Hat Trick Magazine March 2016 by Hat Trick Magazine

ISSN 2058-198X

Volume 5 • Issue 3 • March 2016 £3.00 GBP | $4.50 USD | €4

with these pro biz tips

Spirit of Dublin The

Hat Trick (noun): 1. A sports metaphor for three achievements by a single player in a game. 2. A magic trick. We happily accept both definitions. Hat Trick Magazine is a special project targeted at sharing spiritual and professional growth with like-minded people from around the world. We share strategies that truly will change your life, business and career (with a little help from some pro friends). We’ve all been there: under/un/employed, in a bad situation, in transition, wondering what the options are and not knowing the skills we would need to get us there. We won’t lie to you. Coming out the other side isn’t easy, but we can show you what we learned along to way and help you get the confidence to turn that leaf over and pursue that which is your destiny. Knowledge is power. Not everyone fancies themselves to be an entrepreneur but the truth is, even when seeking employment these days, pulling together your resume requires some sly articulation to showcase your skills, be keyword-optimised and with a strong, personable presentation to get noticed. We feature inspirational people who have great careers, amazing businesses, tips and a host of amazing stories will inspire and amaze you. Our editors and contributors are some of the most connected in their industries and specialisms. Hat Trick Your Life! Take control of your lifestyle, your career, your dreams and your journey. We’ll share what we know and we invite you to join us. If you or your business would like to be featured or simply would like to contribute a feature in an upcoming issue, please email us on: content@hattrickmagazine.com

Hat Trick Strategies cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited coverage made by our contributors including reviews, articles, manuscripts or photographs of products, services. While every care is taken, prices, details or availability of items are subject to change and we cannot accept responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit letters or correspondence received via email, social media or other communication. All advice is given in general terms or as a matter of opinion, for entertainment purposes only, and may not be exhaustive nor suitable for all situations. Always seek specialized professional advice, specifically suited to you or your business needs. Absolutely no part of this magazine should be taken as medical, professional or other advice - always seek the advice of a qualified practitioner.

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Editor-In-Chief Michelle Fitz

Design & Illustration Michelle Fitz Michael Thomas Hartley Eleni Sofroniou

Your Life

Your Skills

Charlene SanJenko Cherie DeBurger Tanya Jackson Joey & Michael Phelps Jane Lindsey

Andrea Sullenger Sukh Pabial Uchechi Ezurike-Bosse Michelle Holmes

Your Look Michelle Fitz Rachael Pontillo Marina BerBeryan

Your Spirit Karen Salmansohn Kate Spencer Manish Kumar Arora Katie Clifton

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From the Editor Your Purpose......................................................................................................................................8

Cover Story Teeling Whiskey: The Spirit of Dublin....................................................................................... 10

Your Life What Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Reading..................................................................................................................... 26 Lil Nipper Snappers Cartoon......................................................................................................27 Not All Sugar & Spice................................................................................................................... 28 Waffles................................................................................................................................................34 Kindness........................................................................................................................................... 36

Your Look Things We Love.............................................................................................................................. 42 Spiritual Skincare............................................................................................................................44 Confessions of a Hollywood Stylist.......................................................................................... 50

Your Skills 37 Blog Post Ideas......................................................................................................................... 58 What is Performance Consultancy?......................................................................................... 64 Seeing Isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Always Believing.................................................................................................... 70

Your Spirit Karen Salmansohn..........................................................................................................................74 Scared Shitless!...............................................................................................................................76 Your Zodiac Predictions For April 2016.................................................................................. 80 Contentment.................................................................................................................................... 86

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From the Editor

YOUR So often, I hear people stuck dwelling on what they want to do with their lives. It’s usually in the context of a profession, but for those who want to leave a legacy, make an impact, or even choose a set path to shape their lives, this can prove relevant in every aspect of their lives. We see this all the time, usually with high school and university students. What course of study (or major) should I choose? What do I want to be when I grow up? Who do I want to be when I am older? Pondering life is something I am forever doing but anyone close to me knows that pondering left too long leads to worry, and frankly worry left too long leads to simply being stuck. Look at any of the greats. I don’t care if it is sports, academia, research, or public speaking, all of them chose a passion which shaped their purpose. And that’s not to say a life purpose has to be about one thing. We are complex! Some of us are multi-passionate. We get so caught up in the concept of a purpose that we allow this process of ‘choosing’ to block us from flourishing. 8

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The most successful people, in my observation, will simply shrug it off and say “I don’t know the answers but I’m going to do what my heart is screaming to me is right”. Purpose-seeking is part in parcel with perfectionism. If it isn’t perfect, I’m not putting myself out there, I won’t speak up, I won’t… I won’t… I won’t.

