FabMagUK- Issue 08 - Winter 2021

FabMag uk

issue 08 / Winter 2021

The Christmas & New year

issue Sustainable christmas outfits The ultimate christmas playlist Hilarious office party faux pas

uty, e a e b ion, lifestyl h s a F DE: dence & I S N I onfi c y d bo

Forty & beyond Your worst present stories Christmas as divorced parents FABulous christmas party outfit inspiration Christmas as a single woman

a message

from us I can’t believe a year has gone by so quickly.

Maybe because I spent half of this year willing the months away as my husband was deployed in the Far East, only to arrive home 2 days after the lockdown had officially ended!!

It’s been so up and down for so many of us. But what has kept me going, especially when I was isolated at home, was this magazine and the community that has grown from it. We have met some amazing, inspiring, kind, funny and sassy women and we couldn’t be more grateful. Women from all over the globe read our magazine and those who contribute have really made a difference to so many. Everyone writes so honestly and it can really make other women in similar situations feel as though they amongst friends. So, before I get too emotional I want to thank everyone for contributing, reading, sharing and giving up their time to support us. We’ve had some wonderful women this year grace our covers. So from the heart of my bottom I want to say a big thank you and wish everyone a happy, safe and restful holiday season. Hold your loved ones close, eat drink and be merry. You really matter to us here at FAB MAG UK. So Thank you.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year

USE CODE SHOP222 FOR A FAB DISCOUNT!

Zee x

Editor Forty & Beyond Magazine UK.

I can’t quite believe that 2022 is nearly upon us. This year for me has flown by.

Just yesterday I was speaking to my ‘other half ’ and saying how ‘un-festive’ I feel, which is suprising as I’m usually in full christmas swing by November 8th! (The day after my mums birthday) I feel that this year has brought me so many wonderful things, and lots of laughter and happiness. It’s been a year of growth and self reflection and I have so many hopes and dreams for the year ahead. I want to say thank you to all of our readers, and especially to our contributors - without you this magazine would not be possible. I’m excited to watch it grow and develop over the upcoming issues.

This year, unlike the last, I will be able to spend christmas at my mums house with my partner, son and other family members. I am thoroughly looking forward to the pigs in blankets, secret santa and board games!

I’m hoping you all have a very merry christmas and a prosperous new year, full of love, laughter and happy memories.

As always, keep safe and we will see you next year!

Alix x

Designer Forty & Beyond Magazine UK. winter 2021 / issue 08

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Contents 8 8

Table decor

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The Worst christmas gifts

All the inspiration you need this Christmas

Some incredible bad choices for gifts here

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Gail Genster

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winter fashion

Cover story:

Compiled by editor, zee

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Claire Lodge

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Natalie Lowe

In February of this year, we celebrated our first celebrity interview of 2021. Laila Rouass talked to us about her new website whole and then some. This year has been a very busy one for Laila. Holby city, safe and she’s worked non stop on tv projects to be aired in 2022! Thank you for always being a huge supporter of fab Laila this cover is for you.

Gail shares her year with us

Practising the art of manifestation

A sustainable approach to christmas fashion

32 Christmas parties

Stories that will make you laugh your socks off

35 Nicki Donohoe Ultimate christmas playlist

37 Nicky Clark Her family adventures

40 Zero point million

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We speak to the sustainable brand

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48 The O shot

Brand new treatment to that gives you back control of your body

50 Nip & Tuck

Ending the taboo of cosmetic surgery

54 Face it

HIFU facials perfect for anti ageing

58 Siobhan Daniels Reflections from this time last year

60 Coparenting

How to work around seperation with children at christmas

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Holistic healing

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Giving thanks

Britta Hochkeppel on her new book

What we are greatful for this year winter 2021 / issue 08

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FabMag fortyandbeyondmaguk uk

advertise with us FabMag UK is a fast growing womans magazine, reaching readers across the globe.

Our aim is to inspire, motivate and relate to each and every woman who reads our magazine and we would love to work with brands who also have this ethos in mind.

We offer different size adverts in the mag, sponsored posts, social media campaigns & brand collaborations.

For information and our rates send us an email and we will send you our media kit with more information.

w OPS & OPS

With special thanks to all of our contributors this month...

Nicki Donohoe, Nicky Clark, Gail Genster, Zee Battersby, Alix Shaw, Siobhan Daniels, Chalita Frost, Meg Mathews, Clare Lodge, Natalie Lowe, Britta Hochkeppel & a special thanks to all of our advertisers.

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@gmail.com

Our team w

EDITOR Zena Battersby Designer Alix Pamela Shaw

This issue I’m loving Zee: The Christmas feels everywhere already. I work part time in retail and Christmas always comes early.

Every customer seems really excited and happy about it this year. I’ve been tasked with the Christmas work meal this year too so its time for sequins! Some of my family will be away skiing so we are having an early Christmas celebration before they leave.

Then it’s just my husband and I (said like the queen) for an M&S Christmas day followed by New Year in Yorkshire. What ever your plans just enjoy it. We’ve all missed so much xxx ALIX: I’m counting the days until my annual leave, my annual christmas shopping trip with one of my best friends & just relaxing after what feels like a hectic, whirlwind year!

Fabmag UK is a registered trademark and an online publication.

Reproduction in whole or in any part is strictly forbidden without written permission from the Editor, Zena Battersby.

The views expressed in the magazine are not neccessarily those of the editor.

All images used are copyright to the photographers, who have been credited throughout the magazine.

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Fa la la la la!

All the christmas table decoration inspo you need this year!

I

By: zee battersby ’m a huge lover of dressing

a table for christmas and I wanted to inspire you to do the same this year. It doesn’t have to cost anything. You can scour the charity shops and the discount stores and if you’re able, get outside to source real foliage and holly. So here are some of my favourite tables I’ve found on the internet. Please share yours with us over on the fabmaguk facebook and instagram pages, we love to feature our readers.

All images are pinterest unless otherwise stated xx

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My worst christmas present Our readers share some of the most questionable gifts they have recieved.

By: zee battersby

I

take a lot of time and effort, especially with giftwrapping, when I do Christmas.

Friends love to share the wonderful presents their other half or a family member have bought all over social media. Its become a thing in recent years. But what I really love is to laugh at some of the most awful gifts people have considered acceptable. Some people re-gift and I’m OK with that. But some people really miss the mark. So we asked our readers to tell us the worst presents they have ever been bought. And they delivered. You might say it’s the gift that keeps on giving ha ha ha !! So here are just a few of the hundreds we received over our social media pages.

Starting with mine I might add!!

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I once received for Christmas a wooden compass! It was the kind you find in a hippie shop, the places that sell bongs and incense.

I thought, “oh this could be a clue?

Maybe we are going on a mini break?” I made the mistake of saying that out loud. Which, I have to say, in retrospect was a mistake!!

I ruined Christmas apparently for being ungrateful. It was just the wooden weird compass… in tissue paper. The kind you keep under the sink!!

I have to say he was one of the worst boyfriends I’ve ever had.

Zena – Suffolk.

I was given a matching bread bin and kitchen bin one year!!

Hilary, Essex

A TV. So I could watch the soaps as I made dinner!!!

Justine, Suffolk A set of saucepans – Georgina, Dorset.

A bag of Bombay mixChristopher ,Dudley A toilet seat!!

Louise, wales

Christmases in a row!!

Amelia, Coventry.

A pen with the initials an ‘M’ engraved on it. My name is Jenny!!

His ex was called Ami…!

Jenny Notts.

A remote control hoover, because he felt bad that I had so much housework to do!! – Totally missing the point.

Emma K , Norfolk My boyfriends mum re gifted me a book that id given to her the previous Christmas!! She’d even gone to the trouble of removing the first page where id written a Christmas message!

Claire, London.

My dad gave my mum a wheelbarrow he found in a skip and it had a flat tyre. He didn’t even bother to pump it up!!!

Davinia, Norfolk.

Some pyjamas id wanted for ages.

I’m a size 14 and he bought a size 10. He said it would give me something to aim for!!!!!

Charlotte, Cambridge.

A microwavable egg poacher….

