Lifestyle Category

Autumn Albums

Melanie C (Spice Girls)Greetings pop-pickers!

If you are of a certain age, you could be forgiven for thinking we have gone back in time when you look at some of the top album releases this autumn. Of course, we have to use the word ‘Album’ as some people under that age may not necessarily know what an ‘L.P’ is, nor may they understand queuing to buy the latest ‘record’ at a Virgin Megastore or even Woolworths!

Here’s our pick of the pops:

Our cover star – Melanie C puts out her new album titled ‘Version of Me’ on the 21st October 2016. This is actually her seventh album and contains the single ‘Anymore’ that was released in September. “I wanted to make an album that I would listen to now,” says Melanie. “I’m not a leftfield artist, I never will be. I write pop songs, but my aim this time was to approach every aspect of them differently, to be more creative with structure and sounds. Whatever felt right, I went with.” (more…)

Autumn TV

Tess Daly Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.comAutumn is signified by many things – the nights draw in, the woolly tights scarves and gloves have to be found, the central heating gets clicked on, round tins of sweets arrive in the shops and of course television. Yes, a guilty pleasure for many of us up and down the country will be getting home from work, eating some comfort food (sausages & mash anyone?) and putting on PJ’s early and settling down to watch some good old fashioned TV.

Well by the time you read this some programmes will have already started – Strictly Come Dancing (partly presented by our cover star – Tess Daly), The X Factor, Poldark, Victoria and comedy remakes – Are You Being Served? and Goodnight Sweetheart to name a few.

But there is still more autumn viewing coming that will bring brightness into your lives as the seasons leaves turn a different shade of colour outside:

Westworld

This is a new series and the executive producer is JJ Abrams who successfully rebooted the Star Wars and Star Trek franchises. The cast is weighty – including Anthony Hopkins, Ed Harris and Thandie Newton. The programme has a Sci-Fi flavour as a remake of Michael Chrichton’s film in1973 about a theme park run by robots that go haywire. Sky Atlantic – Oct 16 (more…)

Bridget Jones’s Baby

Bridget Jones's Baby Universal PicturesHelen Fielding (the writer of Bridget Jones), recently said “At heart Bridget Jones is about the gap between how we all feel we’re expected to be and how we actually are…” That quote really sums up in a nutshell why the books and films have been so popular – on some level we are all able to relate to Bridget Jones and the predicaments she finds herself in.

What we know so far…

The latest instalment is likely to be no different – its ten years on, and as Bridget says “Many positive things to note…”, she has a top job as a producer on a news programme, she has a cordial relationship with her ex (Mark Darcy), she’s got great friends, a good social life going to festivals amongst other things and oh yes – she’s pregnant!

The trailers give away the fact one of her exes is back – Mark Darcy played by Colin Firth, but there is a noticeable absence of Hugh Grant who played her other love interest in the previous films as Daniel Cleaver. But don’t worry there is a new lovable rogue to take his place in the form of Grey’s Anatomy’s McDreamy – Patrick Dempsey who plays billionaire Jack Qwant. (more…)

Cosmic Ordering

Abstract Brain HeadOf course we all wish that there was a money tree at the bottom of the garden, or an ability to send out a message in to the cosmos for the latest thing we might want: new shoes, the latest gadget, to get that house, to get that job and so on…

But Cosmic Ordering is not quite as straightforward as on-line shopping!

However if harnessed correctly there is no doubt it has life-changing potential… At its most basic it could be described as the power of positive thinking – taken one stage further.

Positive Thinking, The Law of Attraction and Cosmic Ordering are all phrases you have probably heard, and they have garnered a lot of attention in recent times. Especially with some of the concepts popularised by Rhonda Byrne in her book ‘The Secret’.

The belief in these concepts is that the thoughts that you have, have an energy that attracts like energy in the cosmos and can manifest them as reality, thereby offering the person a pathway to happiness, success and abundance.

