Mama Life Magazine Christmas 2020

MAMA LIFE MULTI-AWARD WINNING BI-MONTHLY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE Issue 23 November - December 2020

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An Allen Brown Necklace rrp £230.00

Managing

boredom During Covid-19

Festive G iveaways

FASHION

Versatile Christmas!

Beauty

Winterhero PRODUCTS

CHEATING

in This Age of Modern Technology

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WELCOME TO

MAMA LIFE ISSUE 23 “Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity...it makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” Melody Beattie The year 2020. A year that we couldn’t in our wildest dreams ever think we would live through…unless you’re the director of the film Contagion! Whether you believe it’s a pandemic or a ‘plandemic’, the point is this era of our lives has made history.

Being confined to our homes, not being able to see family and friends, finding new ways of communication, new ways of working, having the time to do things that we never had the time to do before, learning new skills and adapting to new ways of living, we have been on the craziest roller coaster of our lifetime and we still seem to be on it!

This is where the quote above comes in, the greatest thing we can take away from this year is ‘gratitude’, it will be the best tool to carry you through the good days and bad. Trust us, it’s the one thing that has kept us going!

And so we come to the most magical time of the year, yes it’s going to be a little different, but guess what, it doesn’t mean it can’t be enjoyable. We love Christmas and no Covid-19 will change that! We have been in Christmas mode since September preparing you this glossy indulgence, working on our festive front cover, and watching our talented team transform our lovely model into a Christmas tree was lots of fun, we hope you like it. As always thank you to our creative team Emily Moya, Rachelle Shakespere and Jamie Mitchel – you guys rock!

How often have you had the ‘I’m bored’ feeling during this period? It seems it’s quite common amongst us where you feel

bored but you have so much that you could be doing to not be bored and yet you’re just bored! How to cope with boredom, pages 20–21.

Now if you’re into Astrology and the planets, then you must read an exclusive piece written for Mama Life Magazine about where we were, where we are and where we are heading. The World Astrological Forecast, pages 46–47.

We have pages of gift ideas, festive foods, festive fashion, beauty, lifestyle, astrology and of course some juicy editorial this time on libido…!

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the wonderful businesses we have worked with over the years and especially in this issue. Without the support of our advertisers, the truth is we wouldn’t be here. It is more important than ever to support our local businesses. We have so many discounts throughout the magazine, please use them and let’s keep supporting each other.

Finally, we would love to wish you all a happy, healthy festive period. Don’t forget you can follow us on our social media pages, so for now sit back and enjoy. See you in 2021.

STAY SAFE, STAY SANE, KEEP SMILING

Meral Mehmet & Natasha Inan Editors-In-Chief

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ISSUE 23 / NOV 2020 / 3

CONTENT

The Ups and Downs of the

Female Libido

8-9

10-11

14-15

RELATIONSHIPS

BEAUTY

HEALTH

By Wendy Capewell

By Rachelle Shakespere

By Dr Hannah Missen

// Cheating In This Age Of Modern Technology

// Getting You Into The Christmas Spirit

/ The Ups And Downs Of The Female Libido

FESTIVE FASHION

By Claire Pita

How to manage BOREDOM during Covid-19

is a sure thing!

16-17

BY SHEILA MCMAHON

MAMA LIFE Magazine is online: www.mamalifemagazine.co.uk

20-21

30-31

All I want for Christmas is...

By Rebecca Stew

Seasonal Recipes

34-35

By Wendy Hill

A SHIFTING QUALITY OF TIME THE END OF AN ERA T

40-41

43

46-47

LIFESTYLE

LIFESTYLE

ASTROLOGY

By Adrianne Carter

By Susan Leigh

By L Bracelin

// The Face Under The Mask

// Does Your Talk Match Your Walk?

// The World Astrological Forecast

WE A RE TH E O N LY M AGA Z I NE I N T HE R EG I O N TO G I VE YOUR B U SIN ESS M ULT I - P L AT FO R M E XP O S URE

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contributors FASHION : Claire Pita BEAUTY : Rachelle Shakespere FOOD : Wendy Hill LIFESTYLE : Rebecca Stew RELATIONSHIPS : Wendy Capewell ASTROLOGY : The Secret Clairvoyant WELLBEING : Susan Leigh MEDICAL : Dr Hannah Missen

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next issue is out on the 18th JANUARY 2021

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CHEATING in This Age of Modern Technology

BY WENDY CAPEWELL

www.yourrelationshipspecialist.co.uk

WHAT IS CHEATING OR INFIDELITY?

IT CAN MEAN DIFFERENT THINGS TO DIFFERENT PEOPLE, BUT IT BOILS DOWN TO THE BETRAYAL OF TRUST. I get asked that question many times. Both men and women seem confused and worried about what is okay and what isn’t.

If you are in a relationship, then you need to talk about it and decide what that means for you and your relationship. Because with modern technology the boundaries can so easily become blurred. If you are starting a relationship, then you need to agree on the boundaries at the start, and that includes issues I talk about in this article, as well as much more as your relationship continues. Many a relationship has fallen down because things were assumed and not talked and agreed on early on.

Before modern technology, mobile phones and social media, life was much simpler, and more transparent. And boundaries were more easily defined. I’m not saying that no one cheated on one another, it happened, I just think it’s easier to do and hide now.

Modern technology has changed the way that we communicate with each other, and there are endless ways of communicating as well as actually having a conversation with each other including: •Text messaging •Email •WhatsApp •Facebook •Messenger •WeChat •Tumblr •Facetime •Twitter •Snapchat •Instagram •Linkedin You may be surprised that I added Linkedin, as it’s generally seen as a business platform. But I have been propositioned on there many times. With all these various ways of communicating, you can see how easy it is to connect with a stranger or an old flame, often anonymously or secretly.

One of my clients did just that.

She reconnected with an old boyfriend on Facebook, and they began talking about what had happened in their lives since they had parted more than 10 years before. They had both married and had children, but neither were particularly happy in their relationships.

8 / NOV 2020 / ISSUE 23

By reconnecting, they forgot many of the reasons their past relationship had not worked out. Instead they each put on those rose-tinted glasses and made excuses as to why they had parted.

She said her parents objected at the time, that he lived in a rural part of the country and she was a city girl, and that those were issues they couldn’t resolve. Instead she married a guy who worked in the city and provided the lifestyle and financial security she craved.

Ten years on she claimed she was bored in her relationship, her desire for that lifestyle came at a cost. Her husband worked long hours to provide her with all the material trappings she wanted, and he wasn’t available to meet her emotional needs.

So, her former lover appeared just at the right time – or so she thought. They each agreed that they could not leave their families until their children no longer needed them – which could be 10–12 years in the future.

In the meantime, they spend hours on social media messaging each other, with the occasional stolen moments when they could make a secret phone call.

I don’t believe either of them had their feet firmly on the ground.

As I said there were good reasons why their relationship had not worked out all those years ago, and it’s so easy to romanticise about an idyllic life. Instead of working on their current relationship, they were prepared to risk everything and cause untold hurt to their respected partners and children.

When I challenged her as to whether she thought she was cheating on her husband, she claimed she wasn’t as they hadn’t had any physical contact, it was just innocent chatting and messaging. But I viewed it differently, as they were making plans to leave their current relationships, albeit in the future.

Then I asked her how she would feel if she found out her husband was doing the same thing. She brushed my question aside, adamant that her husband wouldn’t do that.

It’s not my place to tell clients what they should do. But it left me wondering what happened after we finished working together.

Do you think she was cheating?

DATING APPS Let’s not forget dating apps such as Tinder, in which all you have to do is swipe right to engage in what may seem harmless flirting. But which can soon turn into much more. There are some who continue using dating apps when they have met someone, and started a relationship with them. It’s like they want to keep their options open. Maybe they are concerned they are going to get dumped, or are they wondering whether something better might come along? They may think it’s not ‘effectively cheating’ because it’s not physical, just innocent chatting with someone.

But these chats and texts can escalate to exchanging photos and even to sexting.

CHAT ROOMS AND SITES There are also numerous chat rooms people can join anonymously and chat sites where guys can pay to chat, text and flirt with women – anonymously. It’s so easy for those who feel bored and missing that excitement in their relationship. I had one client who used to call the chat number when he was working alone for long periods of time. He said it was to relieve his boredom, but it didn’t occur to him to call his partner. He got found out when she saw his mobile phone bill on their bank statement and confronted him as to why it was so high. He denied it at first, and then tried to excuse it away by saying he was only chatting because he was bored. But he finally had to come clean in the end, when she demanded to see the detailed bill and checked the number to the chat line.

THE WORKPLACE Workplace romances have happened for years. I remember when I was working for an insurance company many years ago, I felt I was the only one who wasn’t flirting, engaged in an office romance or cheating on my partner after work drinks, which may seem just that, but after a few drinks can soon lead to more.

When you are working in the same environment with others for the best part of your day, those innocent offsite team meetings with colleagues can turn into more than that. You catch someone looking at you in ‘that way’, maybe a comment, and you sense that there is chemistry there, and bang, before you know it, you start to feel good. You feel that someone has noticed you, where before you felt like part of the furniture with your partner.

Mobile numbers are exchanged, you connect on one or other of the social media sites (only in the line of work of course), but then you find that work conversations turn into more personal conversations, with the odd innuendo thrown in. You can dismiss the evening calls or texts as related to work issues. Once read they can be deleted, leaving no trace.

It can feel exciting, but at that point you need to step back and give yourself a reality check.

How much do you have to lose? Especially if either of you are already in a relationship. You have a lot to lose, often at a huge cost, both financially and emotionally.

WHY DO PEOPLE CHEAT? Here are some of the reasons, they aren’t excuses, as each of us needs to take responsibility for our actions and even when things aren’t going well, we have choices!

•Do they feel they aren’t getting all their needs met by one person?

•Is it the thrill of having and maintaining such a huge secret?