Tweetable: Your purpose is really only the underlying intention, which drives decisions you make. One of the best bits of advice I ever received was from a Scottish interior designer who told me that if you choose exactly the things you really love and only the things you really love, somehow the universe draws a dotted line around everything and you find that your space (and in this context, your life) simply ‘goes’. No matter what you choose, everything coordinates. Everything looks like it belongs without looking the same as everyone else’s ten items from a catalog. See, I think that most of us take a template (like from a department store window, a catalog, or a list of professions with salaries listed alongside) and order it up just the same as we would at a restaurant. That works for meals but it can’t and won’t work for your life. I’m not saying it isn’t viable some of the time, sure you can choose profession or skill x and y simply because it gives you a life that sounds rather sufficient. But think of it this way – you view a menu because the restaurant is limited in what they can offer. They only have set ingredients, kitchen time and margins available to you. Your life, if ordered cosmically from the universe, has no limits. Follow your heart, what feels good, what motivates and excites you, what nourishes your day-to-day. If you can do this, the universe will draw a dotted line around the common elements and next thing you know, there it is – there is your purpose.

By Michelle Fitz, Editor-In-Chief

Michelle

Letter From the Editor, Michelle Fitz

Cover Story

ack and Stephen Teeling come from a long line of distillers. This distinctly Irish family distillery was initially sold to a large corporation, which the family worked for briefly. It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t long before the brothers became determined to bring distilling back to Dublin â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which at one point had more than 100 distilleries. The

Teeling Distillery and Teeling Whiskey exist today â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the brothers have a great spirit, sense of business and are conquering the spirit world. The whiskey is scooping up prestigious awards and one by one, they are teaching consumers that Irish Whiskey has a place in the spirit world. This is the story of their unique entrepreneurial dream and their award-winning range.

Our distillery is the first new distillery in Dublin for over 125 years and marks a return to our originsâ&#x20AC;Ś 12

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Please tell me a little bit about your company â&#x20AC;&#x201C; who is involved, how many staff, output, etc. Teeling Whiskey was reborn in 2012 when I set up the company with a vision of reviving our old family Irish whiskey trademark and returning to our roots with the opening of the first new distillery in Dublin for over 125 years. 13

We have come a long way in a short demand we built our new distillery in period of time as we are now Ireland’s Newmarket, located in the historical leading independent Irish whiskey area of the Liberties in Dublin. This company with an award winning has allowed us to ramp up production portfolio of unique and different so that in three years’ time we will Irish whiskeys, as well as producing have whiskey to help us cater for the the first whiskey in Dublin for over expected rise in demand for Irish 40 years in our new distillery in whiskey. Newmarket, Dublin 8. We now have over 50 staff, export to 40 countries, have won over 60 international awards for our whiskey and have the production capacity for over a million bottles of whiskey. Myself and my brother run the company, and whilst we share the same ethos for being respectful to our own and the category history and provenance, we are also confident enough to try different things to forge a new future for Irish, Dublin and Teeling whiskey.

How have you expanded the company to meet a growing demand? In order to be fully in control of our own destiny and ensure we have enough whiskey to meet future 14

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What innovations have you brought to the industry and to how you make your own whiskey? Over the last number of years we have focused on unique maturation and bottling techniques to impart the extra flavour and character we are striving for from our whiskeys. We have developed a reputation for doing things differently and are the only Irish whiskey company using the likes of ex-White Burgundy or Sauterne casks in our production process and bottling all our whiskeys at 46% with no chill filtration. For example, we use ex-Rum barrels for our Small Batch whiskey which imparts a beautiful dry raisin sweetness to compliment the underlying smooth sweet DNA people

expect from Irish whiskey. We have several other projects in the pipeline to look out for including using some virgin oak, ex-beer and Calvados casks. Now we are fully back in production we can really drive innovation within the category through using unique ingredients and distillation techniques coupled with carrying on our novel maturation practices. The whiskey we are producing will be the core of all our whiskeys in three yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; time and allows us to guarantee future supply to enable us to grow our own brands and avoid supply constraints slowing our growth. We will be dedicating a certain percentage of production to trial new and novel recipes as well as trying to revive old traditional styles of Dublin whiskey which are no longer available. This will allow us to continue to be the leader in the segmentation of the category through the continued expansion of our portfolio with unique differentiated whiskeys.