At the route of this concept though is Positive Thinking; your thoughts might initially turn to whether you are a half glass full or half glass empty type of person. However positive thinking doesn’t rely on a person being positive as opposed to negative or an optimist versus a pessimist. It merely looks at how a person perceives the world around them. A positive thinker will view the world and the people in it in the best light – they will be optimistic about humans and events. They won’t ignore or deny the negative, but they will choose to see things for what they are and focus their energies on the good. For example a bad day at work, will be just that – one bad day. It needn’t spiral in to a bad week, bad month…They will look at the issue and if necessary take positive action to rectify the situation.

When we turn to Cosmic Ordering, there is more to achieving your wants and desires than just positive thinking. The theory was created by Barbel Mohr, who believes that we are all connected to the ‘unified field’ or the matrix of the universe. Cosmic ordering is where quantum physics (science) and spirituality meet. The belief is that particles can influence each other over immeasurable distances and those particles can exist simultaneously in two different places. In addition the thought is that just observing events can change them. These three mysteries are what convince people there is something to be said about the ‘unified field’ concept.

You can now place a cosmic order over the internet! But of course in reality that is not needed.

 

Ref: The Encyclopaedia of Mind Body Spirit

Inspiring Books you might have Missed…

The Five People You Might Meet in Heaven Book JacketAt this time of year the shops fill with every type of cook book imaginable, along with celebrity autobiographies and the latest block busters. But if for yourself or for a Christmas gift you want a more inspiring read, then sometimes it helps to turn back in time. Here are some fantastic reads that you might just have missed the first time around:

The Five People You Meet In Heaven, by Mitch Albom

Eddie was a war veteran who fixed amusement park rides for a living. From his early optimistic years, he now felt lonely, full of regret and as if his life had no meaning. On his 83rd birthday he dies trying to save a girl on one of the rides. He awakens in the afterlife, not to the Garden of Eden but to a place where five people from Eddie’s life would explain how their relationships changed his life path forever. The answer Eddie seeks is was his life a success or a failure and did his last act become his redemption. The answer comes from an unlikely source and is as inspiring as you imagine heaven to be.

Late Fragments, by Kate Goss

At first glance this book sounds like a depressing tale, and certainly the ending is sad, as Kate Goss is diagnosed with colon cancer and she dies on Christmas morning two years later. But this is a timely reminder of the things that should matter most to us, but that sometimes only come in to sharp focus when time is short. Kate filled her life with hope and joy in the face of tragedy. This book was a gift to herself, cancer could take a lot – but not her creativity. But in the end she left a gift for her husband, her children and all of us. She offers us thoughts on how to live a great life full of friendships and love and most importantly how to find the wonder in every day.

The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho

For many people seeking a spiritual message, The Alchemist is one of the first places they will start and for good reason. This story is simple and yet powerful with inspiring wisdom. In the book Santiago is an Andalusian shepherd who travels from his home in Spain to Egypt in search of treasure buried in the Pyramids. On his quest he meets several people: a Gypsy woman, an alchemist and a man who calls himself King. They do not know if the treasure exists or if Santiago will be able to overcome all of the obstacles in his way to find it, but as it happens the journey turns more in to the power of listening to what’s in our hearts and following our dreams than it does about discovering worldly goods.

Jonathan Livingston Seagull, by Richard Bach

The website that accompanies this book states “This is a story for those who follow their highest love, who follow their hearts, who yearn to fly their own way, who are the pilots of their own lives and live brightly for themselves.” The book is a fable based around the premise that the path we should follow is written within. Each of us must find our own passions, loves and live a life of our choosing. The one freedom we have is to choose exactly how our lives should be, every day and to ensure that it is a life that we want to lead. Surprisingly these points are made by a special seagull, who wants to fly higher and faster than any other, but he is banished from his flock for wanting to be different!

Meditation

lady meditatingMeditation sounds simple in principle – focus on one thing and block out all other thoughts! But in reality it can be harder to achieve and takes dedication and sustained practise. However the benefits far out way the commitment needed.

In some cases you may think of meditation of being a hippy thing to do, or a perhaps an extension of yoga practise. But in reality the world is a confusing and very busy place for all of us these days. Strides in technology are fantastic, but they have also created an environment where we are ‘always on’, smart phones and tablets have made it in to the bedroom that once would have been a tranquil place to rest. Just doing everyday tasks like getting lunch and coffee now provide many choices and with it many decisions.