•Is it that they have an inability to integrate two conflicting opposite sides to their personality?

•Do they feel they don’t deserve success or happiness and selfsabotage?

•Are they unable to be their true selves with their primary partner, and they create an alternative world enabling them to live out their fantasy – compartmentalising their lives?

•Are they selfishly holding onto one relationship while starting and maintaining another one for fear of being alone?

WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS THAT YOUR PARTNER MAY BE CHEATING? - If your partner has a sudden interest in his clothes, changes his hairstyle, goes on a diet and becomes a fitness freak, whereas he was content to be a couch potato.

- He starts dressing up for a boys night out, whereas before he just dressed in T-shirt and old jeans.

- He panics when you pick up his phone or opens his laptop.

- He walks into another room to take some of his calls.

- He deletes text messages, and makes excuses as to why he has done so.

- He isn’t interested in sex with you any more. He claims he is tired, stressed, not in the mood.

- You can’t get hold of him at times you would expect to.

- His behaviour is different around you. For example, he is edgy or angry.

- If he starts paying you more attention than usual – could mean he is feeling guilty.

- He stays up later than you, spending time on his computer.

- He brings up the subject of what is cheating and what isn’t.

Maybe telling you something one of his friends has done, when in reality he’s checking on whether you think it is cheating.

- He starts complaining that you aren’t fun, sexy ,attractive or interesting any more.

- He passwords his phone and doesn’t let you have the password.

He may excuse it by saying he doesn’t want the kids to get into his phone – and keeps forgetting to let you have the password or says you are nagging when you remind him.

- He changes the password to his laptop, social media accounts, bank account, email, or other online sites that you had access to before.

- He starts taking selfies of himself and posting them on social media, and not so many of you together, or your family.

If you haven’t had a discussion with your partner, whether you are in a new relationship or you have been together for a number of years, now is the time to have that chat about what the boundaries in your relationship are. Just because you don’t have access to some of the passwords I mentioned above, doesn’t mean something sinister is going on.

Many couples agree that they have a level of privacy, which I believe is healthy. After all, we don’t own each other. It’s about what you agree is okay and there aren’t any other warning signs.

If you feel uneasy and have some niggling doubts it may be time to take some action, whether you follow up on your suspicions, or have a chat with your partner. Or, you could casually leave this article open where he/she will see it!

Wendy Capewell is a Psychotherapist, Relationship Specialist, author and podcaster. www.wendycapewell.co.uk info@wendycapewell.co.uk Love~Listen~Talk~Repeat podcast - https://bit.ly/3f7NMAX .

ISSUE 23 / NOV 2020 / 9

CHRISTIAN LOU BOUTIN BEAUTY VELVET MAT T LIP COLOU R (DIVA) £70, selfridges.com

BY RACHELLE SHAKESPERE www.rachellemakeupartist.co.uk

DIOR - SPARKLING COUTU RE MU LTI-USE PALET TE £69, johnlewis.com

all ave had,you h e w r ea y After the as! this Christm y r u x lu e v deser

TOM FORD WHITE SU EDE £174, tomford.co.uk

PETER THOMAS ROTH - 24K GOLD MASK £68, cultbeauty.com ICONIC LONDON - U LTIMATELY ICONIC - £120, boots.com

Great Christ mas Eve

TU RN CHRISTMAS EVE INTO A PAMPER PARTY!

B OX I D E A S

CLARINS MAKEU P LIPS AND LASHES CRACKER £10, boots.com Isn’t it standard procedure to put a new mascara and lippy in your xmas eve box?

10 / NOV 2020 / ISSUE 23

THE BODY SHOP CHRISTMAS PU DDING BATH LILY £4, thebodyshop.com Get them clean for Santa’s visit.

PIXI BOX OF BEAUTIFU L SKIN £30 (instead of £60), marksandspencers.com Gift beautiful skin ready for Christmas day!

JO LOVES POMELO BAU BLE £40, spacenk.com Mini shower gel, body lotion and fragrance hidden in a little traditional bauble.

T-ZONE GLIT TER PEEL OFF MASK SILVER £2.99, superdrug.com Let’s face it (excuse the pun) it’s the only glitter we will wear on our face this Christmas eve!

THEMED BEAUTY THE BODY SHOP FESTIVE BERRY SUGAR LIP SCRU B

NEOM ORGANICS LONDON - CHRISTMAS WISH 3 WICK SCENTED CANDLE

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£46, johnlewis.com KIEHLS – HOLIDAY COLLECTION CRÈME DE CORPS WHIPPED BODY BUT TER £37, kiehls.co.uk

“THE THINGS YOU CAN ONLY GET AWAY WITH IN THE FESTIVE SEASON” CU LT BEAUTY - ADVENT CALENDAR

£199 WORTH

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TOO FACED - CHRISTMAS SNUGGLES & MELTED KISSES £24, cultbeauty.co.uk

MARKS AND SPENCER NAUGHTY LIST HAND WASH AND LOTION £5, marksandspencers.com

Winterhero

£15 of the sale goes towards beauty banks- the food bank for people struggling to access hygiene products.

PRODUCTS

LA ROCHE - POSAY EFFACLAR DUO

CU REL MOISTU RE EYE ZONE ESSENCE

BU RT’S BEES - HEMP HAND CREAM

£17, lookfantastic.com

£22, boots.com

£9.99, burtsbees.co.uk

Fantastic for children who lick their top lip and suffer with red sore lips

Targets dry/sensitive eyes.

A great healing product if your face mask is rubbing your eye area and causing soreness.

This winter we not only have the cold that makes our hands dry but the added problem of constant washing and sanitising to go with it!

Look after your hands.

BIO-OIL DRY SKIN GEL £4.99, boots.com If it can cure stretch marks it sure should cure your dry skin!

ISSUE 23 / NOV 2020 / 9

Axis Single Winder with Storage - £505 wolf1834.com

Truefitt & Hill - Ebony Wellington Mach 111 Razor £69 harrods.com

Jo Malone - Whisky & Cedarwood Cologne £128 jomalone.co.uk (can be personalised too)

Shakeup Cosmetics - Lip Life to the Full volumising lip gel - £12 Exclusive to harveynichols.com

Clive Christian - Original Collection 1872 Masculine Edition £250 clivechristian.com

Jacob Jensen watch £149 www.allenbrownjewellery.co.uk

LE labo - Face Lotion £32 selfridges.com

Oral B iO9™ Electric Toothbrush Black Onyx £250 boots.com

GIF TS FOR HIM

The Ups and Downs of the

Female Libido

By Dr Hannah Missen

Libido /lɪˈbiːdəʊ/ noun noun: libido; plural noun: libidos 1. sexual desire.

PSYCHOLOGICAL CAUSES

PHYSICAL CAUSES

Modern day life can be tough on us all; especially in the turbulent times we have all faced this year. Juggling the demands of family life, work and trying to find five minutes for ourselves can make us feel tired, distracted and stressed. Life in the digital age offers easy distractions such as mobile phone and social media use, instead of time connecting with your partner. If you feel constantly tired, anxious or stressed you may need to make some lifestyle changes. Why not sit down together to discuss ways to achieve the life you want and reconnect? Sometimes anxiety or feeling tired all the time can be more serious and might need to be discussed with your GP.

Sometimes physical issues can affect libido, making sex difficult, painful or less enjoyable. Vaginal dryness is a common problem that can occur at various times of life. The menopause, breastfeeding, or taking certain medications are just some of the things that can cause vaginal dryness. There are some simple solutions to try, including more foreplay and using a water-based lubricant before sex. Vaginal moisturisers can also be helpful, but try to avoid perfumed soaps, creams or lotions (including petroleum jelly). If things aren’t improving or you experience unusual bleeding or discharge down below you should discuss this with your GP. You can also see your GP if you are experiencing symptoms of the menopause, and we will be discussing this in more detail in the new year here at Mama Life magazine.

A common cause of low libido is problems in relationships.

Frequent arguments, unresolved disagreements, a lack of communication or issues with trust can negatively impact on your libido. Perhaps you have become a little overfamiliar with your partner, or have found that spark of sexual attraction has been lost over time. Everyone has highs and lows in their relationships and your libido is the same, but if you have more persistent issues or find loss of libido is affecting your relationship, an open and honest discussion with your partner or relationship counselling might be of benefit to work through issues together.

Depression is a serious illness that can affect many aspects of your life, including your sex drive. It is really important that you speak to your GP if you think you may be depressed. Symptoms might include feeling down or hopeless, losing interest in doing things, disturbed sleep, and changes in appetite or energy levels.

There are lots of ways that you can be helped. Please reach out and ask for help. By dealing with your depression, you might find that your libido improves.

14 / NOV 2020 / ISSUE 23

There are other things aside from dryness that can make sex painful. This might be a more superficial pain in your vagina, or a deeper pain in your pelvis. There are lots of causes of this; infections, thrush, allergies to things like condoms or soaps, fibroids, endometriosis … the list goes on. A condition called vaginismus can also cause pain, by involuntary tightening of your vaginal muscles when you attempt penetration. And remember if your partner is male, they can also experience pain too, which has its own list of possible causes! It’s best to discuss with a GP or sexual health professional at a GUM clinic if you experience these symptoms.

Problems achieving orgasm can be physical or psychological, but can affect enjoyment of sex and have a consequent impact on libido. It is important to mention that some women find that they don’t need to orgasm to enjoy sex. However, if this is a problem for you, firstly it’s important to ascertain whether this is a new issue, or whether you’ve never been able to achieve orgasm to help identify the underlying reason. Again, it’s worth discussing this with your GP or a sexual health professional to help reveal the underlying reason. And if the cause is thought to be psychological, a sex therapist can help.

If your partner is male, perhaps they have physical issues that affect your sex life. Erectile dysfunction is very common, especially in the over 40s, and is most often an occasional issue that is nothing to worry about. Most common causes include stress, anxiety or drinking too much alcohol. If it keeps happening, it’s worth speaking to your doctor to rule out an underlying cause and to discuss treatment (which is normally very effective).