It is great to see there is no shortage of entrepreneurs in this country judging by the number of new Irish whiskey projects being talked about! 16

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Can you tell me a little bit about your decision to bring your distillery to The Liberties?

What do you think of the growing number of distillers in Ireland now?

At the core of my plan for the Teeling Whiskey Company was to get back into production as soon as possible. Our distillery is the first new distillery in Dublin for over 125 years and marks a return to our origins in the industry. Walter Teeling had a craft distillery in the Liberties area of Dublin back in 1782 and as part of our goal to revive our old family whiskey brand it made perfect sense (to me anyway) to go right back to where it first began to build our new distillery. In 1976 the last Dublin distillery stills went cold and so began the decline of an industry long associated with my home town and the capital of Ireland. It makes me very proud to be able to bring something uniquely Dublin back to the fabric of Dublin society. The new distillery is our brand home and allows visitors to the city to come and meet real people making a real Dublin whiskey and sample our whiskeys in the home of Teeling whiskey.

It is great to see there is no shortage of entrepreneurs in this country judging by the number of new Irish whiskey projects being talked about! We are hopefully forging the path for future new distilleries and independent Irish whiskey companies by showing if you create a high quality unique style of Irish whiskey that there is consumer and trade demand for it. In order to have a healthy vibrant category of Irish whiskey you need a range of strong independent Irish whiskey producers to compliment the larger multinational players who currently dominate the category. The big guys can be very good at attracting people into a category through consumer marketing but you need the smaller guys to bring the breadth and choice modern consumers demand so that they stay within the category.

The Spirit of Dublin

What I always say to anyone looking to open up their own distillery is to ensure firstly they produce a good quality whiskey but also make sure it is differentiated and unique so that you can create your own niche and help with the expansion of the category rather than directly competing with existing offerings. This way there is room for us all as the category evolves and expands.

What makes your products different from others? At the core of what makes our whiskeys is their taste. Traditionally Irish whiskey has a very approachable smooth and sweet taste profile. We wanted to build on this taste profile by layering extra flavour and character for each of our whiskeys without losing the DNA of what people like about Irish whiskey. We now have a portfolio of very different award winning Irish whiskeys which can hopefully cater for all tastes. No one has the same palate so we want to create a ladder of unique expressions that give your taste buds an exploratory journey of the full spectrum of flavours Irish whiskey can offer. An example of this is our new Single Malt Irish whiskey. What I wanted us to do for this was to produce the most flavoursome Irish Single Malt whiskey without losing its Irish identity. To add a unique depth of character and flavour, it consists of aged malt whiskey up to 23 years old that has been matured in five different wine casks including Sherry, Port, Madeira, White Burgundy and Cabernet Sauvignon. This combination of cask maturation techniques has never been done before in Irish whiskey and creates a truly innovative Irish whiskey bursting with personality. By the way it took us nearly 6 months of tinkering with near 30 different variations to get to the final result!

How do you see the fortunes of distilling in Ireland over the next few years? The Spirit of Dublin

Everything is cyclical and it is Irish whiskeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s turn to shine. It is my view that we are in the middle of a long term up-trend for the category, however, we need to ensure that Irish whiskey has the breadth and choice whiskey drinkers of today are looking for. Irish whiskey, due to its smooth and approachable taste profile, is the perfect gateway whiskey for people interested in entering whiskey. However, there is a growing interest and need for alternative Irish whiskey offerings to cater for the modern generation of Irish whiskey drinkers who are not as brand loyal as previous generations and are constantly seeking new tastes and ways to express themselves. This is where we come in. We hope to help with the segmentation of Irish whiskey and provide unique differentiated Irish whiskeys that do not compete with existing brands but provide a wider range of expressions to allow people to discover something new and interesting within Irish whiskey without having to move out of the category.