He’d bought me one three

A spare tyre. For my car.

Jayne, London

“Divorce papers. Straight up like Eastenders!!”

A box set of the Sopranos, It was HIS favourite series!

Clare Ipswich.

A bowl for crisps and dip.

Without either to put in it. It may have lessened the disappointment at least!!

Niahmn, London Divorce papers. Straight up like Eastenders!!

Marion. Essex A stretch Armstrong.

I’m a 45 year old woman.

He thought it would be funny. Wtf. Carrie-Anne , East Anglia.

Every year I get chocolate and alcohol from my mother in law. – I’m a diabetic and I don’t drink!.

Lisa , Wirrel.

Lacy Underwear, from my father in law to be!!!

Kat, Dublin A shoe horn?!! What the hell.

Amanda Edinburgh On our second Christmas to my mother in laws, I was hopefull.

Id been told his ex girlfriend had been given a Gucci bag by her one year. I got some bath towels from Debenhams. Serves me right!!

Lauren, Halifax. winter 2021 / issue 08

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F

rom one of the UK’s most popular presenters, an intimate, personal book about how to be beautiful, both inside and out We live in a world where so much is about how we present ourselves on the outside, and there is fun to be had here but true beauty comes from within.

There is an alignment that needs to happen and finding that balance hasn’t always felt so easy.

Now, I’m finally at a point in my life where I can see a little more clearly. Writing is such a personal process and between these pages you will find many little pieces of me. I want to share my truths in the hope that maybe they’ll help you too.

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Reflections explores what it means to live a beautiful life in the modern world. Here, for the first time, Holly Willoughby untangles

“Writing is such a personal process and between these pages you will find many little pieces of me.

I want to share my truths in the hope that maybe they’ll help you too” topical and emotional issues such as body-image, burnout and control with candour, nuance and hard-won insight.

This book will start

conversations, whether they’re about how to find your signature lipstick, reclaim your sexuality, or treat yourself more kindly - and, ultimately, help you on your way to feeling beautiful, confident and complete.

Holly Willoughbyis the UK’s most popular female TV presenter and is best known for her work on This Morning, Dancing on Ice and, formerly, Celebrity Juice. She has a combined 20m social media following. w REFLECTIONS HOLLY WILLOUGHBY Published by Century on 28 October 2021 Hardback £20 | Available in eBook and Audio

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My 2021: When hard work meets opportunity Our regular columnist shares her year with us.

By: Gail Genster

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hat a whirlwind year it’s been for people. After the difficult and unprecedented year that was 2020, many have used 2021 as a way to get back on track. Perhaps a way to build upon something whose seeds were planted last year while everyone was home. This is the kind of thing I’ve done in 2021, and once it’s over, it’ll be what I look back on with pride.

2020: Setting the Groundwork As a pro-aging fitness enthusiast and lifestyle influencer, I often showcase certain brands I like using in my daily life. What I wear, eat, drink, etc. Wherever I go, I like to take my favourite products with me.

I’m sure we’re all familiar with the kinds of struggles companies went through last year; needless to say, many of the ones I showcase were not doing business as usual in 2020. Because of this, there was little to no opportunity to partner with any of them in an official capacity, as many influencers do.

This might seem demoralizing for someone that was completely new to this space. I didn’t get down, however. I got to work. For me-it was the perfect time to start!

2020 was when I prepared myself for when these businesses re-opened. NFL and College Football Hall of Fame Jimmy Johnson once said, “Success happens when hard work meets opportunity.” I worked my butt off to build up my brand. I took

“All the time I spent in 2020 laying the groundwork for when opportunity struck paid off, for I was ready” chances. I made mistakes. I spent hard earned money I took from savings, and I learned from these experiences. I used inherent competencies to get better every day, which led to me discovering new talents I didn’t know I had (like writing). I took advantage

of the skills I have (like public speaking) and little by little, my following grew. I found an audience who I am able to inspire, motivate, and engage with in a very organic way. 2020 was a pivotal time in my evolution as a brand ambassador, blogger, event 4

producer, and lifestyle influencer.

Most importantly, it set me up to take full advantage of 2021.

2021: Bearing Fruit 2021 has been the culmination of a lot of patience and hard work. All the time I spent in 2020 laying the groundwork for when opportunity struck paid off, for I was ready. Many of the aforementioned brands I like to take with me will now come along as partners. Why? Because I was willing to prepare for this moment

“My ultimate goal is to change the narrative on aging, specifically in the midlife” and wasn’t afraid to believe in myself when it came.

That’s what I’m most proud of in 2021. The fact that I was able to capitalize on the work I did in 2020. It’s very easy to eventually come up short once things start

going your way, as more success invariably leads to more hard work. You have to be ready to keep the pace up if you want to stay successful; this is a challenge I have taken on with a full head of steam.

My ultimate goal is to change the narrative on aging, specifically in the midlife. I’m not sure what kind of roads I’ll travel upon on my way to this destination, but I do know one thing.

I’ll give it everything I have. Every 4 step of the way. w

PARTY TIME

Time to sparkle this festive season!

By:zee battersby

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ell, what a year! It’s been full of ups and downs. Cancelled plans, birthday’s again, being put on hold and now with the new variant we are being told this Christmas could be put in jeopardy. BUT whatever happens we MUST for all our sakes make the most of our party season. So many of us are looking forward to family parties, cocktails with friends, house parties and work parties (We have some hilarious work party stories in the mag this month) So what we need is a bit of party outfit inspiration. A little bit of sparkle and a little bit of glam. I’ve put together some

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“ Invest in an evening bag and shoes and the rest will follow” affordable and quiet classic outfits that anyone of and shape and age can wear. The key to any outfit is confidence. If you buy something that you’re not sure about, then it’s guaranteed to sit in your wardrobe forever! Invest in an evening bag and shoes and the rest will follow.

It’s the age-old advice; you can always recycle an outfit with new shoes and bags. It doesn’t always have to be a new dress or a new outfit. You can change up anything

with different accessories and with the focus in so many areas of our lives being on sustainability and recycling these dresses and outfit’s wont date and you can wear them for years to come. If you can shop local then do so, otherwise the larger companies are offering discounts right up to Christmas and no doubt beyond. Its also worth pointing out… and it took a long time for me to grasp this, but no one really cares what you’re wearing because everyone is just worried about how they look!!!!

Its true! I know!!! So go forth and enjoy getting dressed up put on that red lippy and let yourself go.

Merry Christmas w

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1. Dress & boots ZARA, tights John Lewis, Bag Oliver Bonas 2.Dress Donald Stanley, Shoes Zara, bag H&M 3. Dress goddiva, shoes Zara, bag Oliver bonas

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4. Dress Next,Tights John Lewis,shoes Zara 5. Dress Monsoon,tights snag, shoes Shein 6. Dress Next, Boots zara, bag H&M 7. Jumper dress Mary Benson, Boots ZARA 8. Green sequin pant suit ZARA, shoes Shein, Bag Oliver bonas 22

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9. Dress Little Mistress,Boots Shein,Bag Etsy 10. Dress monsoon, bag H&M, shoes ZARA 11. Shirt, trousers & shoes Zara, bag oliver bonas 12. Nails by @jo.snape.glamlab instagram

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Happy habits for 2022 Taking control of your life and practising the art of gratitude and manifestation.

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By: claire lodge

n New Year’s Eve

2018 I cried myself to sleep. I felt so empty, trying to connect to a feeling of gratitude for my many blessings but unable to. I had a vague notion of what I wanted my life to be like but I didn’t believe it could happen, nor did I have the motivation or tools to make it happen. I saw everyone else around me taking holidays, being in love, and thriving, and I wondered if it would ever be my turn.

I eventually became sick of dwelling in the hole I’d dug for myself, and soon after, I had an epiphany: NO ONE WAS COMING TO RESCUE ME - MY LIFE WAS MY RESPONSIBILITY. I suppose this would be obvious to some people, but for me it was a real light bulb moment.