Ejaculation problems are also really common, with the three main types being premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation and retrograde ejaculation (where the semen goes to the bladder, rather than out through the penis). The most common of these is premature ejaculation, which can happen from time to time, but if it happens more persistently, it’s worth exploring physical or psychological causes.

There are some things that you can try yourselves to help, like masturbating a few hours before sex, using a thicker condom, or taking a break during sex. Lastly, lower levels of the male sex hormone testosterone can have an impact on the male libido, but this is uncommon and things like stress and anxiety are more likely to be the culprit of low libido.

Low libido is really common during pregnancy, after giving birth and while breastfeeding. Your hormones are changing, your body has transformed which for some can be difficult to come to terms with, you are probably feeling pretty exhausted and your priorities have probably changed with a small human to care for. Furthermore, perhaps you had a cut or tear during delivery that causes pain, or are having discomfort from your caesarean wound (it’s pretty major surgery, you know!). In most cases, these things improve over time, but if not it’s worth speaking to your GP (especially if you’re getting problems down below after birth trauma).

Certain medication can have an impact on your libido. The most common culprits are: •some medication for high blood pressure •some types of antidepressant •some medication for fits •some antipsychotic medication •some medication for enlarged prostate or prostate cancer •hormonal contraception

Drinking too much over a prolonged period can reduce your sex drive; remember men and women are advised not to drink more than 14 units per week on a regular basis. If you’re worried about your drinking, call Drinkline on 0300 123 1110 or speak to your GP. Your GP is also a good place to start if you want to get help for drugs, or the Frank website lists local drug services www.talktofrank.com As you get older, you might find medication side effects more of an issue as you may experience other health problems. But there is no reason why you shouldn’t have a good sex life into older age!

Other health conditions might cause physical and emotional difficulties to overcome, and may have a direct effect on your libido (for example diabetes, heart disease, thyroid problems, surgery or a cancer diagnosis). Or you might find that you just aren’t as mobile as you used to be. Speak to your partner about how you feel, and think about ways that you can help one another.

Perhaps trying different positions, taking painkillers before sex, using pillows to make things more comfortable or experimenting with techniques other than penetration could help.

It’s important to remember that loss of libido is common, and in certain circumstances can be completely normal. If you find your low libido distressing, persistent, or having an impact on your relationship, it’s a good idea to get help. Some good sources of help are: •Your GP might be able to help if there is an underlying physical issue or health problem. You might find talking to your GP about sex embarrassing. We don’t mind, we’re used to dealing with problems like this. Honestly.

•A psychosexual therapist. Your GP might be able to refer you, but it’s not available on the NHS in all areas. You can also find one privately; look for one who is a member of the College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists or the Institute of Psychosexual Medicine.

•A sexual health service or GUM clinic •Relationship counselling www.relate.org.uk •Sexual advice association www.sexualadviceassociation.co.uk

Dr Hannah Missen is a mummy to Primrose, and a general practitioner (GP) with a previous background in obstetrics and gynaecology. She has particular interests in research and academia, medical ethics and law, and women’s health.

Find her on Twitter @DrMissen

Read the leaflet that comes with your medication to see if low libido is a possible side effect, and if you think it’s affecting your sex drive, consider discussing it with your GP. It’s worth discussing it before you stop taking the medication, as you could do yourself some harm by suddenly stopping. Perhaps there is an alternative medication that you can try. Along the same lines, drug misuse and too much alcohol can also have an effect on libido.

ISSUE 23 / NOV 2020 / 15

is a sure thing!

Ok so who knows how we will be partying this Christmas 2020 whether they are little gatherings or parties at home on your own we just don’t know.

Whether you are looking for a work Christmas outfit or deciding on a Christmas day outfit to wear with your family. Don’t worry yourself!

But what we are certain of is that Christmas festivities require to dress your best regardless of how many people you will be allowed to spend time with.

MAMA LIFE HAS YOU COVERED.

Mama Life Fact!

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Sequins are a big must this Christmas New Years Eve 2020

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Style tip:

In the daytime wear a comfy ankle boot and at night switch to a high court shoe to dress up the outfit.

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Top Image Sequin Bardot Dress -£65, River Island • 1. Autograph Sequin Top - £40, M&S • 2. Petite Long Sleeve High Neck Dress - £40, River Island • 3. Black PU Trousers - £18, George Asda • 4. Gold Circle Earrings - £12, River Island • 5. Black Embossed Court Shoe - £40, River Island • 6. Feather Sleeve Shirt - £40, River Island • 7. Rue Saint Dominque Black Shoulder Bag - £42, River island

By Claire Pita • www.fashionlifeforward.com •

fashionlifeforward

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Versatile Christmas!

I love versatile clothing! Especially with pieces of clothing that can be worn differently. Here I have chosen some pieces that give you the options of creating different looks.

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Style tip:

Wearing black is required for all other colours to have depth and intensity.

Basically to help the other colours you are wearing to stand out.

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8. Dorothy Perkins (no price at time of print) • 9. Grey Check Ruched Sleeve Blazer - £32.99, New Look • 10. Zebra Monochrome Jumper - £15, George Asda • 11. Cream Faux Fur Coat - £38, George Asda • 12. Grey Woollen Ankle Boots - £49.99, TK Maxx • 13. Black & White Multi Check Skirt - £16, F&F • 14.

Black Lace-up Flat Hiker Ankle Boot - £60, River Island • 15. Black High Neck Top - £12.99, New Look • 16. Black Belted Mom Jeans - £22, F&F • 17. Black Short Frill Sleeve Top - £24, River Island • 18.

Washed Black Diamante Stripe Jeans - £74.99, Topshop • 19. Wynnie - £65, Dune • 20. Knee High Boot - £130, Dune • 21. Black Long Sleeve Boucle Pocket Shirt - £32, River Island. .

Christmas Offers Nail Extensions, gel toes, eyebrow shape usually £52 Christmas exclusive £40

Gel nails • 3 different Nail extension systems Pedicures Callus peels • Waxing • Threading Brow lamination • Henna brows • Dermaplaning • Microblading

Gel nails, gel toes, eyebrow shape usually £45.

Christmas exclusive £35* *packages can be tailored to suit so please ask upon booking.

20% off Microblading

For Bookings & Enquiries please call: 07903 009 224 / 01827 286997 7 Bowling Green Avenue, Wilnecote, B77 5ED. Located inside elysian hair and beauty

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Quote Mama Life on bookiing

N ew We b s i t e

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NEW PRODUCT SHOP LAUNCHING SOON Retailers of all luxury hair care including, Olaplex, GHD, Oribe, L’Oreal with exclusive discounts and promotions online.

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A Luxury Oribe Treatment and Cut & Blow Dry (worth £60.50) To enter please email us with “WIN LUX HAIR” hello@mamalifemagazine. co.uk or enter through Facebook & Instagram

01543 897790 // www.thestyleloungelichfield.com // E: sales@thestyleloungelichfield.co.uk // 5-7 Green Hill, Lichfield, WS13 6DY

t f i G Ideas

FOR HER

By Claire Pitta @fashionlifeforward

Some lovely gift ideas to show your appreciation this Christmas.

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Sleep mask which I MAMA think every mama L I F E needs from time to L OV E S time.

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Price for gown not available

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1. Blush Leather Gloves £12, M&S • 2. Gold Circle earrings £9.50 M&S • 3. Inside Day To Night , London Duffies £85, Dune • 4. Matalan, Luxury Robe (price not available at time of print) • 5. Mum Eye Recharging Mask £3.50, Matalan • 6. Snoozed £40, Dune • 7.

Clementine Gin Candle £9.50 M&S • 8. Crochet Lace Hairband £16, Accessorize • 9. Sequin jumper (Khost Clothing) £55, M&S. .

I hope you have an amazing Christmas and I would love to see all your Christmas outfits throughout the festive period. Please send them to @fashionlifeforward (Instagram).

How to manage BOREDOM during Covid-19

BY SHEILA MCMAHON As the pandemic carries on, it’s no surprise that a lot of people are feeling deflated. Some people are lacking excitement and energy. Some are feeling like they just can’t be bothered. Others are feeling dreary, bored and fed up. Add these feelings to external factors such as the weather getting colder and the nights getting darker, and it creates a massive cocktail for mental health issues.

When the first lockdown happened, there was a sense of let’s make the most of it – let’s do up the house and spend quality time with our family. For some it was like a respite from their work and a chance to get things done. I don’t think most of us expected to be heading into restrictions again and a second wave.

COVID RAGE I heard Covid rage being mentioned the other day.

Scenarios of people being less tolerant and blaming others. This reminds me of the stages of grief, of which anger is one of the stages. We are all experiencing loss, so it is understandable that so many of us are feeling angry. It is important we allow that anger to surface, but in a healthy way. It is unhealthy to take anger out on each other. In my private practice, I use what I call an anger cushion to express anger. Ironically, it’s part of my sofa – and my partner gets angry when it goes missing … if only he had the anger cushion to take it out on! Joking aside, I have seen time and time again how bottled up anger can turn into depression and suicidal thoughts. It reminds me of the saying, ‘Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm’.

THE NEW NOW So here we are. The more we fight it the more it impacts our own mental health. Yes, for most people it’s a rubbish situation, and it is so important to acknowledge this. It’s also important to know that we will feel fed up and down from day to day. Some days we might not have the energy to do anything, as some people may be so affected by the situation that it causes episodes of depression. If this is you, then I encourage you to show compassion for yourself and know that it will pass. If the 20 / NOV 2020 / ISSUE 23

depression is prolonged then I really encourage you to talk to someone you trust, such as your doctor and seek professional support through this time. So many of us are finding it difficult to make sense of everything that’s happening and are struggling to find hope. Most of us are on an emotional roller coaster, riding through the five stages of grief. If you want to learn more about this then have a look at my free online show, a coronavirus special on my YouTube channel.

