you want to achieve for the rest of the year.
MAY
If you have not tied things up as much as you can at the arrival of this month then you are going to be getting a sense of deja vu. It is important to not let any dust settle and keep things moving, all starting upon the magical 1st of May. From there, the month will feel like it is speeding by and on the 15th to the 23rd will be some notable manifestations to watch out for which could be beneficial. The Full Moon is on the 10th in Scorpio so feelings will become quite intense and introverted. There will be powerful shifts worldwide and expect a sense of a shift in personal achievements and all round general awareness of things changing. This cycle of the moon will place emphasis on your professional life which will reveal potential aspirations that can be realised. In all...like Pandora’s box...a lot more insights can be gained during this period thus giving us a sense of hope in all that we are doing and we will be able to trust our friends to keep us moving. As time flows into 2017, we will find ourselves in the right place if not arriving there from a busy period of time that will see the outside world start to find a sense of a new era.
ISSUE 02/ APR 2017 / 50
50 / SEPT 2016 / ISSUU 08
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