All told many of us are stressed both in body and mind perhaps without even realising it. And this is where meditation comes in. It gives you a safe place to crowd out all of the pulls on your everyday life. In that moment you just get to concentrate on you – not your partner, your kids, or your job – just you…

A traditional pose for meditating is sitting cross legged on the floor – but find a space and position that is comfortable to you. Some people prefer a dimly lit room, others will like light, some will close their eyes, others prefer to focus on something like a lit candle – again, do whatever feels right for you. Try to carve out a period of time that will be quiet and where you will be undisturbed – and turn off any technology!

You may find it easier to relax if you do some gentle stretches and an important component is your breathing – very gradually slow down your breathing, so that you breaths in and out are calmer and more controlled.

When you first start meditating you may find it difficult to clear your mind, you will no doubt have to sit in the position for a while. Random thoughts will try and enter your head – what you are going to cook for tea, a friend you must remember to call, a sick relative, an email you forgot to send. It is not unusual for you to feel guilty for taking the time out, and to begin with you may tell yourself that you could be better spending your time on a million and one things from your ever growing to do list…

The whole point of meditation is learning to resist this inner chatter, there is no need to feel guilty for taking a small amount of time for yourself each day. With practise you will find that following your sessions any decisions that were troubling you now seem easier to take, and you will be able to prioritise what really needs to get done and frankly what can wait.

Some people find it easier to take themselves on a guided tour of their imagination – you might think of a place that you felt really happy (perhaps a beach on holiday), then can you imagine the salty taste on your lips, the gentle breeze on your skin, the smell of the suntan lotion and the gentle chatter of people in the background, the warmth of the sun and the relaxed glow you felt…Gradually allow this visualisation to carry over your whole body until all of the tension in your muscles melt away and your mind goes quiet. Keep breathing deeply and slowly and keep working to keep your mind clear of any thoughts.

Regular practise should see you reap the benefits; you should feel more enlightened and happier on a deeper level.

Gratitude Diary

grateful imageMany of us could probably write a list quite easily about the things that we consider to be wrong in our lives or things that we would like to change, the list would be different for all of us:

Feeling like your work/life balance has got out of kilter

Feeling as though there is never quite enough money coming in

Wondering if your relationship is going to go the distance

Feeling worn out and in need of a break

Struggling to manage all of your responsibilities

The list goes on…

But what if instead of making endless lists in your mind about what is wrong, you turn things around and write down on a weekly basis everything you are grateful for!

When you are stressed, tired, ill, short on time or are just going through a difficult patch it can be incredibly difficult to think you are grateful for anything. But even thinking of one thing can have enormous benefits to your health.

Dr Emmons has been studying the effects that gratitude can have on our health, wellbeing and our relationships with others for over a decade. People that keep a gratitude journal for even three weeks show positive benefits.

On the Physical Side:

Stronger immune systems

Better quality of sleep and a feeling of being refreshed on waking

Lower blood pressure

A desire to look after themselves and exercise more

On the Psychological Side:

People feel more optimism and just generally happier

They feel more joy and are able to take pleasure in more things

A general feeling of being more alert, alive and open to positive emotions

On the Social Side:

They forgive themselves and others more easily

They feel less alone and isolated

They are more helpful, generous and compassionate

To get started, you could try writing down five things you are grateful for three or four times a week. There is no need to feel pressure to write something big down, it could be as simple as ‘I am glad my neighbour has grown sunflowers this year as they make me smile every time I pass them.’

In time if you want to you can extend the practise to others, for example sending a note to a person to thank them personally will benefit both them and you? Rather than writing things down, with certain people for example your partner you may choose to tell them: try telling them three things before bedtime that you are thankful for, for example ‘I really appreciated you texting me after my meeting today to see how it went.’

Over time it is okay to alter the schedule of how often your write in your gratitude journal, but be specific, honing in on details stops you getting fatigued over the task and seeing it as a chore.

After a while you should be able to create gratitude in your head as well as on paper. When negative thoughts creep in to your day, you can counteract them with ‘What is good about my life today?’