ACCEPTANCE One of the stages of grief is acceptance. The more we accept this situation, it allows room for something else, such as creativity. By accepting the situation, we also allow connection and the realisation that we are all going through difficult times, and we need each other now more than ever.

FOCUS We can change our focus. We can acknowledge that we are in this situation and think about how we can make the most of it.

One of the reasons contributing to our boredom is we’re lacking our usual conversations. Many of us have not been out doing our usual activities that give us things to talk about! Luckily, we don’t have to go ‘out-out’ to

have experiences to talk about. We can have ‘out-ins’, as one of the attendees on my recent online show called it.

I took my Mental Health Show on Anxiety online as I couldn’t perform it in theatre because of the pandemic, and was delighted by how successful it was. During the show, we laughed and we learned. I used the chat function on Zoom to engage people as part of the learning. I encouraged body language like thumbsup and thumbs-down to answer questions, and used waves as claps. We had a great sing-song and a great dance! Afterwards, one of the attendees said, “I never thought about using Zoom for entertainment, not just for meetings!”

For me, my shows give me a purpose. They give me that feeling of achievement and feeling that I am making a difference.

Working as a counsellor, I have real concerns about the increase of suicidal thoughts and intent. As a result I am planning a new Mental Health Show 8 on ‘Understanding Suicide’. This will give us the opportunity to come together, educate ourselves about suicide and help each other from a preventative point of view. If you want to know more about my upcoming shows, then visit my website www.mindmanagementforyou.com

RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS There are so many ways you can make a difference and combat boredom at this time. Near where I live, a 10-year-old put up a lovely letter by a canal bridge encouraging others not to throw litter in the canal to protect nature. My neighbour makes great cakes, and sometimes, when I’ve had a tough day counselling, I hear her come out and then I see a plate of chocolate buns has been passed over the fence! What a difference that makes to my day – and my partner’s too!

Earlier on this year we had the 8 o’clock clap for the NHS every Thursday night. For a lot of people, not only were we acknowledging the amazing NHS, we were also combatting loneliness and building communities. Some people have continued this by arranging a time every week for each family to sit outside their house and talk, to find out how everyone is doing. This is a great initiative in helping each other in whatever ways we can, connecting and combatting boredom at the same time.

VARIETY When it comes to boredom, I encourage you to be creative and think about what you can do. I encourage you to add variety. So, for example, if cooking has got you through these hard times then challenge yourself to cook something outside your comfort zone.

Getting out of our comfort zones and challenging ourselves creatively is good for us.

The internet is full of things we can do – different games, hobbies, learning new skills. Ask others what they have done to combat boredom. I bet together we could come up with loads of ways to help each other stay busy.

HAVE A GOAL A goal gives us a sense of purpose and gives us something to focus on. It doesn’t matter how big or small the goal is, as long as it gives us something to work towards and provides a welcome distraction from coronavirus.

WE WILL CARRY ON Remember a beautiful day during a pandemic is still a beautiful day. Regardless of what happens, we can still continue on. For me, it’s not about what’s happening, it’s about what we can do about it. I can continue to do regular exercise, getting myself out into nature for walks or exercising indoors. I can still have fun and have a laugh with my family and friends. So, for example, the other day, whilst speaking to my mum I could hear my dad in the background saying, “I’m on my way out!”, to which I cheekily replied, “Ask Dad has he signed the papers!”. We all had a good laugh! Growing up, there would be the obituaries column in the newspaper, and I would hear people say, “When I wake up, I look at the death notices, and if I’m not there – I get up!”

As mentioned earlier, it is unhealthy to take anger out on each other. Now more than ever we need to continue to support and work together. I honestly believe that our best support can come from each other. In years to come there will be amazing stories of how we united together, adapted and used our creativity.

Sheila McMahon is a Tamworth based Qualified Mental Health Counsellor RegMBACP, FTP and Comedienne.

A published author who has also appeared on TV and radio, Shiela has performed numerous shows to help Tamworth and other locally based charities. www.mindmanagementforyou.com

ift G r u o ve Y o l with xo xo nt nde e p e l ind iness l a sm bus

Silver pendant on black nylon multi strand collar £164.00 www.allenbrownjewellery.co.uk

The must have accessory this year no fuss no tying.

Button and go scarf £65 www.rewclothing.co.uk

Unisex Coin Purse by Tony Perotti has an inside keychain and a front zipped pocket. Made from premium leather & comes gift boxed. £23.50 www.loveemvy.com Sterling Silver pendant on a 16” chain £45 www.odonatastudios.co.uk

Angel Whisperer 'Feel guidance and protection from your very own personal guardian angel' GHD Helios Hair Dryer Queen of the blow-dry, a game-changing hair dryer for speed and style. £149.00 www.thestyleloungelichfield.com

This sterling silver angel pendant comes in 3 different sizes: extra small (chain inc) £55 small (chain not inc) £59 medium (chain not inc) £99 www.esjewellery.co.uk

Gift Set 140g fragrance candle 100ml Reed Diffuser 100ml Room fragrance spray £45 inc p&p

Pastel Rainbow Cushion £38 www.etsy.com/shop/styledtosparkle

Available in the following fragrance sets: Neroli and Ylang Ylang Lemon and lavender Coconut and Himalayan salt Bergamot and Patchouli www.joyem.co.uk

annual

Santa

Charity Day

Saturday 19th December 10am - 2pm For several years now we have held our annual Santa day where we also donate to local charities.

This year Santa will be attending again as we won’t let this pandemic beat us and we will follow Government guidelines for Covid-19 at all times.

We can not confirm at the moment if children will be allowed to meet Santa and receive their free present, it may be that it is by appointment only.

Opening Hours Mon - Friday: 8am – 5pm, Sat: 10am – 2pm Sunday - 11am - 3pm

At the time of going to press we are unsure of how the Government restrictions will affect our day so please follow our social media platforms on twitter and Facebook for further details.

We would like to thank all of our customers for their custom and continued support during these testing times and wish you all a happy Christmas and hope next year will be kind to all.

The Bradley Scott Team

440 Watling Street, Two Gates, Tamworth, Staffs, B77 1EJ T: 01827 288688 / F: 01827 282592 Email: info@bradleyscottwindows.co.uk

Academic & Musical excellence for boys & girls aged 21/2 to 18

Forest Tots Weekly forest adventures for under 5s whatever the weather!

Book your personal tour Visit our Pre-School & Juniors to meet our glorious individuals Call Admissions on 01543 306168 admissions@lichfieldcathedralschool.com lichfieldcathedralschool.com Green Gables, Longdon WS15 4PT

Lichfield Cathedral Junior School, Longdon WS15 4PT

Booking for spring term now open 9.30am to 10.30am Fridays during term time Forest play, woodland games, practical tasks and a camp fire Led by Forest School practitioner • Parents stay

Contact Admissions on 01543 306168 or admissions@lichfieldcathedralschool.com

Choosing the right school in a pandemic

T

he coronavirus pandemic has altered the pace, fabric and nature of our lives, at least for the foreseeable future.

With schools limiting on-site visitors, how do you choose the right school for your child? Here are some tips to help your decision-making: 1. List your must-haves Several factors will be important to you, but before you get carried away comparing different educational philosophies, you need to consider some basic questions: How important is it that the school is near your home or workplace? Do you need before and after-school care beyond the normal hours?

No matter what educational aspirations you have for your child, the logistics need to work for you as a family. The answers will help you to focus on an area based on drive time and schools that provide the level of wrap-around care you need.

2. Do your homework Now that you have a long-list, ask for advice from people you trust. Talk to other parents, your friends, neighbours or older children’s teachers, and note what they regard as the most important thing to mention, such as pupil-teacher ratio, breadth of curriculum, or their child’s level of happiness.

Never before have so many online resources been available to prospective families, so get a feel for the school through their website, videos and social media platforms. This is particularly useful if you are new to the area, along with local community online parent networks.

3. Visit your short list Hopefully, you should now have a short-list of schools to visit.

If you can, schedule a visit during normal working hours, so that you can see the school in operation. If on-site visits are not allowed, see if a virtual tour is available. Some schools

offer virtual open days and at the very least, you should be able to arrange a video call with a senior leader.

Whatever form your ‘visit’ takes, it is likely that your time will be limited, so make sure you have a prepared list of questions to ask, which might include: What is the pupil-staff ratio? How often do staff communicate with parents? What behaviour guidelines are in place? What is a typical daily schedule? How much time do children spend outside? How does the preschool curriculum prepare children for reception?

4. The reaction to lockdown How a school reacted to the spring lockdown will tell you a good deal about how it operates and how it is likely to cope with future closures. Find out how learning and teaching continued remotely, what pastoral support was put in place, the frequency and clarity of communications with parents and what support was offered (loaned laptops and IT support, mental health and wellbeing advice, for instance). Are plans for blended learning in place in case of short-notice closures?

It’s worth asking friends and neighbours with children about their experiences during the summer term.

Bear in mind: • Not every school has the resources to create an allsinging, all-dancing amazing virtual tour or open day.

They may have chosen to use their resources to benefit learning and teaching. Don’t be swayed by flashy gimmicks - do your research and talk to parents with children at the school.

• As a prospective parent, the way you access schools may have changed, but the reason you were attracted to them in the first place is probably unaltered. A school’s ethos and spirit will be stronger for having gone through an enormous transformation in the last few months.

CURBOROUGH GIFT SHOP Beautiful gifts & cards for all occasions

www.curboroughgiftshop.co.uk Curborough Countryside Centre, Lichfield,WS13 8ES Tel: 0843 289 4525 // 07885 387640 Opening Hours 10am - 4pm Tuesday to Sunday HALL FARM

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FREDDY THE TEDDY‘S CHRISTMAS FEAST

Tamworth Masonic Rooms is situated in the heart of Tamworth, Staffordshire with easy access to all major motorway routes and roads into the Town Center, where you can find many options for accommodation within easy walking distance of the rooms themselves.