My realisation coincided with the first lockdown. Rather than feeling like my life was on hold, I tried to see the time as a blessing. I started blogging, I journaled, and I completely threw myself into

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“A few years later, my healthy habits are still going strong”

my career. It was a real effort at first, but I gradually began to feel thankful that I finally had the space and the self-awareness to work towards something I’d feel the benefits of when things returned

to normal.

A few years later, my healthy habits are still going strong and I want to share them with you: Gratitude I started very, very small, stripping things back to below zero and being grateful for anything above that, even if it felt daft at first. Lovely cup of coffee first thing? I was grateful for that. A walk with my dog I enjoyed? I was grateful for that. Eventually I started to recognise just how much there was to be grateful for, and nowadays I end each day by mentally listing all the good things that have happened. Gratitude is also a powerful way to accept and embrace the present while working towards the future. That way, there’s always something to be excited about!

Manifestation Manifestation is about setting your intention and sharing it with the universe, consistently and with an open and grateful heart.

At first it was hard because I didn’t even know what I wanted.

But once I got clear, I made manifestation a permanent fixture and I get results by: • Deciding what I want: I The trick is to get really clear and consistent. I usually have three things on my list • Putting my list out ‘into the universe’ daily: I say it out loud when walking my dog (out of earshot of others, obvs) and

“Manifestation is about setting your intention and sharing it with the universe” driving. I write it down in a beautiful journal, and I find images of what it might look like and view them regularly • Feeling as if I already have them: And I mean really feel it.

I try to step into the shoes of my future self and summon all those feelings of excitement, gratitude and joy. I felt silly at first, but believe! It’ll soon become

second nature • Having a plan: You’re probably not going to get what you want if you don’t have a plan to make it happen. A set of actions underpinned by positivity, gratitude and intent - is an incredibly powerful combination Forming new, more positive habits and perspectives takes time, discipline and practice, but fully committing to it has changed my mind set, enabling me to see life through a lens of what I have, rather than what I don’t.

And I hope that if you’re feeling like I was, it works for you too. w Claire can be found on Instagram and facebook as @my40pluslife.me winter 2021 / issue 08

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xxxxxx

W

xxxxxxxxx

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e all wish we could do a job that was also our passion, and go to work loving what we do. Well, costume maker Stephen Williams does just that, every day.

His skill and eye for detail has seen Stephen work on some of the most incredible productions in fashion, theatre and film. His latest work can be seen everywhere at the moment on NETFLIX. Yes that’s right, Stephen is part of an amazing team of costume makers and designers who have been working tirelessly over the last year to bring you the epic progamme that is BRIDGERTON in all its finery.

For those that don’t know, (I’m not sure there are many) 4

summer 2021 / issue 06

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‘Tis the season to be…

FABULOUS

DARHLING!! a sustainable approach to christmas fashion By: Natalie Lowe

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lthough, like I always say sparkles are for life not just for Christmas!

What’s even better than a fabulous outfit- (Christmas or not) - is a fabulous, sustainable outfitplus they’re usually a total bargain to boot!

As we all know, it’s never been a more important time to consider the sources of our purchases. I’m not here to preach, I mix a high street piece with vintage all the time- but my top tip would be when you do buy high street, make sure it’s something that will be hanging around, something you can get tonnes of wear from and what you’ll be able to switch up with lots of other things in your wardrobe. In terms of high street shopping, I’m a sucker for COS, their collections are totally timeless and year on year I’ll pull out the same LBD but curate a different look. Simple things like adding a fishnet tight instead of opaque or

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ankle boots instead of fancy shoesit creates an entirely new look and because it’s COS, it holds value so when you’ve totally milked every style you can imagine- you can sell

it on for a decent price. They even have a section on their website to list your pre-loved COS pieces. So buying high street doesn’t have to be the ultimate sin- just be savvy

with it.

Saying that, my heart will always belong to vintage. Totally sustainable and totally unique! I am not loyal to any era and can be seen teaming an 80’s batwing with a 60’s pedal pusher! Charity shops have always been my “go to” for finding my best vintage clobber, although the good stuff seems to be getting scarcer and scarcer- but it’s the thrill of the chase! I’ve found some incredible bits over the yearssome of the best being an 80’s YSL leather belt for £2 and an 80’s MOSHINO T-shirt dress for a £1I mean! I nearly wet myself! BUT it’s not easy to find these treasures and often you’ll scour 5-6 charity shops and find zilch.

That’s when the wonderful vintage community on Instagram come in- so so many independent vintage sellers who offer their wares from either their real bricks and mortar shops or their living

“Charity shops have always been my “go to” for finding my best vintage clobber, although the good stuff seems to be getting scarcer” rooms. There’s tonnes out there and all selling great quality and reasonably priced vintage gold.

So if you’re not up for sifting through yellow stained bras and Burtons ties in the bargain basketthis lovely lot have done it for you to bring you their amazing collections!

Finally we mustn’t forget the

Makers, the makers who design and create their own unique pieces.

I recently discovered Winifred Rose, she sells luxury sequin party wear, which is entirely ethically handmade- I treated myself for my 40th this year and plan on wearing the dress to my work Christmas party. The collections are all SHOWSTOPPING and knowing that the source of the material and how it’s made is entirely traceable makes it all the more special. Again, there are many independent makers on Instagram, Hendrix and Rogue jewellery is another favourite for hand stamped silver at amazing prices.

So overall people, stay sassy, stay savvy and keep it sustainable! w www.instagram.com/front_door_fashion winter 2021 / issue 08

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My Perfect Eyes & My Perfect foundation Made for each other- literally!

M

y Perfect Eyes contains a small amount of magnesium which is what prevents the cosmetic from absorbing into the skin, making it safe for

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everyday use.

Magnesium however, does not mix well with ‘oil based’ products which is often the base of many foundations.

My Perfect Foundation was

created exactly for this reason. The two were designed to chemically pair perfectly so you can complete the look and feel confident today with your two partners in crime! w www.myperfectcosmeticscompany.co.uk winter 2021 / issue 08

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Step into

christmas...

The minefield that is the works christmas party. Real life stories to make you laugh this festive season! pictures:unsplash

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e all love a works Christmas do. It’s so risky isn’t it! It can go one of two ways. You can either get too drunk and show your real self in front of your boss OR you can get blackout drunk and show yourself up in front of your boss! It’s an absolute minefield and these stories have confirmed we have all been in or witnessed the minefield that is the works Christmas party!! …. Enjoy.

PARTY BAG…I had been with the company very long. It was my first proper Christmas bash where you had to dress up. I was really looking forward to it. My boss, a woman, was stiff and perfect and if I’m honest I was pretty terrified of her. Half way through the night after the speeches and awards for the company, She thumped down next to me “ oh god I’ve just been sick in someone’s bag” she declared before laughing uncontrollably. I quickly checked it wasn’t mine. When the lights came on and we all started to make our way to the hotel bar. It transpired 32

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shed actually been sick into her own bag! She was escorted to her room by her assistant crying uncontrollably. I found it all very funny. I’m still at the company! So is she.

Roo, West London

GONE GIRL..Ok, so I was about 22 (a long time ago!!) and I started work at a law firm in the end of October so by the December I was still getting to know people.

Anyway, we had our Christmas do at a very posh golf club and I was

so nervous. So after a few drinks I calmed down and was having a ball. Somehow I ended up with the boss’s chequebook and I was ordering vintage brandy and all sorts from the cellar! I got caught because at this stage I couldn’t even write properly! I then decided I’d better go home. I had no idea where I was or how Id get home.

So I went outside and spotted some golf buggies. Genius, I thought, ill just drive myself home.

I sat there trying to figure out why they weren’t moving only to realize they were all chained together!

Annoyed I looked up to see my boss standing there holding my shoes watching me trying to make my great escape in a chain of golf buggies!

Sarah – @Sazzyp PS I LOVE YOU… One of my work friends was in love with one of the senior partners. Who had shown no interest or sign of reciprocation whatsoever…at our last works Christmas party she got really drunk and plucked up the courage to tell him saying “ I’m really really nervous to tell you this and it might come as a shock, but I’m in love with you” He replied dead pan, “yeah I know you told me at last years Christmas party”!!! criiinnngeeeeeeeeeeeee.

She didn’t remember a thing the next day.