What does the future hold for Teelings? Building the new distillery is not the destination â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we are still only at the start of a long journey. This industry is definitely not a sprint but more like a marathon so we will continue to do what we believe to be the right things and hopefully help with the evolution of Irish whiskey. We hope that our new distillery integrates itself into the fabric of Dublin culture and society as well as becoming a high quality addition to any visitor to our city.

Click to find out more about the official Spirit of Dublin

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By Joey Phelps & Michael Phelps Lil Nipper Snappers Cartoon

Your Life

Not All

Sugar

Spice

By Cherie DeBurger 28

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“Hi, it’s great to see you! How much weight have you gained because you look so much heavier than the last time we talked?” If you see a woman and you think she is pregnant, don’t ask her when she’s due. I don’t care if it looks like she has a basketball under her shirt, unless she has her legs up in stirrups and has pushed that child half way into this world, don’t ever assume she is pregnant. It’s an incredibly easy and fool proof way to avoid one of the most uncomfortable and embarrassing situations you could put yourself in, and not only for you but for the lady you are talking to as well. You might as well just say “Hi, it’s great to see you! How much weight have you gained because you look so much heavier than the last time we talked?” It’s a no win situation. The second most common question that an expectant parent is asked is if they have found out the sex of the baby. Some like the inside information to get a head start on planning and organising. It’s much easier to decorate the nursery with monster trucks and a basketball net if you know it’s going to be a boy, or to have the closet packed with pink princess dresses and garden fairies on the wall if the blessed bundle is going to be a girl. Discussions and disagreements of trying to decide on a name would be cut in half or you could always pick a gender neutral name or even make a name up. It seems anything goes these days, just look at what the stars in the U.S. are naming their children. An oldie but a goodie, Moon Unit and his sister Diva Thin Muffin. These kids can thank their father Frank Zappa for the names and hours in therapy.

Not All Sugar & Spice

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The curiosity of finally finding out what we were having always helped to get me through the final stage of labour. Shannyn Sossamon named her little blessing Audio Science. What the heck? Is that a name for a child or a college course? Jason Lee named his little boy Pilot Inspektor. So not only does this child get to live with this strange name but lets add weird spelling to it as well! Michael Jackson named one of his children Blanket. Blanket!! At least the previous names had imagination, David Duchovny named his kid Kyd. These may be the only children looking forward to getting called names by the other children because anything is better than the ones they were given at birth. Okay let me reel myself in here and get back on track. For all five of my pregnancies I waited until I had the baby to find out if it was a girl or boy. The curiosity of finally finding out what we were having always helped to get me through the final stage of labour. Over twenty years ago when I had my first child I was still living in the blissful ignorance of what I imagined motherhood to be. I had read the books and talk to other mothers, I had done my research, but no matter how prepared you think you are let me tell you, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a clue! Nothing is what you thought it would be including the bond and depth of the love you have for 30

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your baby the moment she is placed in your arms. As soon as I had my little girl her room was painted pink and the frills and lace had to be crammed down in order to shut the dresser drawers. She was the first granddaughter and the light of my parents’ eyes, my sister was already planning their first vacation together and spa days. Since I was in no way a girlie girl growing up I don’t know why I expected my daughter to be one, but for some reason I let myself fall into the old stereotypical ideas that have been applied to raising girls and boys. Boys are loud, rambunctious, full of mischief and a handful. Girls, on the other hand, are supposed to be so much easier…full of sugar and spice and everything nice. After some time I really wondered if the people that started these labels had ever actually raised a child or knew a teenage girl? I began to draw up plans for a panic room when my boys were born, thinking if my daughter is sugar and spice compared to what I am going to go through with my boys, then I am in serious trouble. As for being loud and rambunctious, my daughter and her friends could compete with any boy. Just being together in the same area energized those girls. The more there were in one room the crazier they got. Birthday sleepovers were an annual event here and let me tell you I needed to get ready both physically and mentally when that happened. As the excitement grew so did the volume of their voices.