Fun in the Sun

burnt toast representing sunburnA recent poll carried out by The Royal Pharmaceutical Society demonstrated that 80% of us did not know what SPF protection means! 56% did not realise that SPF is only in relation to UVB rays and not UVA. The end result – clearer labelling is needed on sun protection products, perhaps moving to a much simpler system of low, medium, high and very high protection taking in to account the UVA & UVB components.

Perhaps equally as concerning was that over 50% of the people are never using sun protection and 15% of those with children were not checking for a UVA rating.

So, this cause for different labelling is a great idea but it is not going to help us right now. So whether you are staying in the UK or are jetting off on holiday here is the lowdown on what you need to know to protect you and your family in the sun:

1) Go for a broad spectrum sun screen that has UVA & UVB Protection.

2) Use an SPF factor 15 as a minimum to protect against UVB rays. Sun factors rely on you knowing how long it would take for you to burn without using sun screen. So if you would normally burn in 10 minutes (unprotected), then using a factor 15 would allow you to be protected for 150 minutes. When in doubt – go higher.

3) In the UK, UVA protection appears as a star rating on the bottle, from 0 – 5 stars. The higher the star the greater the protection.

4) When purchasing sun screen – check that it is not past its expiry date. Sometimes it is okay to use last year’s sun screen; they can have a life of several years. They need to have been stored in a cool location out of direct sunlight. Check the bottle, as there will be a manufacturing logo on it showing how long it can be used for after opening.

5) You should aim to spend time in the shade when the sun is at its hottest – between 11am – 3pm.

6) Apply sun screen before you go out and reapply regularly. Most people miss bits and also use a lot less than the recommended amount. Don’t forget to protect your scalp. Sweating in the heat and swimming will also remove the product, even if you are using a waterproof version, so keep topping up.

7) It is a misconception that a ‘base tan’ will protect you. Also do not be lulled in to staying in the sun longer or applying lotion less frequently because you have used a high factor product.

8) Lastly, remember to also protect your eyes. Look for a CE or British Standard mark when purchasing. You want glasses with a 100% UV protection.

None of us want to get burnt in the sun, but occasionally we do get caught out. If you are worried, then regular checking of skin and keeping an eye on any moles is a good idea. For moles follow the ABCD route:

A = Asymmetry, check if the two halves of your mole look different.
B = Border, check to see if the border of the mole is blurred, irregular or jagged.
C = Colour, check if the mole is uneven or has more than one shade/colour.
D = Diameter, look to see if any of your moles are wider than 6mm (which is about the size of an eraser at the end of a pencil).

You are now all set, for safe fun in the sun – enjoy!

Getting a Career you Love!

Career ChoiceSome people know from a very young age – what they want to do when they grow up! But for many of us life turns out as more of a succession of jobs, rather than a career and becomes about paying the bills rather than working in an area we love. However it is never too late, there are more opportunities now for budding inventors, entrepreneurs or for taking a hobby or craft into self employment. Many brands that we know and love on the high street started with very humble beginnings:

For example Innocent Smoothies was started by three men in 1998, when they bought £500 of fruit and sold ‘smoothies’ all weekend at a London music festival. They asked each person who purchased a drink to put their empty bottle in a ‘yes’ bin if they thought they should give up their day jobs and pursue the smoothie idea. At the end of the day the ‘yes’ bin was full and so they resigned the next day from their jobs and started the company ‘Innocent’, so named to capture the pure and fresh product. The range has now expanded; they have gone on to get investment from drinks giant ‘Coca-Cola and now sell millions of smoothies a week.

Perhaps one of the most famous British stories is that of Sahar Hashemi and her brother who founded Coffee Republic – the UK’s first US style coffee bar chain. They already had good jobs, but risked everything on a dream of changing a nation of tea drinkers into caffeine addicts. They sold the business in 2001 but Sahar has become an inspiration to would-be entrepreneurs around the world, firm in her belief that anyone can do what they did. In fact she wrote a book titled ‘Anyone Can Do It – Building Coffee Republic from our Kitchen Table.