Emma jane Northampton TA DAAAAA….I decided to

brag to all and sundry that I used to be really good at gymnastics as a child. Fuelled by vodka red bull and the office moonshine, I proceeded to do a back flip in the office lobby. Woke up with a rug burn on my massive forehead and nose!!

Rosie sheffield ALL GONE PETE TONG The Company I worked for in the late 200’s stopped holding a works Christmas party. Mainly because two coworkers got really drunk and had a massive scrap in the office car park.

Also the sales secretary got so drunk she was offering to show her boobs to people on the dance floor. Car sales eh!!

Gemma K Winchester.

BIG SPOON LITTLE SPOON.. I felt slightly uncomfortable at my first Christmas party so what do you do when you feel uncomfortable you drink and boy did I drink! I remember sitting in a quiet bar near the end of the night telling people exactly what I thought of them told one lady she was a massive brown nose and then remember being in the hotel room with all our other colleagues and CEO. I was dressing him up like a Christmas tree I think I had stolen all of the Christmas decorations from the hotel at this point to do it. I woke up at 4 AM spooning another staff member with people scattered everywhere in hotel room I spent the day having flashbacks not knowing which were real and which weren’t.

Karen Glasgow winter 2021 / issue 08

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‘tis the season Have yourself a merry little Christmas, Let your heart be light, From now on, our troubles will be out of sight.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas, Make the Yule-tide gay, From now on your troubles will be miles away.

Click here to be taken to the ultimate christmas party playlist, compiled by the wonderfully talented, Nicki Donohoe https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0gnR3jB8Jja6iOJ k3AbmvP?si=7glOzAlzReewJFS3fDCzLw

Our family adventure The year the Clark family made their dreams come true and an epic story of adventure.

By: Nicky Clark

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opportunity of life that we were fortunate to have.

And so despite the challenges, despite the exhaustion, the worry and the juggling we kept focusing on our dream. Keeping our eyes on the prize motivated us to not give up. Nothing was going to stand in the way.

As 2020 drew to a close we found out that Ian’s heart was good. The BEST news ever! It was now time to up the gears and crack on with Operation Phenix Adventures!

On the 10th Sept we waved goodbye to our family and friends and set off and our adventure began.

We have travelled across France and Spain, driven across Northern Italy, Slovenia and we will have

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he last 6 years had been hard on us, but 2020 was super hard, not just because of the pandemic, but also because my husband was being investigated for a potential heart condition and was unable to drive for a year. He was a selfemployed fencing and decking specialist so all of a sudden his business was impacted and I was chief driver for him, his business and the kids as well as my own business.

We lived semi rural so our life had been built on having 2 cars.

My own back injury was also taking it’s toll on my own physical

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health. We were being tested, our finances hit and our stress levels taken to the Max, plus in amongst that we were, like everyone else trying to navigate Covid.

However in amongst this we also had a dream that we were desperate to make a reality. For a few years now we had owned a caravan and it was our happy place. We dreamt of hitting the road with our caravan as a family and taking the kids on an indefinite adventure. It was all we talked about!

We had set a date in our heads for 2021 and as we ploughed our way through 2020 that dream

“Every day, in those first few waking moments I realise where I am, and the life we are living and the fact that we are living our dream and I say to myself ‘we did it’! “ Christmas in Croatia.We did it!

Every day, in those first few waking moments I realise where I am, and the life we are living and the fact that we are living our dream and I say to myself ‘we did it’!

Our kids aged 9 and 4 are thriving, their confidence soaring!

They are learning new languages,

meeting new friends, and experiencing new cultures. They are learning through a mix of live online schooling, home schooling and the education itself of life on the road and travelling. None of us want this to end and for as long as everyone is happy and we can do it, we will continue to explore this amazing world and be very grateful that we are here to be able to do it.

I am a massive believer in making your dreams come true.

Make it a goal with a deadline. If you want it badly enough you will weather any storm to reach that goal. As the quote says ‘Nobody said that it would be easy, but they said it would be worth it’ It was so worth it.w

seemed like an unachievable goal. It felt like the universe was seriously testing us to just how badly we wanted this.

The thing is though that we REALLY wanted this.

And I knew that if we didn’t make this happen, this would be something I would regret for the rest of my life. The pandemic reminded me constantly that we just don’t know how long we have on this earth and so many lives were being taken that I also felt like I owed it to those who’s lives had never reached their full potential to truly appreciate how lucky we were to be here and to not waste the winter 2021 / issue 08

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zero point million The New Expression Brand & Fashion Accessory that shifts the focus!

1) Shift the focus A new way to express, accessorize and identify. Zero Point Million match the speed and fluidity of social trends without compromising on sustainability and conscious.

2) The Original A fashion first, Zero Point Millions’ disruptive accessory shifts the focus.

Trainers, bags, caps.... it’s time for something new.

3) Get the hang of the halfbelt The innovative button and loop buckles secure your custom strap part way around the waist before doubling, it back into a signature drop.

4) Updatable.

Interchangeable.

Affordable.

Switch up your look with new drops, limited edition collections and designer collabs.

5) From Waste to Waist With straps created exclusively from recycled and waste material, flippable fashion now has a social conscious.

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6) Strap in, buckle up, hang loose

individually crafted, and certified authentic. w

7) On trend and in demand

website: zeropointmillion.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/zero. point.million Facebook: www.facebook.com/ zeropointmillion Twitter:twitter.com/zeropointmill Pinterest: www.pinterest.co.uk/ zeropointmillion/_created/

8) Interchangeable, affordable fashion, give people the tools to express themselves Zero Point Million maintain Reactive and accessible,

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autumn 2021 / issue 07

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Zero point million Fabmag speak to founder of Zero point million & find out more about the sustainable brand By: zee battersby

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hat do you want to be when you grow up? I used to say “a show jumper” “a TV presenter” “a makeup artist” most recently a wardrobe assistant in period dramas!! I only got to be a makeup artist. But it was a job I loved. I think we go through phrases as we career through life (see what I did there) and some of the jobs we wanted when we were younger either fall by the wayside or we find new interests and we meet people and see things that inspire us. It gets harder as we get older to take leaps of faith.

That may because we have more responsibilities or we have money worries, so there’s always that little bit of doubt So what’s it like when you decide at the age of 48 to leave a high profile company and start something completely different?

If you’ve been on Instagram lately you will see a new wave on home grown female owned companies popping up. Women in business who are taking that leap of faith and putting all their 44

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experience and everything they’ve learnt into a new venture. One of these amazing women is Zoey ……. Zoey has recently started a new venture, which is a far cry from the world of corporate brand life.

I grab a tea with the founder of Zero Million Zoey and talk about what inspired her to go big or go home after two years of some of the most worrying times certainly for my generation’s social history.

It’s exciting, new, and fun and we love it here at FAB HQ. Hi Zoey Thank you so much for taking time out to talk to us today. So tell us about your new brand Zero Point Million.

What made you decide to leave the security of your corporate life and go for it with this new fashion house venture?

Being a husband-and-wife team that have worked solidly together for many years, we found ourselves in a position during the pandemic when we suddenly realised why are we doing great things in life for other people all the time? It was time in our life at Zoe 43 and Danny 46 to be brave, bold, and strong and immerse our lifetimes toolbox of skills into a brand of our own. For us it was important to continue to be able to work together, to work remotely, take all our combined skills and take control of our own brand and make this a reality.

We have both worked for so many years with brands who were retrospectively trying to mould their models to fit within the new Gen Z world and we wanted our vision and brand to be built from ground zero, up. Being a modern brand, with a social conscience, highly

collaborative with the right foundations in place from the very beginning.

As we now are coming out of the pandemic, we are seeing the rise of physical shopping once again returning to our high streets and shopping destinations, so developing a brand that fits with both in person and online experiences was of the utmost importance for us. Next year you will see us popping up with a number of social activities, pop-up shops across UK retail chains, festivals, and some selected independent shops.

In November, a month where world leaders are making bold promises at COP26, we, as a new fashion brand, have made our own pledge to create sustainable style with a social conscience.