Some of the girls would reach octaves that were so high that only the dogs in the neighbourhood could hear what they were saying. We would clear out a room so they could spread out their sleeping bags and all “camp out” together. They thought we were being nice and accommodating but really we were just trying to keep them contained and the damage to a minimal level.

Not All Sugar & Spice

Actually, what they did to the room was nothing compared to what they did to the first girl who dared to fall asleep. Talk about mischievous! I remember hearing them warn each other about what would happen. There was talk about writing on the girlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face with permanent marker, or shoving clothing into the freezer. Of course there was the old favourite of putting shaving cream in the sleeping victims hand and then tickling her face.

German shepherd would be right in there, all eighty five pounds of her laying on the girls and giving them big slobbery kisses. As they dragged their sleep deprived bodies to the kitchen table for breakfast the smell of frying bacon re-energised them. Those girls attacked the food on the table just as well as any hungry football team and within minutes the food was devoured. Back then I thought that if boys are supposed to have even more ferocious In the morning I got to have a little fun appetites than girls after what I had just myself by letting her younger brothers seen, I would be making hourly trips to go in and jump on them. Sadie, our the grocery store instead of weekly.

I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think you should anticipate any sort of mannerism if you have a girl or a boy. If there is anything you can expect it is the unexpected.

If you have any comments then please feel free to email me at lifes.moments@live.ca 32

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Waffles

(and not just for breakfast)

In my house waffles are the breakfast treat, but they can be eaten anytime of the day, come rain or shine. Don’t get me wrong, I am not against pancakes, but waffles are just more fun. They have those little indentations which store the butter and syrup…delicious! I mean, you just gotta love waffles. I use the recipe from The Progressive Farmer, Southern Country Cookbook.

By Tanya Jackson 34

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INGREDIENTS 2 cups all purpose flour

2 eggs

3 tsps baking powder

1 ½ cups milk

½ tsp salt

3 tbls melted shortening

Method ww

Combine the flour, baking powder and salt. Now here is where you might mess up – Sift these three together. You don’t have to use a fancy sifter, just a little mesh strainer or a slotted spoon will do.

ww ww

Beat the eggs into the milk and stir the liquid into a dry mixture. Add melted shortening and beat until smooth (don’t skip on the shortening; unlike pancakes

waffles have to have oil or they will stick to the irons like mad).

Pour a dollop on the irons and add—if you want—chopped pecans, coconut, chocolate chips or even hard peppermint candy ground up into slivers. You can put almost anything in a waffle and it will still be guaranteed to taste great (though I personally wouldn’t add cheese because it sticks to the iron and becomes gummy).

Now that’s good eatin’! Waffles (and not just for breakfast)

Find me online here

By Jane Lindsey 36

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Kind – it is such a tiny little word isn’t it? – almost dismissive in its insignificance. ‘Nice’ and ‘Sweet’ and ‘Kind’ are the words that people use most often to describe me. In the past, to be honest, I’ve not been that keen on any of them. They are hardly exciting, they don’t sound assertive, “Nice and kind and sweet” isn’t exactly a game changer’s job description. And yet, over the past few months I’ve decided that ‘kind’ is truly a ninja quality to possess. That it is a secret stealthy super-power. Last year I spent a lot of time reading through the works of the American writer Wayne Dyer – I spent an awful lot of time reading his books and articles as he was a prolific as well as inspiring writer. I gained a lot, it was right on the edge of my comfort zone, but the main ‘jump out of my seat and tell everyone’ point was simple as simple can be. Kindness is a three way win. It benefits the person receiving kindness, the person being kind and anyone who is witness to or even just hears about the kindness. They all become happier. Now, I am a procrastinating academic at heart – my reaction to that wasn’t the sensible “Oh of course they do, everyone knows that kindness makes you happy.” No, my reaction was to head off and do some research. And, surprise surprise, after reading a heap more books and research papers I found that Wayne Dyer is correct – there is proper quantifiable research about the mood enhancement properties of kindness. But even more mind

Kindness

blowingly there is proper quantifiable research into how kindness can help combat all kinds of illnesses â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from depression and anxiety to heart disease and premature ageing. The list of conditions demonstrably improved when people gave or received kindness regularly contained most of those that blight the C21st. This seems life changing to me. If kindness, that one tiny word, is actually a super power, if all those small random acts of kindness can build into an amazing force for good, just think how the world can change! If we were all deliberately being kind several times every day of the year, what would that do to the levels of depression and anxiety in this country, what would it do for our health, for our wealth, for our feelings of happiness? I immediately introduced a volunteering scheme at Snapdragon online, so that anyone in the core team can choose to have two hours a week off work to volunteer wherever they fancy.