At the rear of rooms there is a large secure private car park, that can cater for any size function, with easy access ramps to the main function room should it be required.

SAT 19TH THU 24TH DECEMBER

A fully licenced bar is also available as well as a fully fitted kitchen for your own private caterers to facilitate.

Dining capacity is 90 and Buffet capacity is 100.

Free WiFi is also available to all guests.

SAT 19TH - THU 24TH DECEMBER www.lichheldgarrick.com Box OOce 01543 412121

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FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA

QUIRKY BAR AND BRASSERIE SET IN THE VIBRANT HEART OF LICHFIELD, WHERE WE HAVE GUESTS, NOT CUSTOMERS.

Join us Upstairs at The Bureau for our Festive Afternoon Tea Adults £18pp / Children £9 Santa Hosts with games and presents sent from the North Pole for the children.

Mulled wine, hot gin toddies and bottomless options!

DELICIOUS FOOD FROM BREAKFAST TO SUPPER, OUR EXOTIC COCKTAILS, AN EXTENSIVE RANGE OF GIN, SPIRITS ALL SERVED BY OUR FRIENDLY BUREAU HOSTS SOPHISTICATED ATMOSPHERE OF OUR

Socially distanced tables of up to 6.

Take your seat at 2pm or 4pm.

BOXING DAY BRUNCH 11am - 5pm for the perfect antidote to turkey! pre booking advisable.

open

NEW YEAR'S EVE SOCIALLY DISTANCED CHRISTMAS PARTY GET TOGETHER MENU!

guarantee your seat to celebrate the end of 2020!

Welcome glass of fizz and bottomless canapes for £10pp. from 5pm. booking essential

Pre booked tables of up to 6 available from Friday 27th November to Wednesday 23rd December.

Our Festive Feel good menu will be available all day in the restaurant where we will be introducing our Christmas Dinner Yorkshire Pudding Wrap!

Two courses £20 // Three courses £25

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OWN BLEND COFFEE, WINES, BEERS AND IN THE ELEGANT AND BAR AND BRASSERIE.

Win Win Win A 2 COURSE MEAL FOR 2 WITH A BOTTLE OF HOUSE WINE (excluding Valentine's Day)

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Winner will be announced on Wednesday 23rd December 2020

contact us for purchases

The Bureau Lichfield 34-36 Market Street Lichfield WS13 6LH

015 4 3 2 5 8 2 4 6 BUREAULICHFIELD@GMAIL.COM

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CHOSEN HOMES FLIPPED THE ESTATE AGENTS MODEL ON ITS HEAD As an estate agent of 21 years, I wanted to work for Chosen because they’ve clearly listened to an extensive market research exercise undertaken in early 2020. The survey revealed that the majority of people felt it’s time to flip the traditional estate agent’s model on its head by not charging them to sell their most valuable asset and so this was what Chosen decided to do.

Combining experience with cutting edge technology All Chosen homes are advertised across the four major portals as well as being promoted on social media to ensure they are viewed by the largest audience possible to ensure a maximum offer.

I’m very proud that we have combined all of these cutting edge marketing tools with our agents’ wealth of local experience to offer the house owners of the Midlands a revolutionary new service.

For a free valuation call 08000 886 996

It’s FREE to sell your home with Chosen as the buyer pays our modest fee.

I’ve worked throughout Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield, Tamworth and Staffordshire, and now love being the Chosen expert for these areas.

One of our clients recently said: ‘the team at Chosen work tirelessly to provide you with the best possible service from start to finish, at no cost to the seller.

Would definitely recommend this new way of selling your home.’

It is comments like this that makes it all worthwhile for me.

Challenging times call for a safer approach to viewings During these strange times I’m glad that house viewings are no longer needed with Chosen.

Whether you’re shielding, or a mum who doesn’t want strangers in your home; Chosen’s 3D augmented walk-through viewings allow people to see every wonderful aspect without having to visit – this incredible technology has come along at just the right time.

3D augmented walk-through viewing technology

Chosen will sell your home for free!

To celebrate our launch, when we sell your house (or you recommend a friend that subsequently sells with Chosen) we will give you a £150 retail voucher on sale completion.

Exceptional service

Incredible marketing

No sales fee

08000 886 996 team@chosenhome.com Quote reference: Mama Life

chosenhome.com

Membership No.T05326

@choosechosen

@chosen_home

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Hi I’m Wendy from HillStart Nutrition Health and Wellness. I am a trained nutritionist who is on a mission to get everyone to ditch boring restrictive diets because they just don’t work.

I have a fabulous membership called Ditch the Diet, where the focus is on increasing energy levels by improving digestion and understanding how it feels to be well nourished. I also have a weekly podcast entitled ‘are you REALLY going to eat that?’ I talk a lot about food, a bit about nutrition and I have some great guests who all love to talk about food too, just make sure you don’t listen when you are hungry.

challenges but hopefully my tasty and comforting recipes will inspire you this season. Taking care of our health is even more important at this time of year, and my zingy lemon shots include ginger and turmeric, all known for their immunesupporting properties. Of course Christmas is about treats too so why not make these super easy Chocolate Treats as a gift for family or friends (or yourself!).

I’ve also included an indulgent breakfast that is best made with slightly stale bread, or even panettone if you are feeling decadent. Along with the compulsory recipe for turkey leftovers and a slow cooker meal for when you don’t feel like cooking at all.

Wishing you a healthy, happy and taste -filled holiday season,

Wendy x

This year has been somewhat unusual, and I’m sure Christmas will bring its own

If you would like to find out more about my membership or my 1-1 programs you can email me on wendy@hillstart.me.uk and don’t forget to tune into my podcast ‘are you REALLY going to eat that?’

DIRECTIONS

INGREDIENTS

Light and Creamy Turkey Stew

• 350 grams Turkey Breast, Cooked (sliced) • 1 cup Frozen Corn • 1 litre Organic Chicken Broth • 2 Courgette (sliced into ribbons)

/hillstartnutrition

• 2 cups Cannellini Beans (drained) • 1 tsp Lemon Zest • 150 grams Cream Cheese • 1 cup Parsley (roughly chopped)

1. Add stock to a large pan and bring to the boil. Add all but last two ingredients, bring back to the boil and simmer gently for 3 mins until everything is warmed through.

2. Stir in cream cheese and parsley and taste for seasoning. Serve with extra parsley and lemon zest as a garnish.

4 servings, 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS

Spanish Style Eggy Bread

2 servings, 45 minutes 30 / NOV 2020 / ISSUE 23

• 4 slices Whole Grain Bread (very thick) • 400 millilitres Walnut Milk • 2 tbsps Cane Sugar • ½ tsp Vanilla Extract • ½ serving Cinnamon Stick • ½ tsp Nutmeg (freshly grated) • 3 Egg (whisked)

DIRECTIONS • 2 tbsps Avocado Oil • 1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt • 1 cup Strawberries (roughly chopped) • 1 Kiwi (roughly chopped) • 2 tbsps Pistachios (chopped) • 1 tbsp Orange Zest

1. You need to start this the night before.

Heat the milk, sugar, vanilla and spices until just boiling, then remove from the heat and allow the spices to flavour the milk while it cools.

2. Place the bread in a shallow tray and pour over the sieved milk. Leave the bread overnight to soak up all the milk.

3. Beat eggs in a shallow bowl and carefully dip each slice of bread in, so that both sides are coated in the eggy mixture.

4. Heat oil in a non-stick pan and fry both sides of bread over a medium heat. You may need to do this in batches, so keep the cooked bread warm under a towel or in a very low oven.

5. Serve with fruit, yoghurt and pistachios.

Grate orange zest over.

Seasonal Heroes

Cinnamon - nothing smells more like Christmas than cinnamon, it’s a really powerful antioxidant. Just make sure you buy proper Ceylon Cinnamon.

Chocolate - it wouldn’t be Christmas without chocolate, and good-quality dark chocolate is high in antioxidants and flavanols.

Chocolate Treats 15 servings, 10 minutes

INGREDIENTS

Turkey - high in protein and low in fat, it is also rich in tryptophan which has guthealing properties.

Ginger - shown to reduce inflammation and ease sore throats

• 200 grams Dark Organic Chocolate • 2 tbsps Sesame Seeds • 2 tbsps Dried Unsweetened Cranberries (chopped)

• 2 tbsps Walnuts (chopped) • 2 tbsps Freeze-Dried Raspberries

INGREDIENTS • 9 grams Ginger (peeled, chopped) • 1 Lemon (peeled, seeds removed)

• 1 Navel Orange (peeled, seeds removed) • 1 tsp Turmeric • ¼ tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)

DIRECTIONS

Ginger Turmeric Lemon Juice 2 servings, 5 minutes

1. Combine all ingredients in a highspeed blender. Blend until very smooth.

2. Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately as is, or strain through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the pulp. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS • 1.6 kilograms Lentils (cooked, drained & rinsed) • 1 White Onion (finely diced) • 2 Green Bell Pepper (finely diced)

Vegan Sloppy Joes 8 servings, 4 hours

• 384 grams Mushrooms (sliced) • 254 grams Matchstick Carrots • 6 grams Garlic Powder

DIRECTIONS 1. Bring pan of water to boil, reduce to simmer and place a large bowl on top (do not touch the water with the bowl) add the chocolate and stir gently until melted.

2. Mix through the seeds, fruit and nuts.

3. Spoon onto a large baking sheet, flatten gently and sprinkle with dried raspberries.

4. Place in the fridge for 1-2 hours to fully cool before removing from the baking sheet and storing in an airtight container.

DIRECTIONS • 90 grams Yellow Mustard • 160 grams Maple Syrup • 968 grams Crushed Tomatoes • 12 grams Sea Salt • 3 grams Black Pepper • 1.4 kilograms Portobello Mushroom Caps • 120 grams Baby Spinach (chopped)

1. Combine the lentils, onion, green pepper, mushrooms, carrots, garlic powder, yellow mustard, maple syrup, crushed tomatoes, sea salt and black pepper in the slow cooker. Use a spatula to mix well. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours.