Launching our sustainable label Zero Point Million as the global climate

summit got underway was never intentional, nor was showcasing its stylish new half-belt accessories made from recycled ocean waste in the same week a sea of plastic litter washed up outside the COP26 venue in Glasgow . However, it offers a timely message on how the fashion industry can play a leading part in tackling global pollution by sourcing sustainable fabrics and taking ‘waste to waist’.

It’s a new fashion first, fun & innovative concept, where did the idea come from?

So, in March when the pandemic hit, we found ourselves locked down with our two children, James 21 and Lilly 17. Every member of the family living, breathing, and working from the same space for months on end, no one allowed out, we found our lifestyle, interactions and natural conversations all being heightened by our Gen Z children. Observing them, their habits and their life so boldly led us to asking them; What would a new brand look like for them and their friends and community? James, our son, actually came up with the concept of the ‘Halfbelt’. A new gender inclusive fashion accessory that celebrates fashion, design, inclusivity, music, and art.

We are on a mission to inspire the Gen Z community to explore new things, we are the UK’s newest inclusive and disruptive (in a cool way) fashion accessory brand, having recently launched 4 winter 2021 / issue 08

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our signature collections through our 100% sustainable, customisable and personalisable ‘Halfbelts’ we are looking to rival the Pandora bracelet but for the waist!

Nike air force ones, bucket hats at festivals, it’s time for something new.

It’s a fashion first and no one’s doing it!

Exciting times ahead.

I love the fact it’s customisable, what have been the most fun commissions to do recently?

We are all about celebrating; fashion, design, inclusivity, art, music & culture and have a sustainable heart, having just launched our signature collections we are now opening up the brand for collaborations, creator exclusives across social media channels and exploring a number of designer collaborations for 2022. We have invested into the latest leading digital and laser printing technology which allows us to be 100% customisable and agile to react to new trends and global movements.

If any of your readers would be interested in collaborating, we’d love a cuppa and a chat. You can directly 46

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“Our aim at Zero Point Million is to offer affordable, interchangeable and sustainable accessories so people can continue to express themselves and their individuality without compromising on their social values or environmental principles” message us at https://www.instagram. com/zero.point.million/ or request a copy of our latest look-book at hello@zeropointmillion.com. Press samples and bespoke commissions are available.

Most importantly it’s a very responsible brand. You use a variety of materials that have been ethically sourced, the product is 100% recycled.

How did you go about sourcing the materials and how long did it take you to get the product to a place where you were ready to go to market?

At Zero Point Million have partnered with a series of leading, innovative, sustainable fabric manufacturers to create affordable, customisable half belts that offer independent style and individual expression for the sociallyconscience.

All straps are interchangeable and created exclusively by recycled and waste materials, produced from a range of items including micro-plastics, ghost nets, plastic PET bottles, textile scraps and even used carpets.

With the demand for vegan fashion ever-increasing in popularity, Zero Point Million has also joined fashion heavyweights like H&M in choosing fabrics made from pineapple, corn waste and cactus as an eco-alternative to leather for its interchangeable accessories.

“We’re delighted to be working with a range of partners including Waste2Wear, Econyl, Newlife, E-Ultra, Pinatex and Desserto on these innovative new collections.”

What are your plans for the brand now you’ve launched?

Where can we buy it?

It has been an eye opening experience this far, especially in finding our inner Gen Z vibes and landing our launch campaigns across; Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube and TikTok. Our web shop is live to at https://zeropointmillion.com/ The perfect Christmas gift for those looking for a unique, quirky gift and something inclusive and individual. Expression and identity is at our heart.

Next year 2022 will see us popping up in some well known UK retailers, exhibitions and festivals and music celebrations across the nation.

Lastly, we are proud to be partnering with Waste2Waer & Healthy Seas as our sustainability and charity partner https:// zeropointmillion.com/pages/ourmaterials where for every purchase from our Ocean Plastic Collection we are donating to the amazing team of global ghost divers, who are working tirelessly to regain control of our ocean beds and Ditch the Label as our Gen Z, lgbtqia partner. https://zeropointmillion.com/pages/ ditch-the-label where we are asking our community to donate us £1 to support the great work, support and services provided by the UK’s leading youth rainbow anti-bullying charity. w winter 2021 / issue 08

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The O Shot

dryness, incontinence, painful intercourse (dyspareunia) and vaginal looseness.

A game changing new treatment is giving women back control of their bodies as well as their sexual desire.

The O Shot (Orgasm Shot) Women no longer have to struggle with sexual dysfunction or urinary Incontinence! While medical options have been available for men, there is now a female-specific treatment in the O Shot!

The O Shot PRP injection has given many women dramatic results. Most women who have had the injection enjoy an increase in their sexual responses, including stronger and more frequent orgasms, decreased pain for those who suffer with painful intercourse (dyspareunia) , increased lubrication, and greater arousal sensitivity from stimulation.

By: nicola bains

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What is an O Shot?

The O Shot (also called Orgasm Shot®) is a simple, nonsurgical, nurse-administered treatment that can augment and rejuvenate the Grafenberg spot (G-Spot), clitoris, and labia. Platelet -rich plasma (PRP) has been documented to improve lubrication, sensitivity, ease and intensity of orgasm by 48

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picture:unsplash

he O Shot – A game changing new treatment is giving women back control of their bodies as well as their sexual desire.

For many women, changes that happen as we age or after childbirth, such as loss of sex drive, or loss of bladder control can have a detrimental affect on confident, and generally feeling of femininity.

What would say if I told you that Nix natural aesthetics can provide you with a shot which you can get administered directly into your vagina, which would increase your sexual desire, give you mindblowing orgasms and even treat urinary incontinence…and all of this could be achieved on your lunch break with zero downtime?

stimulating omnipotent stem cells.

Achieving a great result also depends on the role of other factors like relationship,emotional, general health and hormonal wellbeing.

The O Shot is a drug-free, non-surgical solution that uses the patient’s own (PRP) to stimulate

the natural healing process.

O-Shot patients experience better sex from increased libido, stronger and more frequent orgasms, greater clitoral arousal, and the ability to have vaginal orgasms. In addition, the O-Shot can alleviate intimate problems that women commonly encounter, including

The O Shot as Treatment for Female Sexual Dysfunction Painful sex in women, inability to orgasm and vaginal dryness can all manifest as female sexual dysfunction. The “O-Shot” a revolutionary treatment from the creator of the Vampire Facelift can help you overcome sexual dysfunction and enjoy sex again.

It is also being used to decrease or resolve urinary incontinence in some female patients.

The O Shot Treatment and Menopause Menopause for many women

can suffer with symptoms which include painful sex and vaginal dryness. An estimated 17% – 45% of menopausal women say that sex can be painful. The O-Shot offers women going through the menopause a treatment which can assist to eradicate these symptoms as well as treat other aspects of your personal relationships.

treatment is called O-Shot ®, which is the same procedure used in female sexual rejuvenation. Some women cannot exercise because of urinary incontinence while some leak urine whenever they cough, laugh or sneeze. By offering a one injection treatment for incontinence – The O Shot® offers women freedom effects of urinary incontinence.

The O Shot – as Treatment for Incontinence A common indication for the O-Shot® is to treat urinary incontinence. Patients have had amazing results using PRP in this way. Many women have come in with stress incontinence after having tried many of the current medications and treatment without success. We often see full resolution of the incontinence after the first procedure.

Benefits of The O Shot Although each woman’s experience may differ in some ways, many patients report: • Greater arousal from clitoral stimulation • Younger, smoother skin of the vulva (lips of the vagina) • A tighter introitus (vaginal opening) • Stronger orgasm • More frequent orgasm • Increased sexual desire • Increased ability to have a vaginal orgasm • Decreased pain for those with dyspareunia (painful intercourse) • Increased natural lubrication • Decreased or resolved urinary incontinence (both urge and stress problems) There is no longer any need to suffer in silence!