It is a tiny thing but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m hoping that it is an initiative that ripples out and becomes part of a global scheme, helping to increase health, wealth and happiness for all. 38

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nothing is worth more than this day. You cannot relive yesterday. Tomorrow is still beyond our reach.â&#x20AC;? Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

About a Homemade Year

Your Look

By Michelle Fitz

1 2 3

KAREN MILLEN – ECRU WRAP TOP

KAREN MILLEN – DENIM COATED SKINNY JEANS

DUNE – ANGELICA MINK HEELS

STUDDED SUEDE JACKET 6

KAREN MILLEN –

HUEL – NUTRITION COMPLEX

KATE SPADE – LETTER-PRESSED FOIL CARDS

SKINCARE Find me online here

By Rachael Pontillo 44

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Fragrance and natural perfumery is something that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been studying quite a lot of latelyâ&#x20AC;Ś My interest in fragrance first arose when I began to learn about the dangers of synthetic fragrances in skincare and personal care products. Did you know that the majority of allergic and irritant respiratory and skin reactions can be traced back to synthetic fragrances? My firsthand experience with this was having constant head colds when working at a department store cosmetics counter right next to the perfume stands. I later developed a strong aversion to perfumes during my pregnancies, and years later, I still get headaches and feel nauseous around them. Crazy. So when I began my aesthetics practice and making my own products I only chose products and formulations that used herbs and essential oils as the fragrance ingredients. There are natural fragrance oils and extracts available, but most are still comprised of chemical and synthetic fragrance and fixative ingredients. As I continued learning more about essential oils and herbalism, I learned how the scent of the ingredients plays almost as significant a role in their associated healing experiences as their chemical constituents.

My most current study is of natural perfumery, and how rich its history is throughout history. We all know how powerful fragrance isâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;it has the ability to transport us back in time through memory triggers. It also has the ability to cleanse and purify our space, and Spiritual Skincare

in many cases, is used to transport us from the physical world more easily into the spiritual. Burning incense or diffusing essential oils is one simple way to facilitate meditation–especially for beginners–and also has been used to connect with the Divine in nearly every culture such as the ancient Egyptians, Babylonians, Hebrews, Greeks, Indians, Romans, Native Americans, Celts, and more. Today, it’s still used in different spiritual practices ranging from Catholic masses and sacraments to Pagan circles. How aromatic essential oils, resins, and herbs differ from other ingredients known to benefit the skin and hair throughout history (such as carrier oils and milk), is that they’re known not only for their physical and emotional therapeutic benefits, but also have widely documented metaphysical and spiritual benefits. In literature and polytheistic mythologies, Gods and Goddesses were often described not only for their physical appearances and what power they possessed, but also by their aromas. From Homer’s The Iliad, when Venus visits Achilles:

“Celestial Venus hovered o’er his head, and roseate unguents heavenly fragrance shed!” I began working with natural perfumes during my own spiritual practice by using them as anointing oils for candles and gemstones, as well as to wear during ritual. I then began creating my own blends, based on metaphysical properties and spiritual correspondences, geared towards certain intentions– for an emotional need like comfort and nurture, for personal growth, or for manifestation. I started without knowledge of the art of perfume composition, and just blended my oils with knowledge gained from my metaphysical and spiritual books and relied heavily in intuition and guidance during a meditation or ritual. 46