2. About 20 minutes before you are ready to eat, preheat your oven to 400 and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place your portobello mushroom caps on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.

3. Place a portobello mushroom cap on a plate and top with a few large spoonfuls of the sloppy joe mix. Top with baby spinach and set another mushroom cap on top. Enjoy!

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Freshly Baked Breads, Cakes, Pastries & Tarts

Christmas Treats

We will be hiding 3 Christmas cards everyday between the 16th to 20th December in our driveway.

2 cards will have ÂŁ5 off when spending ÂŁ15.

One card will have free bread & treat bag that will be waiting for you to pick up that day.

Open Wednesday - Friday 8:30am - 4pm // Saturday & Sunday 9am - 2pm From 16th December to 24th December we are opening 9:00am till 4:00pm Hill Crest Farm, Worcester Lane, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield B75 5QS Phone number is 07506780066 // Email : onthebreadline95@gmail.com OnTheBreadLine

Sebastian Clough Trained at UCB & The French Pastry School

REBECCA STEW

@notanothermumgroup

Book Club

All I want for Christmas is...

Lily Flame candle Lily Flame scented candles have long since been a favourite of mine.

The whole range is full of delicious scents, eye-catching designs and lovely names. My faves are Fairy Dust and Blush. They are also cruelty-free, vegan and made in the UK. They’ve got a gorgeous Christmas range, too.

I’ll be ordering one of each! You can get 10% off your order when signing up to their newsletter.

Katie Benn doodles I’ve been following @katiebenn on Instagram for a while now as I’m a big fan of her art. If you ever come to our house, you’ll see lots of family doodles and portraits on the wall so imagine my delight when I saw that she had combined family doodles with Christmas! You can find her work on Etsy. @katiebennn

Letters from Father Christmas - JRR Tolkien I love the magic of Christmas and have been looking forward to our children being old enough to get immersed in it all. Letters from Father Christmas by JRR Tolkien really highlights this. The thought and effort he must have put in to replying to his children’s letter to Father Christmas really shows and the tone of the letters change over time to show the children growing. A great festive read for the whole family.

34 / NOV 2020 / ISSUE 23

Santa’s Winter Wonderland at the Snowdome We went to Santa’s Winter Wonderland at the Snowdome last Christmas and it’s such a fantastic event. There is lots to do including a Santa show. You can even meet some real reindeer. We will definitely be going again this year! I’d book tickets quickly though!

Next family matching PJs Does anyone else love matching clothes? You can’t beat a set of festive family pyjamas and I’m loving these navy ones from Next. They start from £13.

Small Business Shoutout

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Advent Calendars Lush Days of Christmas

Cute As A Button by Laura This beautiful Christmas Eve Box is from Cute As A Button by Laura. You can choose from several colours, sizes and designs. I love the traditional Christmas feel to the top.

Ivy Oak Designs Ivy Oak Designs have a gorgeous range of personalised baubles in some lovely bright colours and prints. A little bit different to the usual Christmas designs.

Nonstop Christmas Magic FM We need as much festivity as we can get in my opinion after the year we’ve had and Magic FM have delivered!

They have a station dedicated to playing Christmas songs 24/7. My idea of heaven right now! You can listen at 105.4FM or on their app/DAB radio.

12 Lush staples with a Christmas twist, for all your festive self-care needs, presented in a gorgeous, recyclable gift box.

Yankee Candle Calendar Open the door to a different candle each day throughout December with the Yankee Candle calendar.

Virgin Wines Mixed Wines Calendar The Virgin Wines calendar offers 24 wines for the run-up to Christmas and a full-sized bottle for Christmas Day.

Mama’s Medicine

Baileys It wouldn’t be Christmas without a bottle (or two) of Baileys Irish Cream.

Poured over ice, after Christmas dinner is perfection. Their Belgian chocolate flavour is delicious too. And they even have a vegan Baileys!

Chuckling Cheese 24 individually wrapped mini cheese truckles across eight flavours. Yes please!

Paperchase Why have sweets when you can have stationery treats with Paperchase’s advent calendar?

ISSUE 23 / NOV 2020 / 35

I could very easily fill this magazine with a zillion holiday deals available for you to book, but that is not the best part of the service I provide. I work to create holidays of a lifetime with every package I create for every client I work with. I can give you access to exclusive offers, competitive rates, insider travel knowledge and destination events.

And with the uncertainty of the current climate, it is more important than ever, that holiday purchases come with peace of mind protection from a trusted professional.

So let me introduce myself; I’m Jo, I am an Independent Travel Agent and Rosewarne Travel is my business, my passion and my No.1 hobby!

For over 20 years, I have had the pleasure of negotiating high quality and value for money deals on behalf of my corporate clients. I am now excited to launch my unique brand to the domestic travel market. Over the past 2 decades I have come to appreciate the importance of choosing partners who know their business, and who deliver on their promises, consistently.

I will not accept anything less from my partners, so that I can deliver consistently high standards of service to my clients.

The benefits of using an Independent Travel Agent (ITA) Often, when you think you are comparing prices of hotels, airlines, and holiday packages among several top travel sites, you’re in fact just comparing companies that are owned by each other. The deals you think you are getting are fostered by false comparisons and non-competition. As an Inteletravel ITA, I have real access to great rates, and will choose the right partners to enable me to deliver the best service to my clients. With over 60 partners and growing, I can organise every detail; from the most convenient airport parking to the most spectacular worldwide adventures – and everything in between.

I enjoy the challenge of putting together individual packages and will do my best to satisfy all your travel related requests.

I use specialist teams to ensure every element is covered, whether you are planning a group vacation, wedding or honeymoon, or a multi-leg bespoke holiday. Speaking of weddings – I always feel privileged to be entrusted with such a special occasion and work hard to deliver the experience it deserves to be.

For your convenience, I am also happy to take care of holiday ‘add-ons’ such as booking airport hotels and in-resort excursions to help your holiday run as smoothly as possible.

As your travel agent, I can organise your entire experience; acting as a destination specialist, activity planner, main contact, and liaison to assist you in all regards.

As an extension to the service I provide, I have recently launched a social media travel blog, which allows me to communicate my passion for all things travel. Little Mrs Travel’s A-Z travel guide provides inspiration on the must-see destinations and attractions. You can follow Mr Rosewarne and I on our latest travel exploits, and I showcase the latest beach trends, must-have sun lotions, recommendations on pet boarding and much more!

Travel really is my life and enabling clients’ dreams to come true is an amazing job.

joannerosewarne.inteletravel.uk M 07765 066301 E jorosewarne41@gmail.com

@rosewarnetravel

@rosewarnetravel

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‘Don’t Panic’ – Caring for your finances in a Global Pandemic As a child of a generation who was bought up with the mantra of ‘Money won’t buy you happiness’, I am reminded of that being absolutely correct, especially at the time when the health and care of us all and our loved ones is very much the right focus for us at the time of this pandemic.

That said, at an increased time of anxiety, in every aspect of life, money is important to care about, as it reminds us that money is hard to earn and easy to lose.

So, as an Independent Financial Adviser, what have I learned through the last seven months of 2020, that makes me realise that there is an importance in getting true, independent advice?

‘The markets are down’ A typical headline throughout the last several months, which to my mind has helped to add to everyone’s depression and anxiety.

So, are the markets down? As ever, it depends! The regular bell weather for the UK news channels is the FTSE100, which represents the top 100 listed companies on the UK Stock Market. Yes, this index is ‘down’. Over the last year to 31 October 2020 the total return on the FTSE 100 index is down by some 21.07%, the bulk of that negativity being generated mid-March 2020, when we all started to realise the impact of Covid-19.

Seeing numbers like those above, it is ever likely that financial anxiety is increased and so it is no surprise, when speaking to our clients and telling them that the portfolios that we have advised on are in positive territory that we get the greatest sense of job satisfaction. To explain, our moderate risk, long term portfolio is showing a +4.22% return over the same period, to the end of October and so what is the difference and how has that significant difference been achieved?

The role of advising someone on investing money is to listen to their overall objectives, rationalise their attitude to risk, appreciate their capacity for loss and then present to them appropriate tax wrappers linked to suitably diversified portfolio.

That word ‘diversified’ is one of the secrets of a successful investment as it represents a mix of investment opportunities by economic and geographical spread, that avoids the concentration of risk that something like the FTSE100 gives.

In ‘old fashioned speak’, it is not having ‘all of your eggs in one basket!’

As an Independent Financial Adviser and a Chartered Financial Planner, it is an important role to help people make good decisions and help them avoid bad ones. I can help clients to understand where suitable tax wrappers can help them invest tax-efficiently, how a diversified portfolio can help you ‘spread’ your chances of opportunity that limit risk and manage growth on your money, aiming to avoid the ravages of

inflation, that silently eat into the value of your savings.

Another important role for our business is to have special regard for people who are vulnerable currently. Being ‘vulnerable’ does not mean just being old, as it can apply to young people too, who have no support to talk things through with, people who are under financial pressure to make decisions, especially at this time where jobs may be at risk and family support is not so easily at hand.

As our staff are members of The Personal Finance Society, we support their ‘Scam Smart’ initiative and look to help the public avoid financial scams that are very prominent at a time where people are open to abuse. Remember the main principle that ‘If it looks too good to be true – it usually is!’

Don’t lose your hard-earned savings to a scammer!

While bank saving rates are at all-time lows and with little chance that rates are going to improve, people should think about considering using their ISA Allowance, to step into investing in Stocks & Share ISAs, to consider longer-term pension saving and to generally have help in establishing a ‘Financial Plan for the Future’.