“the O-Shot can alleviate intimate problems that women commonly encounter, including dryness, incontinence, painful intercourse and vaginal looseness” Platelet-Rich plasma (PRP) is blood plasma that has been enriched with platelets and it is being used to decrease or resolve urinary incontinence in some female patients. The procedure for this

How Much Does An O Shot Cost? £600 – administered by Nurse Nicola Baines BSc (Hons). This will include a free follow up consultation which can take place in-clinic or over the phone, whichever is more convenient for you. w winter 2021 / issue 08

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A

s a 48 year old women, I see daily the ageing process in my face.

I’m lucky that I have my mum’s genetics. She’s 77 and fighting cancer, yet she still looks incredible.

Her skin tone and lack of wrinkles gives me hope!! I’m often told I don’t look my age. I firmly believe its part genetics and part weight.

I’m not uber skinny and I think it helps. (In the facial department anyway). What I have inherited is jowls. My daughter doesn’t have my jawline and I’m very envious.

Also genetically passed down are hooded eyes.

Something I’ve tried to combat over the years with Botox in my forehead. For a while it worked.

But after illness and weight gain from wrongly prescribed HRT – (I actually had a Tubo Ovarian Abscess,) my facial tone seems to have depleted. SO, I looked for something else to lift my brows and when I’m flush enough, my jawline. *There is a trend currently in the cat eye cog lift thread and to me it looks a bit extreme. So much has been written about when it goes wrong and it’s important to find a medically trained aesthetic nurse to do any kind of invasive treatment. They are the only ones who can correct your face if it has complications. Something as seemingly simple like Botox and filler can have devastating side

effects on your face if administered incorrectly. Even life threating side affects. Only a medically trained aesthetics practitioner can administer adrenaline or dissolve filler that has migrated.

It’s so important to research your person of choice. I can’t stress that enough. They will charge you a little bit more, but that’s because they are a medically trained professional and the safety of your treatment is what you are paying for. If you had a reaction you would have to take yourself off to hospital to be treated had you not chosen someone medically qualified * So I chose to try PDO threads. I did my research and chose my aesthetic nurse Nicola Bains. Who is local to me. I checked out her previous work on her website and social media. I was pleased to see Nicola doesn’t use filters or editing apps on her before and afters. This gives you a real image of what to expect. Not and unrealistic image you can sometimes see. – I feel for you make up artists out there!!

We had an in depth consultation, which is always free. We discussed what I hoped to achieve and then we did the treatment. It didn’t hurt and the results are immediate. I go back next week for a top up and I have to say I’m a complete convert.

I asked as a joke if you can do the whole body.. turns out you pretty 4

“Thread-lift treatments result in an instant and natural looking improvement in the appearance of the skin”

Discussing the taboo over admitting you’ve had a little help here and there.

By: zee battersby 50

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Nip & Tucks

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much can!!

My aim, in sharing my finds, is to help dispel any myths and stigma. It seems younger girls wear their treatments with pride. But for some reason, when women hit 40 There’s a cloud of taboo over admitting you’ve had a little help here and there. I think as women we should support each other in our choices. I just think “if it works for you and its improved your self esteem or confidence then go you” With actress Eva Mendes recently sharing her PDO thread treatments on her social media (we are the same age) I think it was commendable. It shows that just like us she, wants to keep gravity at bay and have a little help rather than go under the knife.

There are new treatments coming to market all the time and if I can shed some light on those and keep you informed in my small way I will. If you chose to have these treatments then it’s your choice and nobody else’s. The same applies if you don’t. We all have the right to choose.

What is a PDO Thread Lift?

Thread lifts are a relatively new form of non-surgical face-lift. If your face has loosening or sagging skin and you want a tighter, fresher more youthful look, this treatment may be suitable. There are no cuts or incisions, just injections How does it work?

Polydioxanone (PDO) threads are 52

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overall texture, becoming thicker, tighter and firmer as fine lines and wrinkles are reduced.

Which areas can be treated?

This is a very versatile treatment which can be used in any part of the face and neck to treat sagging brows, nasolabial lines, vertical and horizontal forehead wrinkles, drooping cheeks, marionette lines, sagging jawline, plus wrinkles and folds on the chin and neck.

a special medical grade thread that is thinner than hair, made of protein. Research has confirmed that PDO relaxes tendons and muscles, whilst a foreign body reaction improves the blood flow to the area stimulating neo collagenesis (the production of new collagen in the skin). It also stimulates elastin and hyaluronic acid; both substances are key to maintaining firm, youthful looking skin.

Is it safe?

PDO threads have over a decade long safety track record in surgery and wound closure. PDO threads

gained FDA approval.

What happens during treatment?

Lidocaine injection applied to the entry points following which threads are introduced into the skin through a fine needle- into either the skin itself, the muscle, or the subcutaneous fat. The treatment results in an immediate improvement in appearance but the results will improve over ensuing days and weeks as the PDO stimulates neocollagenesis, increasing the amount of collagen in the skin. The appearance of the skin improves in terms of

What results can I expect?

Thread-lift treatments result in an instant and natural looking improvement in the appearance of the skin. A process of natural protein synthesis then begins after about 10-14 days. Over the subsequent weeks results will continue to improve, peaking at around 6 months and lasting for up to 2 years as your own body produce collagen, elastin and

hyaluronic acid. Making this form of non surgical facelift a very long lasting treatment. The thread itself is completely biodegradable and dissolves within 12 weeks, after which new collagen has formed around the thread to continue to support results, maintaining a

smooth and supple texture of the skin.

Treatment may not be suitable if: • You have active acne/broken skin or are prone to cold sores • You have taken anticoagulation medications such as aspirin/ warfarin/heparin or have consumed alcohol within 48 hours of treatment (we advise you to continue taking prescribed medications but stop taking some complimentary supplements such as evening primrose oil, vitamin D,A and E, fish oils, flax seed oil, magnesium, garlic and gingko prior to treatment) Treatment is not suitable if: • You are pregnant or breastfeeding •You have an autoimmune disease, diabetes or infection w winter 2021 / issue 08

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face it!

A high intensity focused ultrasound facial, or HIFU facial for short, is a noninvasive treatment for facial ageing.

By: zee battersby

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his procedure is part of a growing trend for anti-aging treatments that provide some of the benefits of a facelift without the need for surgery.

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, nonsurgical procedures have increased in popularity recently. The thought of having surgery and going under anesthetic makes people look for alternative treatments that promise surgical like effects.

I’ve tried a few of them, CACI – which is an incredible treatment, Aesthetics and PDO thread lifts but I hadn’t heard of the HIFU Facial before.

These less invasive treatments have a shorter recovery period than surgical options, but the results they provide are not as dramatic and do not last as long. A lot of dermatologists and medical professionals recommend HIFU only for mild-to-moderate or early signs of aging. However, if you Google results for the HIFU facial you will see women and men, from early 20’s to late 60’s and I have to say the older the client the more

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“Susan has been in the beauty business for over 30 years and is a trusted and respected beauty specialist, writer and contributor on a national scale” impressive and dramatic the result.

I live in a small market town in Suffolk where reputation is everything when you’re a business owner. I was invited to try to the HIFU facial by Nationally renowned business owner Susan Over. Susan has been in the beauty business for over 30 years and is a trusted and respected beauty specialist, writer and contributor on a national scale. I’ve recently read about her in the book “beauty and the best’ it’s a directory of the

best in the beauty business. So I felt in very safe hands, literally. Susan is always at the cutting edge of new treatments and is currently the only salon offering the HIFU facial in Suffolk. I’m sure others will quickly follow her lead and take of the treatment.

I had to attend the salon, and have a tour prior to my treatment.

When I met with Susan she was busy in her office working away on new offers and training schedules for her team. Susan told me that

staying ahead of the game in terms of treatments they offer and retaining her staff and running a happy team has been paramount to her success. As a beautify student in the 90’s her salon “ All Over Beauty” was the golden chalice, the only salon people wanted to be employed at.

Like hair salons (if you’ve ever worked in one) this industry can be a difficult and throat cut business.

Of course it’s inevitable that when you have teams of solely women working together it can be hit or miss. Susan has always selected the right women to work in her salon.

They are dedicated, educated and all have this air of calm and kindness you want from a therapist.

I felt at ease and welcome. The girls in the salon all talk to you as though they’ve known you for years and the team spirit it evident it seeps into your treatments. I found it really refreshing.