In the early eighties Romy Fraser was interested in alternative medicine and so she started to produce organically sourced beauty products and natural remedies – Neals Yard Remedies was born. She was way ahead of her time – before all things eco became fashionable, but the brand was built on a solid foundation of no animal testing, 100% recyclable bottles (pretty blue glass) and all of the ingredients are UK sourced. They were front runners in their field and became the first UK company to be awarded a Carbon Neutral brand mark. The first shop was opened in London in Covent Garden and there are now multiple stores in the US, Japan and the UK.

Whilst the world seems a scary place at the moment with world economies still drowning with worries, these stories show that good ideas can take off whatever the climate. And many economists believe that difficult economic times can provide the best launch pad for some start-up businesses.

So if you have a hobby that really is your passion, maybe now is the time to take the leap…Or you have had an epiphany moment regarding a product that could make the world a better place, now could be the time to spring into action!

Maybe we will see you on Dragons Den…

Spiritual Insects & Animals and their Meanings

shutterstock_142246639Many people believe in the spirit of insects and animals and have faith that they have all got a meaning behind them. These species can provide comfort and guidance so that folk can take the right direction or make the right decisions in their lives.
I have compiled just a handful of insects and animals that may be of interest to you; you can use this as a guide to create your own unique spiritual totem pole to refer to in times of need:

ANT
These insects show that you are being very methodical and organised. You are planning events in your life and want to strive to be a strong provider for your family and others that need your help. You are a person that has determination along with discipline and patience and these qualities prove that you aim to succeed in whatever you do in life.

BEE
If you dream of bees this shows that you are going through a busy period in your life. It also means that you are a communicator and that there are events in your life that need to be addressed and decisions have to be made. You would make a good counsellor and problem solver and you have the ability to inspire people or encourage others to go on with their hopes and aspirations. ‘Bee people’ are good at taking orders and so there could be something in your life that you have to put back into some order; either that or you have to be strict with yourself i.e. if you were dieting or having to stick to a regime. So for things to change you have to be determined to keep pushing ahead.

BUTTERFLY
This represents the meaning of new life, it could literally mean a new baby or that you are entering into a new career etc. This could also prove that your life could be changing emotionally and spiritually – you are enhancing these areas of your life. Butterflies show change through their own metamorphoses from caterpillar to butterfly and therefore if you dream of them be ready and prepared for big changes. If you dream of a butterfly around somebody else then the changes will be apparent for them.

SPIDER
“As the web that we shall weave so shall we succeed.” I have always associated spiders with success and the choices we have to make and the direction we feel we have to go. I believe also that when you see or dream of spiders that money will come to you, that you are destined to come into or make a nice sum of money. The spider is the natural dream catcher of life so be careful of what you dream for – because it just might come true! If you dream that a spider is wrapping you in its web then you need to be cautious of somebody who may want to trap you or a situation where you feel trapped and need to break free.

LADYBIRD
This is the cupid of life. It is believed that the ladybird will direct you to the person that is right for you, and the number of spots shown on the back of the ladybird indicates how many months will pass before meeting that special person. Ladybirds also represent luck, so if one lands on you you will be in line for some good luck or that your life is going to change for the better. This small creature is also very protective of its family so whatever transpires in your life will also affect those close to you and that good luck can transcend to those people also.

GRASSHOPPER
The meaning of this insect represents your abilities and your artistic nature. The colour of the grasshopper is also significant because it indicates a fresh start, going into a new adventure and being able to adapt and blend in with your new environment. In Japan the grasshopper is a good luck symbol and many used to keep them in cages and release them on behalf of a person who needed a new direction or meaning in their life. The grasshopper will give inspiration to many people who have either a musical talent or who have an artist’s eye. So if you dream of this insect then you will be given encouragement to follow through with your dreams of becoming what you want to be, so don’t hold back – go for it.

HEDGHOG
These cute little animals are the fertility of life and also stand for Mother Nature, because their bellies are so close to the earth. If you dream of hedgehogs or keep seeing them where ever you go then this is an indication that you need some form of energy or vitality. This little sole provides intuition, psychic ability and prophetic visions or dreams. It is a nocturnal animal, so it will disclose the secrets of the night. In other words you may be given signs or secrets of another person in your insights but you will be protected spiritually, think of the spikes a hedgehog has – these protect it, and so shall you be.