As we face an increasing national debt, linked to all of the Government support that has been offered to individuals and businesses, we all realise that it has all got to be paid back at some point and so it may be a time to act now and take advantage of the generous tax benefits that exist now, as whoever knows how long they can afford to let them last?

Here at Wealth Design, we proudly have an even mix of male and female advisers, across the four members of the team, who are supported by four more Practice Administrators.

I am proud of the fact that we have two female Financial Advisers, who are, both again, qualified to the highest levels as Chartered Financial Planners, bringing an important dimension to what is quite a male-oriented profession.

We happily work on an initial basis of the first meeting being at our expense and so never hesitate to contact us and most of all … ‘Don’t Panic!’

David W Philips APFS, Managing Director and Chartered Financial Planner (Figures quoted are sourced from Financial Express Analytics. ‘Moderate Risk’ Portfolio quoted is the gross performance of the Financial Express Hybrid 3L Portfolio over I year to 31 October 2020)

The Face under the Mask Facial expressions are the closest thing we have to a universal language “ONCE YOU UNDERSTAND EMOTIONAL EXPRESSIONS, YOU CAN BUILD BETTER COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS WHICH WILL ENHANCE EVERY PART OF YOUR LIFE.”

Did you realise so much information is readily available without a person saying a word?

Remember no one, including me, is a mind reader. I never know what someone is thinking but there are personality, emotional and behavioural traits that can be understood by reading a person’s face.

If you are currently thinking this is a load of bulls***, then you may be interested in the science that backs up the tools I use.

Since the time of Aristotle, scientists and philosophers have been fascinated by the relationship between an individual’s facial structure and behaviour. The study of the face is over 2,500 years old. In the 1930s a judge observed the behavioural patterns in the people that appeared before him in court. He decided to pull a research project together and using the scientific principles already established Jones established 68 traits that on research testing gave 92% accuracy on personality.

Universality of facial expressions of emotion has been researched from the 1960s in depth and it was found that there is high cross-cultural agreement in judgements of emotion based on the 43 muscles of the face. There have been over 1000 scientific studies examining judgements of facial expressions and the results have been replicated many times over for seven universal facial expressions of emotion – anger, fear, contempt, surprise, happiness, sadness and disgust.

Whether you are born in Birmingham, Bolivia or even born blind we all display the same expressions for those seven universal emotions. The triggers will be different for every individual but the muscle movements the same.

Behaviour-based actions are widely accepted by science, certain non-verbal communications have high agreement amongst experts to interpret a certain behaviour. Context is key when understanding behaviour and there are cultural variations that need to be considered. Some psychologists say that when talking about emotions and feelings that the behaviour reveals more than words spoken.

DISGUST; dislike, repulse, distaste

HAPPINESS; pleasure, enjoy, content

FEAR; anxious, nervous,scared

ANGER; annoyed, irritated, frustrated

SADNESS; unhappy, misery, sorrow

SURPRISE; amaze, astonish, startle

Adrianne Carter has been instrumental in developing cutting-edge research methodologies to gain insight into emotion, personality and behaviour for the last 20 years. She uses techniques to go beyond what people say or can’t verbalise, to get to what they really feel or know.

Used to help brands, marketers, HR and others to uncover the truth and understand emotions, emotional connections and behaviour, Adrianne

started her own company to deliver highend marketing analysis, training and keynote speeches.

Having worked with global brands Coca Cola, L’Oreal, Disney, Unilever, Samaritans and guest lectures on consumer psychology, Adrianne is also a regular contributor to The Sun, The Daily Mirror, The Daily Star, The Daily Mail and ITV’s This Morning as their expert for body language on news items.

Bespoke s Commission

Limited n EditioP rints

Sue Verity is a local artist from Tamworth who has a growing reputation for producing highly individual contemporary portraits in acrylic on canvas since turning professional more than 15 years ago. She has become well known for working with famous faces which includes the likes of Johnny Depp, Liam Gallagher, Mike Tyson, Robert Plant, Steven Knight and many more and boasts an impressive collection of signed originals and limited edition prints.

Studio: 112 Lichfield Street (rear of), Tamworth, B79 7QB Tel: 07957 265 170 // Email: sueverityart@gmail.com Website: www.verityart.co.uk

Sue Verity

Sue Verity Artist

Does your

TALK

Not being able or prepared to walk the walk is a regrettably familiar occurrence even though nobody initially sets out to be unreliable, unprofessional or flaky. Do they speak impulsively, without thinking about how complex and complicated things really are or do they anticipate being sufficiently skilled and adept at working things out? Or were they genuinely excited at the time of offering, wanting to impress others, which then resulted in fantastic claims and protestations being made. It's when it's time to walk the walk that problems can arise.

Some people can't help themselves; they crave attention and seek admiration from others, so they make claims and offers without thinking through what's involved. Behaviour which may be just about tolerated in a young person is far less acceptable in someone older when we're relying on them to deliver.

HOW TO DEAL WITH THESE SITUATIONS?

Match your

WALK?

W

BY SUSAN LEIGH www.lifestyletherapy.net

e've all no doubt had experience of people who 'know it all', who claim to be skilled and proficient in many areas, who are full-on, keen to be involved and who make very impressive statements about their experience and abilities but who then repeatedly fail to deliver what they've promised. Or those who are constantly boasting, full of grand ideas and plans about where they're going, what they're doing, all sounding very exciting and fulfilling. Yet they never happen.

Are these people fantasists or liars, are they lazy and unable to put the effort in? Or are they overwhelmed at what they've shouted from the rooftops, and then can't walk the walk due to their lack of ability, hiding behind a thin veneer of bravado, as they dread the truth being revealed?

Sometimes listening to another person's fantastic claims is okay.

Being an audience to their perpetual bluster and protestations may be irritating but we're able to shrug it off. It may be amusing if it doesn't affect us unduly. Even so, their behaviour is likely to influence any future decisions we might make about relying on them or recommending them to others.

It's rather different if we need them to deliver on a promise, make an introduction to a key contact or undertake an important professional service or social arrangement which then regularly fails to materialise. Or if we're involving others it can become a serious matter, as any let-downs reflect badly on us, causing disappointment and our appearing unprofessional.

Why is it that sometimes people talk the talk but fail to walk the walk?

- Calling people out for their false claims and lies can appear unnecessarily cruel to onlookers, who may view them with amusement or affection. A little affectionate ribbing and humour from us can sometimes help de-escalate a situation and enable it to become less annoying. However, there may ultimately come a time when walking away from such a relationship becomes the only effective course of action. But that's not always possible in either a work or social situation and sometimes, an appropriately timed laugh, cough or raised eyebrow can be enough to clearly make a point.

- At other times a softly, softly approach may be the best way to get results. Rather than asking a firm 'Are we still okay for Tuesday?' which may be embarrassing and leave little room to honestly disclose any problems, a more subtle 'How's it going?', 'Where are you up to?', 'Let's have an update over a coffee' might be a more subtle way to sidestep excuses and hopefully intercept potential let-downs.

- Demonstrate active listening and repeat back what's been agreed, saying 'Let's confirm our plans, clarify what's been decided.' Maybe follow up with a confirmation text. But in order to invest this much time and energy into the relationship it has to be important and sometimes it's not worth the effort.

- If a significant piece of work is planned it may be good policy to record the details in writing, with standards, levels of competency and other key specifications clearly outlined and agreed. That way all undertakings are official and businesslike, plus there's comeback if things go wrong.

- Ensure there's a positive outcome for them too, so that they're motivated to put the effort in, improve and deliver what's been promised. Sometimes people who talk the talk receive nothing but their audience, without any tangible rewards. Dangling the carrot of a future contract, an introduction to other work opportunities, a reward, acclaim, something that really matters to them can elevate their desire and determination to come through.

If their boasting and self-importance has little impact on your life, other than being an irritation, you may learn to shrug, smile wryly and ignore it. But if you find it's starting to impact on your choices and decisions, causing embarrassment or inconvenience there may be no alternative but to detach yourself from the relationship and walk away.

Susan Leigh, counsellor, hypnotherapist, relationship counsellor, writer & media contributor offers help with relationship issues, stress management, assertiveness and confidence. She works with individual clients, couples and provides corporate workshops and support. Author of 3 books, 'Dealing with Stress, Managing its Impact', '101 Days of Inspiration #tipoftheday' and 'Dealing with Death, Coping with the Pain', all on Amazon. To order a copy or for more information, help and free articles visit http://www.lifestyletherapy.net ISSUE 23 / NOV 2020 / 43

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A SHIFTING QUALITY OF TIME – THE END OF AN ERA The World Astrological Forecast

By L Bracelin

THE EVENT HORIZON… As we voyage out of 2020 and into 2021, we are only just beginning to see the emergence of a very significant worldwide ‘Reset’ that will filter into our everyday lives. This is not the doom and gloom that has been cast upon us from some pandemic but a unique astrological event. A time where we can greatly move forward – a time where there is an opportunity to realise your direction and, importantly, dreams. This astrological Reset started in January of 2020 and will continue into 2021.

As we hurtle out of 2020 and into 2021 there is a strong indication that the Jupiter–Saturn conjunction that is exact on the 21st December will signal positive changes for the world and us personally for the better. Jupiter is about expansion and

AN HISTORICAL QUALITY OF TIME

The trilogy of these slower moving planet movements in our solar system occurs around every 40 years, but the alignment of them in each individual constellation only occurs every several hundreds of years. It is an Event Horizon – a Point of No Return.

Further back in time we can see the same planetary patterns that occurred during the Tudor period (1485–1530) where Saturn and Pluto last met in Capricorn, the same sign as it is in now, which occurred in 1518. In that year planetary links coincided with the start of the Protestant Reformation in which many lost their lives through their beliefs.

It was the end of an era and a beginning of a new revolutionary era that brought much to the world in the way of discoveries of science that we still use today. The forefathers of new ways of thinking

growth and Saturn, like old Father Time, is there to guide us and keep us on the right path.