(Unlike some large chain companies where you feel as though you’re on a conveyor belt, this salon makes you feel like the priority and this is something I’ve only ever experienced a handful of times. I worked briefly as a manager for a large fitness chain a few years ago and the beauty girl’s were treated so badly.

Id often find them crying in a corner whilst trying to cram their lunch into a 5 minute break before their next client. I was appalled by their treatment so I left as I was told not to get involved. ) To me, as a customer, if you treat

susan, salon owner

your team with a kind and caring hand and the respect is mutual then you will get the absolute best from your team.

It’s a no brainer. I think a lot of businesses could take a leaf out of Susan’s book and the longevity of her ever-growing business and learn a thing or two.

So, What is it?

A HIFU facial uses ultrasound to create heat at a deep level in the skin. This heat damages targeted skin cells, causing the body to try to

repair them. To do this, the body produces collagen to aid in cell regrowth. Collagen is a substance in the skin that gives it structure and elasticity.

The treatment has been design to: •Tighten the skin on the neck •Reduce the appearance of jowls •Lift drooping eyelids or eyebrows •Smooth wrinkles on the face •Smooth and tighten chest skinThe type of ultrasound 4 that this procedure uses is winter 2021 / issue 08

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Before and after. These photos are of me! After a year of bad health and medication, my face and body had taken a battering!!

It’s really changed my face and my confidence. I feel like I’m totally back to my old self.

different than the ultrasound that doctors use for medical imaging. HIFU uses high-energy waves to target specific areas of the body.

What Happens?

Therapists usually begin HIFU facial rejuvenation by cleaning the chosen area of the face and applying a gel. Then, they use a handheld device that emits the ultrasound waves in short bursts.

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Each session typically lasts 30 to 90 minutes.

Some people report mild discomfort during the treatment, and some have pain afterward.

Some salons, if the therapist is medically trained, may apply a local anesthetic before the procedure to help prevent this pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil), may also help.

Unlike other cosmetic procedures, including laser hair removal, HIFU facials do not require any preparation. When a session is over, there is also no recovery time, which means that people can get on with their daily activities after receiving HIFU treatment.

People may require between 1 or 6 depending on the results they want to achieve. w winter 2021 / issue 08

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reflections

Siobhan has been inspired by women she has met via social media

positive thing, it is a privilege to age and we only get one shot at it.

There is a great network of women out there who are all about women supporting women, they just seem to know when you are low and they lift you up.

Throughout this year I have been fortunate enough to meet some of the women who have interacted with me on social media throughout lockdown. I am heartened to know that my gut feelings about the women have been right, they have all been great to get to know, with interesting life stories to tell that inspire me too. They love the fact that I have put my money where my mouth is and decluttered my life and taken to the road in a motorhome to promote positive ageing and challenging ageists stereotypes. I have learnt a lot from them about problems they have faced ageing and what they would like to see happen to enable

together and face another three months in lockdown. I have realised that I am far more resilient than I realised.

I had to dig deep though. Being in lockdown alone in a field for five months gave me plenty of time to reflect and do a lot of soul searching. It made me even more determined to make the most of every minute and to age positively even with life’s ups and downs.

I looked back on my life and in particular how I had allowed my life to be impacted negatively during the menopause by my

siobhans motorhome in the snow

Reflecting a year on from last christmas By: Siobhan Daniels

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his time last year I was beginning to get so excited about my daughter coming to spend Christmas with me in my motorhome. I had it all decorated to feel festive and I had brought lots of treats, including a tub of Quality Street, something we have always enjoyed together at Christmas, fighting over who has what sweet. It all came crashing down when the Government made last minute changes to the lockdown rules. It made it impossible for her to drive up and see me in a day. I cried for days but then I had to pulled myself

enjoying a relaxing soak!

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boss, who made me feel bullied and worthless. It is fantastic to see that there is more awareness surrounding the menopause and hopefully things will change and women will not go through what I did. I realise that this time on the road has allowed me, in my sixties, to become the woman that I always should have been. It has made me feel that my opinion is valid and I have learnt to say NO when I mean it and YES when I mean it. It has given me a renewed vigour to inspire women, both young and old, that ageing is a

Siobhan is challenging ageing stereotypes

“I realise that this time on the road has allowed me, in my sixties, to become the woman that I always should have been”

society to accept that we are ageing in a different way than previous generations. We are on the whole far more active and want to have challenges and adventures. When we age we do not beige and we want more colour and vitality for older people.

As we approach Christmas again this year I am beside myself with excitement as once again I am planning to spend it with my daughter but this time she will be hosting me in her flat. I am excited about being able to soak in her bath for hours with a glass of bubbly because that is the one thing I have missed in my Nomadic life. It will also be a good time to finish my Book Ageless Fearless Women;You can do it too and find a publisher. w BLOG: shuvonshuvoff.blogspot.com WEB: shuvonshuvoff.co.uk INSTAGRAM.@shuvonshuvoff TWITTER; Siobhan Daniels winter 2021 / issue 08

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How to work christmas when you’re divorced or seperated with children.

By: Natalie Ferrigno 60

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how to co parent a happy christmas

love Christmas as much as my children do. When I was younger I used to get so excited on Christmas Eve I used to give myself stomach ache and my mum would get cross with me and have to calm me down. Now I’m a parent myself I don’t get the Christmas Eve stomach-ache (now it’s usually the anxiety of how many presents there is left to wrap) but there’s an added layer of excitement to Christmas when you get to experience those feelings all over

again with your own children.

But what if your divorced or separated and have to share the holidays with your ex-partner? It can be a tricky one, Christmas is an emotional time for many of us and navigating it so everyone’s happy can be a juggle.

In my research for this piece, I spoke to parents whose experiences were positive and negative.

Suzanne told me she finds Christmas a depressing and lonely time as she’s completely alienated at Christmas. ‘I’m not the residential parent of my girls so I find Christmas awful as my girls prefer to be with their dad. I find it difficult as we don’t share the holidays. Fortunately, I have a lovely supportive boyfriend who I will be spending it with and pray that one day that things will get better’ Laura Naser, family lawyer and author of ‘The family lawyers guide to separation and divorce – How to get what you both want’ advises planning early and considering the lone parent in your discussions Although the focus is on the children, and from a legal perspective the decisions about arrangements for children are always based on ‘what is in the child’s best interests’, I commonly see solo parents having concerns about the Christmas period in particular because if it means the children are with their other parent, it often also results in that parent

spending time alone. Depending on when the handover is between the parents, it is frequently an issue for the other parent to not have enough time to travel anywhere to be with family or friends because they need to stay local to do a handover, meaning they not only spend Christmas without their child, but they may also spend it without their extended family or friends.

Alice on the other hand has a great relationship with her ex and even though they both now have new partners they still spend Christmas morning together for the sake of their son Jesse and split the rest of the day. “We make it work even though we have different partners, they have to accept this is how Christmas is for us. They can join in or do their own thing, but this has worked well for us for 11 years, so we stick to it” I separated from my husband some years back and while I dreaded the first Christmas we weren’t a full family unit it’s always been something that’s turned out happily. We are lucky that we get on as friends well, (arguably better than we ever did as husband and wife) so my situation is unique in that we are still close enough that we do things together as a family and my ex-husband still likes to spend Christmas day with me, my children and my extended family.

We did it once successfully and it sort of set a precedent for all future 4

“We make it work even though we have different partners, they have to accept this is how Christmas is for us”

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Christmas’s. I feel torn somewhat in that my parents still traditionally host Christmas dinner (I’m a good cook but my Christmas dinner doesn’t come close to my mum and dads, and they aren’t ready to pass the baton on yet thank goodness) I can’t invite my ex-husband without them offering first but care about him enough that I won’t leave him alone either. The children understandably just want everyone together and we always put them at the forefront of our decisions. We split the rest of the time between us equally and alternate bigger days like Boxing Day and New Year etc.

If you don’t get on with your ex-partner communication is key in any decisions about co-parenting but especially for the holiday season.

Kids don’t want the burden of choice around who to spend it with as they will feel guilty about whichever parent is left alone so its preferable if you can sit down amicably and do it together as early as you can.