ELEPHANT
If elephants are your spiritual animal this can show that your personality represents you as being honourable, patient, strong and steady. They also show that the person can be blessed to bring good fortune to others. An elephant is one creature that is very spiritual and has proven that they have insight by the way they are very protective of their own and can anticipate danger before it happens. If you dream of an elephant protecting its young then be warned that there could be danger or a situation you may be encountering that needs to be addressed. Dreaming of riding an elephant could suggest that you are going to have to lead your family or those close to you or even in a business through a difficult situation and that those people will depend on you to get them through. (Elephants are regarded as one of nature’s natural mothers and born leaders).

FALCOLN
The Falcon is presumed to have high vision meaning that it soars higher than most birds of its kind and can predict things before they happen. This bird of prey has demonstrated to have a higher knowledge and wisdom beyond most creatures and its mythical heritage amongst the Indians shows that they are very well thought of in the eternal life. So if you are going through a dilemma in life and you dream of the falcon then you are being given the knowledge in how to handle the problem set in front of you. The falcon is a thinker and a spiritual guardian and will enable you to resolve the outcome of the position you are experiencing. The falcon is known as having visionary power, insight and prophecy and also of freedom to be able to fly free and get answers for you and those around you.

RAT
Eeeek! – Some people find rats very offensive – however they are resourceful, adaptable and are super aware. Believe it or not they are exceptionally clean. People who are drawn to rats or mice are believed to have more about them than they are given credit for and can be very misunderstood. Rats will gather and help to find and provide for others but if crossed will turn and will disregard a person’s feelings. Most rats need company but if found to be a loner be careful because they can be devious and underhand. If you dream of a group of rats you need to take help from others but if you dream of a lone rat watch out for someone you trust turning on you. If you are dreaming that you are the lone rat you could be being forced or pushed out of a situation, so try and find either new friends or a new social scene.

HORSE
Horses are seen as power and strength, poise of grace and beauty. Furthermore some people in their cultures believe horses represent the four elements – earth, wind, fire and water. They are in addition seen as being mythical along with the unicorn. If you dream of a horse and you are riding it then this will indicate that you are going to conquer and be successful in a business or project that you are undertaking… but if you are falling from a horse you are failing at something and need to keep your nerve. Seeing a horse in a dream with reins or being tied up will signify that you are feeling restricted and need to break free. On the whole a horse will lead and guide you and those around you into a strong lucrative partnership that will not dissolve, and will have a special bond for a very long time. This leads me to believe that if you dream of riding a horse with someone you love that this person is to be recognised as being your soul-mate.

CAT
There are a lot of people who are very attracted to cats of all types. If you are one of these people then you represent being clever, intuitive, supernatural and mysterious but also secretive. If you are dreaming of a cat, there will definitely be changes ahead – a fresh start, or a long overdue situation that needs to addressed! If a black cat comes into your path this can indicate that there is good fortune coming your way, or that you have been wishing for something. If when dreaming of a cat you also see a figure or a shadow of a person, this could be a warning to be aware and to distance yourself from that person or state of affairs. If you dream of a wild cat this may mean that you will be drawn in to doing things in a very different way than normal. If you see a cat in a loving mood this could mean that your comforts and needs are going to be met.

DOG
Straight away dogs represent the symbol of loyalty and the saying “man’s best friend.” If you are a dog lover then this shows that you can be a very good and loyal friend to others. You look out for people and try to warn them of any danger that they may be going in to and so you jump to protect them. Dogs show love unconditionally, even when being ill-treated they will stay in the hope that things will change. On the other hand though, when a dog’s trust is broken it can take forever for them to trust again. So if you dream of a dog, check your surroundings and the people in it before giving your trust in the future, in addition if you are in a relationship that you do not feel is going well check that your future should be with that person – or do you need to rethink?

There are many insects and animals in the world to choose from but those that choose us either in life or by dreams indicates that there is a reason for this or behind the dream.

Look around and before you dismiss or swat that creature ask yourself why you have come into confrontation with them. There could definitely be a message there, so be more aware of the world or dream you are in.

From this try and pick your totem that most suits you and see what the future is holding for you.

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