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…I decided to take what I’m learning about natural perfumery and apply it to my daily skincare rituals. I quickly realised how much I loved these perfumes, and how much I felt they added to my spiritual experience–however the fragrances faded quickly due to the fact that they didn’t contain any synthetic fixatives (which all synthetic and many natural perfumes and fragrance oils contain), or adequate base notes, which are essential oils and resins with naturally fixative, longer lasting qualities. I then began studying natural perfumery as an art–and I continue to study it because like other forms of herbalism, I believe it is an art that takes several lifetimes to master. My perfume blends now have more actual design and composition to them, yet the oils I choose are still based on metaphysical properties and intuition. I enjoyed working with my perfume blends so much, that I realised I wanted to have them with me all the time–so I decided to take what I’m learning about natural perfumery and apply it to my daily skincare rituals. Intuitive guidance is something I pray for and express gratitude for every day, and to me it seems very logical to use the power of spiritual perfumery as a portal to facilitate Divine intuition. Now I choose essential oils for my products based on what I want them to do for my skin physically, as well as whatever intention I’m working on at that moment whether it’s a seasonal goal, or a goal related to a project or personal growth. I might make a lotion or cream with one blend, and then have smaller ones ready to add to a daily face or body oil for different intentions.

Spiritual Skincare

It’s important to note that only herbs and pure, plantderived essential oils and resins should be used for spiritual perfumery. Though synthetics might still trigger certain memories, they don’t have the ability to facilitate spiritual experiences in the same way as natural ones do, because unlike herbs and aromatic essences from nature, they don’t contain the life force that runs through and connects all of us to each other, to nature, and to the Universe.

I leave you with a Divine intervention I recently experienced as a result of spiritual perfumery. My family is going through a very tough time. In the past year, we’ve endured three deaths in the family, of people with whom we were very close. There are also other significant changes going on in our lives, and a few days I found myself feeling sad and emotionally exhausted. I really wanted to feel soothed, and at peace. I made a perfume, and named it Mere de la Paix–Mother of Peace. I applied it and meditated, and felt much better. Shortly after, I happened to be browsing the Internet, and saw that Pope Francis made the decision to elevate Mother Teresa to sainthood. I don’t identify as Catholic, but I like Pope Francis and always saw the face of the Goddess in Mother Teresa so I clicked on an

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article. The moment I saw her face, I was completely overcome by emotion. I felt the same tingling on my head that I feel when I know my angels and spirit guides are near, and just began crying–not tears of sadness, but tears of release and relief. I don’t know any other way to describe it other than a miracle, or a Divine intervention—-and I don’t think I would have had it had I not created the perfume. I’ve been wearing it and using it in my facial oil since, and I’ve been much more at peace than I’ve been in weeks. And for that I am very grateful.

natural

health & beauty.

Find simple tips & recipes at VintageAmanda.com

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How to Wear: Monochromatic Look

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By Marina BerBeryan 50

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Confessions of a Hollywood Stylist

For the past year or so I’ve enjoyed seeing monochromatic looks! The one hue tone has been popping up in full force everywhere I look; on the runway, the red carpet and on the streets. Additionally, the Spring/Summer 2016 collections from New York Fashion Week were all about monochromes!

For my upcoming fashionistas who don’t know what a monochromatic outfit is, it’s basically wearing same colour wardrobe pieces in one ensemble. Yes, one colour from head to toe! What I like the most about the monochromatic look is that it’s original, timeless and elegant.

Here are some of my fashion tips on how to style your monochromatic outfit!

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When styling a monochromatic outfit, try to create a look that is visually appealing. Make sure the outfit is cohesively working together to create the look you’re opting for. Consider the material and the fabric when styling a monochromatic look to avoid outfit confusion or clash of the wardrobe pieces. Offset your look by pairing it with an accessory to add an unexpected final touch. Today the hottest hues for monochromatic looks are nude

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monotone, so opt for creating a look based on neutral shades. If you are not into nude shades, try bold or bright colours. It’s always fun playing with bold colours.

Print monochromes are a fashion blogger’s favourite. You can pull off print with an outerwear piece, shoes, a garment, or even an accessory, once you’ve mastered how to create a balanced look. Try wearing one hue head to toe this season from light greys, blush links, to light brown.

No matter what your shape or style, monochromatic always looks fabulous, so donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be afraid to experiment! Below is how I styled my monochrome ensemble: I chose a darker hue not only because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a winter season but also to create a slimmer, more polished look. Browns, navy blues, charcoal grey, and of course black are the best colours to go with if trying to look taller and slimmer!