Make sure to stay as busy as possible if you are the lone parent to distract yourself from overthinking about what you are missing out on. Have a photo of the children in front of you while you discuss it together can serve as a visual aid in making them the priority in your decision making. Keep going back to the same question, what would make the children the happiest? and you will

be at a great starting point for negotiation.

For the parent who won’t be able to be there for wake up and present opening arrange a separate time for opening gifts, not forgetting grandparents and extended family as well who may still want to see them.

Consider a fake Christmas where you do all the festivities again on a different day meaning no one is left out and the children benefit from two separate days of celebrations.

If you do feel completely alone consider reaching out to like-minded individuals if not friends in a similar situation, then online apps such a Frolo a single parent community where you can meet up and make friends with local people in your area.

Laura Naser says the most common arrangement for Christmas is to alternate each year and to remember that whatever you argue for this year you will experience the flip side the following year, so try to visualise what both sides of the schedule would look like for you.

Laura says it’s a rare few in my situation that have a joint Christmas and gifting joint presents but if you can manage it, it’s bound to be something that your children will benefit from. w

“the most common arrangement for Christmas is to alternate each year and to remember that whatever you argue for this year you will experience the flip side the following year”

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Natalie Ferrigno is a writer, health coach and single parent of two boys. www.instagram.com/natalieferrigno autumn 2021 / issue 07

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proud Champion of Holistic Healing explains why she’s proud that a book authored during the pandemic could go onto provide global healing for generations to come…

By: Britta Hochkeppel

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ou cannot fail to be intrigued by Britta Hochkeppel, an Author, Naturopath, Intuitive Healer and Holistic Therapist, from Essex, who is as much at home in the other world as she is in this. Working hard in her business, Vita Serena (www. https://vitaserena.co.uk), which she established after many years of her own

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trauma therapy and healing journey, Britta is now providing the possibility of physical, emotional and spiritual restoration and healing for those who have longsince given up on more traditional methods of medicine.

Using alternative medicine, together with traditional methods and her unique sense of universal energy, Britta’s track record is impressive, curing 97% of her clients of everything from PTSD to migraines, and alleviating depression and even cancer within just a few sessions.

In addition to her healing gift, Britta’s latest book, ‘Healing Symbols from a Higher Dimension’ avaiable on Amazon - gives

readers the chance to utilise symbols ‘downloaded’ to her throughout the pandemic to tap into their higher consciousness, experiencing greater contentment and deep healing from physical and emotional trauma.

In a recent interview with F.A.B Britta said;

“My greatest accomplishment this year, in fact it’s more of a gift given to me, is to have authored and published my second book”

“I see people every day who exhibit physical symptoms which they think are the root cause of their discomfort, but when we dig a little deeper we find that there is much more to their physical ailments than meets the eye. That’s why it’s my privilege, every single day of my life, to be drawing on 26 years of healing experience and study so that I can alleviate suffering and help people heal from their past and look forward to their future.

“My greatest accomplishment this

year, in fact it’s more of a gift given to me, is to have authored and published my second book ‘Healing Symbols from a Higher Dimension’. I honestly believe that this book will resonate with so many people across the world and, as they read and apply the techniques within it, they will heal from things that have plagued them for years.

“Many of my clients come to me because, after years of trying traditional methods of medicine, they’re no better. This book is an extension of that desire to help the world heal. Many of us are feeling anxious and fearful for the future coming out of lockdown and this is being amplified by a concurrent time of global transformation. Most of us are living below our potential vibrational state, burdened by the chains of a depleting belief system and holding onto our past mistakes.

Unless we recognise and deal with them, we become locked into a repetitive cycle that we struggle to break free from. This lowered energetic state manifests in us as physical and emotional pain.

“Healing Symbols is a fascinating glimpse into another dimension, introducing the ideas of energy,

“As Albert Einstein once said - “Everything in Life is Vibration” – All matter in the universe is made up of energy that vibrates” balance and the ‘global vibe,’ drawing on my knowledge of ancient civilisations; Egyptians, Celts and Mayans and continuing to explore techniques using symbols to heal; PTSD, loss, emotional-physical dissonance and enjoy peace, and happiness to name but a few.

“As Albert Einstein once said “Everything in Life is Vibration” – All matter in the universe is made up of energy that vibrates. The intention of this book is to manifest

these powerful healing symbols into our physical world and bodies to support healing on a cellular level and to raise our vibration as a collective consciousness.

The unique frequencies of these powerful healing symbols are recognised by our cells and transposed into healing vibrations, which are absorbed by the entire mind-body system.

“Focusing on symbols, literally by concentrating visually on the required symbol, whilst engaging with deep breathing and chanting its name, is the beginning of a hugely complex healing process. Similar to sound healing, the vibration of the symbols bypasses the interference of our otherwise resistant intellectual brain and penetrates the cellular system, thereby initiating and supporting true healing changes.

“I have definitely been born with a gift, and I feel it’s my responsibility, and privilege, to guide people. It is my desire that the healing vibration of the high dimensional symbols benefit everyone who comes into contact with them and raises the vibrational state within their emotional, mental and physical body around the world.w For more information please visit: https://vitaserena.co.uk winter 2021 / issue 08

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Things I am grateful for

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A reflection of the past year, and what we are thankful for in our lives.

By: Zee & Alix

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pictures:unsplash

W

hen Alix and I asked each other what we are grateful for this year it was quite hard to put into words or context considering what’s happened to people over the last two years. The pandemic has taken so much from so many.

So I guess, without question, I’m grateful to still have my family. My mum has cancer and we have all worked hard to keep her safe. I lost my job in the first lockdown.

(Working at an agricultural architects as an office manager hands down the dullest job I’ve ever had if I’m honest!) So, at the start of the first lockdown Alix and I decided the time was right to launch this magazine. I’d been trying to find the right person to work with and who understood what I wanted to achieve. Alix totally got my vision and offered to help. (She may have regretted this later on when she realised I’m none or millions!). I wanted it to be free, fun and a new and honest way of engaging with women

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who are over forty. I wanted it to be full of real women telling their stories. Let’s be honest, when you get to your forties you have a fair few!! Because we are still vibrant, sassy, fierce and strong. I didn’t feel anything out there related to me or my friends.. I wanted it to feel like

a little club and somewhere women can come and read and feel as though they have a group of friends to support them. Alix is so talented and her design style is just the kind I wanted. I asked her to become partners in the magazine and here we are.

We are a team and we are so similar in personality it just works.

So I’m grateful to you Alix. You are an amazing woman and I’m so glad we are on this adventure together. It’s been hard to keep motivated in lockdown but the feedback and the reads on the website are just phenomenal. We are one of the fastest growing digital magazines in this genre.

We’ve met some incredible, inspiring and downright kind women who have given up their time and told their stories and the female high profile interviews we shared have been a pleasure to do. I’m so grateful to everyone. I couldn’t do this without you Alix and who knows, this time next year

we will be millionaires, Rodney!! w Love always, Zee xxx

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hen I think about the past year, I honestly can’t believe its been a year and that we are weeks away from 2022!

Looking back I initially thought that we had another ‘wasted year’.

I only finished reading ONE book, feel like I’ve been chasing my tail all year time wise, desperately trying to keep up with the never-ending, dreaded to do list!

However, when I took the time to think about it, I’ve had a great year.

I’ve laughed, been to the beach, gone on walks, baked lots of cakes, celebrated events, been creative,

made future plans, spent time with my family and friends and so much more!

I’m so grateful for Zee, and this beautiful magazine we have created together. We have come leaps and bounds since our first issue, and I’m so excited to see where we go, how we grow and all the content we will be bringing you in the new year!

It’s been a strange year, not quite full of lockdowns, but still not quite back to ‘normal’...who knows what the future brings with the way of the world, but lets keep positive and hope for the best and most of all be thankful for what we have.

Merry Christmas to you all, and a happy and healthy new year.

Love, Alix x

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in our

next issue Spring

Spring forward into our next issue, which will be full of what you love! Fashion inspiration, stories, real life women and so much more!

Love, Zee & Alix x

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