There will be a shift and the tide will finally start to turn where we will see an emergence of great things that can and will be realised and achieved. It will likely be a gradual process; however, we would be wise to think about prudence and preparation. Keep one step ahead and you will not go far wrong as, like Pandora’s box, the message is one of ‘Hope’ – it is a message that we will carry into 2021.

were expressing exciting revelations of our understanding of the universe. The Italian inventor and polymath Leonardo da Vinci, one of the greatest minds of our time, was nearing the end of his life in 1519 only to go on and inspire the great Renaissance artists such as Michelangelo. Da Vinci left behind a mass of inventive creations and artistic masterpieces and made great advances to our understanding of anatomy, civil engineering, geology, optics and hydrodynamics.

The most recent of the astrological effects of Saturn, Pluto and Jupiter entanglement was the series of transits in the 1980s. This decade brought the world’s attention to a number of significant worldwide challenging events. The explosion and downfall of financial wealth was shown in many extreme ways, as it was the yuppie era demonstrating an unhealthy excess of wealth, but what followed was an extreme worldwide recession and a financial reset. Negatively, it was the time of the implications of AIDS and of Margaret Thatcher.

However, we forget the positives and underlying advancements of this time like the same planetary transits occurring in the Tudor and Renaissance periods. While Saturn and Pluto danced back then as now, the world saw great humanitarian advancements.

It was a time of nostalgic artistic decadence with Hollywood coming to the fore in the film and movie world with the emergence of Star Wars and ET, also the birth of the video game industry. Music moved us away from the rock-based themes and brought something completely different, the birth of hip-hop and the prelude to rap and of course the emergence of the Walkman.

All great innovations that were the precursors of our digital age.

THE CURRENT QUALITY OF TIME JUPITER CONJUNCT SATURN - DECEMBER 21ST, 2020 WINDS OF CHANGE Astrologically, we are in the midst of a new worldwide chapter that will no doubt change our political landscape and the economy, which will be the onset of an evolutionary change that will affect us well into 2021. These three major transits are very slow and do not happen often and in this case around every four decades, which strongly signals a worldwide lasting change that will affect generations and generations to come.

The Saturn–Jupiter conjunction on the 21st December will pave the way for an evolution of new expressive ideas. Indeed it will be a time to realise the ‘extraordinary’ in what we do and in our everyday lives.

This conjunction is in Aquarius and it is the first time since the 1840s that it is in an air sign. This strongly suggests a very significant long-term shift towards fairer attitudes and understanding. This will place an emphasis on the environment, moving away from fossil fuels and resetting the environment in which we live, and also innovative ideas in information, communication and technology – the use of virtual meetings and digital communications all will be brought to the fore.

As we enter 2021 the world in many ways will realise that it will not tolerate the underlying passive-aggressive assertions from confused political measures which won’t be working and there will be a very big wake-up call. Worldwide tensions will gradually start to be broken down in quite spectacular ways.

It seems the world will start to sort itself out with stronger lines of action taken from the structures that have not worked, and in many ways the ‘people’ not the politicians will find their voice. Self-confidence will grow and a sense of unity; maybe, just maybe, the leaderships might start to listen … or they may have to.

There will be a balance found in what we do and are doing.

Fragile institutions will become decentralised which will be very different to the regeneration of corporate power such as we saw in the worldwide financial crises created by the financial markets back in 2008. Now it might be that they combine or just simply coexist, either way things will start to shake up for the better.

Changes in the world’s economy start in December and into January 2021 that will be markedly for the better, and new investments that are revolutionary will start to take off – see what people are inventing and its effect in the world’s financial markets.

THE FUTURE QUALITY OF TIME… AN END OF AN ERA It is very important that especially at this time we do not let ourselves become immersed in the constant ‘drip’ negativity that is around us now, with conflicting worldwide information on the WHO, the perfect storm of political confusion, and also general illusions.

The message from the heavens and the astrological viewpoint at this time is that although we have endured hardship and uncertainty over 2020 from the limitations of Saturn’s aspects to Pluto, there is a clear chance to evolve and realise your own personal goals and dreams. This is a chance to get rid of the tension and worry that has been with us most of our lives, and to realise your own potential to make your mark on the world and create a better space.

The heavens are speaking to us, and it is now during the latter part of 2020 and in many ways going into 2021 that the world as a whole has the opportunity to heal itself. We are seeing this emerge now by our concerns for the environment, the Black Lives Matter movement and even in free meals for the poorest children as highlighted by a remarkable young professional

footballer lobbying the politicians in the House of Commons. We have a unique opportunity to finally undo all the many wrongs that have plagued us, both in our personal lives and worldwide going into 2021, and right many wrongs that have laid dormant for years. These can be exciting times if only we now make a start.

As the sun keeps rising, the Moon keeps setting and the stars keep shining, we will all get on with our lives and will start to prosper, in some cases in very surprising ways. You will keep on doing what you did yesterday and you will do exactly the same tomorrow, only better, for it is not the end of the world just yet, rather it is just the end of the day.

See you on the other side…

ISSUE 23 / NOV 2020 / 47

www.lichheldgarrick.com Box OOce 01543 412121

ASTROLOGY Aries

And breathe … Mars your ruling planet will start to turn direct on the 12th November, and this will be most welcome for your sign. You most likely have endured quite an upheaval since August but now it is coming to an end and finally all your hard work will start to pay off. It is important that loved ones are listened to at the end of November and into December as there are clear messages in between the lines. The confusion surrounding your direction starts to even itself out and going into December you will be on track again even if it has not felt like it. Keep going, 2021 will be great news.

Cancer

You are a sign of the Moon which is your ruling planet. Watch the Moon carefully during the next months and key dates for you will be 14th and 21st December. The powerful Full Moon that kicks off 2021 in Leo reaches its full cycle on 28th January and there is an accumulation of opportunities headed your way. In December it is essential to know just what you are wanting from loved ones as going into the first half of 2021 there will be changes in relationships. The formation of new associations will help and new ways are being shown to you. All you have to do is stop worrying.

Libra

A balance is essential now in your thoughts so don’t be swayed by other opinions as that is all they are. Direction and action do not come that easily to you Librans, but it is really important that you start to seek this now otherwise you might miss a trick. Relationships will flourish during December in very unusual ways so have a think about who you want to be in your life. Take any opportunities that come your way in December and enjoy them.

Capricorn

Endurance, balance and wisdom are the keys to success into 2021 so get prepared and do it now. December, the winter solstice, will be a very magical time for you and others and you will find a new direction. The foundations that you have been busy creating or even considering will be nothing but beneficial to you, and Saturn your ruling planet will leave your sign in January 2021 so there will be a change in direction, or rather a reinforcement to where you are already going. Enjoy the start of many things to come.

BY THE SECRET CLAIRVOYANT

Taurus

Change is coming as you might be sensing.

These next months as we reach the end of the year will start to coincide with all that you have been planning and, if you have not, then it would be wise to start now. Loved ones will be fragile in various ways at this time so use your Taurean stability and balance to help them through. Give all that Venus love you have to those that need it. December will be a real boon for you after this year so just have a think of what is important to you now as it will be materialising real soon. You have a unique opportunity to make your mark in 2021 so don’t be late.

Leo

The sun keeps shing and the Moon keeps setting, and the events in your life will keep getting better and better. All that you have done over this year will seriously come into fruition about now and the December winter solstice will herald a new dawn. Keeping ahead of all that you can will help you enormously going into 2021. Financially things start to get less vital and you can use what you have to make what works for you. Career-wise there is going to be ample opportunity to create your vison, so get out there and do what you do best – that is shine!

Scorpio

Pluto your ruling planet has danced the dance over all of this year and you may have found that chapters in your life have somewhat stopped and started but that is the natural order of things and it was always going to be that way. Links to you personally will emerge in December and carry through into 2021.

These will have an outstanding effect and will indicate a significant journey that you will be undertaking during the middle of 2021. Don’t let others fool themselves, especially those you love, and consider all that you say … it will have a profound effect.

Aquarius

New ways of thinking and new ways of doing … In fact everything will be a new way. You have the uniqueness of your ruling planet Uranus to reach new heights and attain them for most of 2021 so don’t delay in the groundwork. As the end of the year comes into being you will have some very unusual surprises that will give you a valuable insight into just who it is you are wanting. December 14th will start a new process for you, and you will have to pinch yourself to believe it.

Gemini

In a pickle? Don’t worry, so is everyone else.

Mercury your ruling planet is being mischievous but, in many ways, you understand this truculent teenager – more so than anyone else. While everyone is looking the other way, turn your attention to all those things that need tying up.

As soon as you hit December make sure you have your house in order as literally everything will be on the move. Expect the unexpected entering January 2021 as there is going to be an explosion of opportunities.

Virgo

You will have had various conversations with yourself over 2020 and those answers you have – or have not – found will be telling you something very important in December and the close of 2020. Your old self would have got caught up in the detail of what you are doing but now use your new-found wisdom and don’t be afraid of what you are wanting. The new year will shed all doubt you may have in a key area of your life, so be kind to yourself and trust in those you love to keep you moving.

Sagittarius

Use your aim now while you let loose your proverbial arrows. You are the archer of the zodiac and when you aim you often aim true and that is what gets you results. When you don’t aim true you find many targets are missed and instead of brushing them under the carpet face them head on. You have so much ability that it can often seem like you are bursting from the seams. Do something very special this winter solstice as you will find that a magic will follow you into 2021. Use it!

Pisces

The universe is talking to you … are you listening?

If not listening, are you feeling it? Much can be made now and new horizons are being created for you without you realising it so get in tune with yourself and not so much from others. You have been sensitive to loved ones over this year and 2021 will now be about your place in the world.

Find peace with yourself, aim high and you will never look back as you enter 2021. It is now time to lay the foundation to your future, particularly in the professional area of your life.

If you would like a personal tarot reading please contact me on 01584 873 447 // 07969 637 022

ISSUE 23 / NOV 2020 / 49

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