Confessions of a Hollywood Stylist

Your Skills

Blog Post Ideas Find me online here

By Andrea Sullenger 58

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It’s no secret. Blogging is crucial to your business. If you don’t have a blog, get moving and make it happen. You might be saying, ‘But what am I going to blog about?’ Well, this is your lucky day, because I’m offering up 37 blog post ideas so you won’t ever be stuck on a topic!

t r a t s r u o y d e r e g ig r t t The idea tha A photo showing a positive moment during training or speaking with text Talk about one positive transition that can happen a person as a result of implementing one of your ideas The idea that triggered your start 37 Blog Post Ideas

3 reasons not to attend your training session i.e. you want to stay in a dead-end job etc.

Features of your training or coaching method

in k c a r t n o y a t s o t e s u u o One trick y your business A transcript of a commercial, webinar or interview you did Talk about one positive transition that can happen to a person as a result of implementing one of your ideas 60

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A commentary on a news article that ties into your niche An audio testimonial

5 Questions a customer should ask before purchasing your book or training 3 ways you would l ose if you didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sign up for the new est training

A review of a movie that has a connection to your topic 37 Blog Post Ideas

A written testimonial A commentary on how you found your passion

A review of a webinar you watched which was connected to your business Make a list of reasons why your training or book rocks!

Create a challenge for yourself, and then report on your progress Do a survey related to your field 62

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Post a video of yourself telling a story about a win you recently experienced, then transcribe your story A video testimonial with transcribed text ★ A review of a book related to your niche ★ Compile a list of pain points which would send a client to you ★ An interview with one of your satisfied clients ★ Why you use social media in your business ★ A commentary on a seminar you attended ★ A summary of a periscope broadcast you did or viewed ★ A review of another blog post (with their permission) ★ Make a completely incorrect statement about your niche, explain how some people are misled, then set them straight and emphasize the facts ★ A way to effectively implement one of your lesser-known strategies ★ A personal story about a business success in the last week ★ Create a review of an app you use in your business ★ Come up with a survey about one aspect of your training or coaching ★ Blog about a celebrity and connect it to your niche ★ Invite another blogger to do a guest blog, and then write a blog in response.

As you write blogs from this list, check them off. As you think of other blog ideas, add them to the list. Keep up your awesome blogging momentum and your business will thank you! 37 Blog Post Ideas

Performance Consultancy?

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By Sukh Pabial 64

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“It requires us to revisit how we approach the design of solutions by changing the way we understand the problem we’re presented with” In the world of L&D there has been a move to talk more about this concept of performance consultancy, and it’s an interesting concept. The LPI even run a masterclass where you can learn the skills needed for being a performance consultant. Essentially, if all L&D is about improving performance, so says the concept, therefore all L&Ders should be performance consultants and not L&D consultants. In other worlds, this is sometimes called business partnering.

I get it. Except, it’s quite a challenging assertion. Most L&D practitioners are experts in what they do and what they know. That’s why they’re doing the work they do. What they tend not to be experts in is how to provide consultancy to the organisation they’re part of or working with. It requires a very different approach to the work we do, and arguably is completely alien to most L&Ders. Sure we know how to help a business function take various forms of knowledge and transform it into a learning

What is Performance Consultancy?

solution of some description. Some of us are even learning how to use digital technologies to deliver learning in ways which are different and unique. Some of us are taking life even further and designing learning solutions which are supportive of self-directed and autonomous learning. Being a performance consultant asks for a different approach to what L&D is used to. It requires us to revisit how we approach the design of solutions by changing the way we understand the problem we’re presented with. Instead of approaching it and thinking ‘how do I create a learning solution to help fix this’ the approach needs to be ‘how can I support you to create a solution which you develop yourself’. It means saying – a learning solution might be what’s needed to help with your problem, but actually you might need to consider a mix of solutions such as internal comms, performance management, transparency of information and changing the way you run your meetings. A learning solution might help support how some of that happens, but those other options mean that we need to be savvy about how to have conversations that are focused on performance improvement. By proxy you’re also probably taking care of L&D / engagement / management / leadership needs, but it tends to be correlational as opposed to causation. This approach kind of causes issues for practitioners who have specialisms. For example, if you’re an Instructional Designer, why do you need to have conversations about performance? (Answer: You don’t, that’s not your role). It also causes angst for practitioners who provide quite niche content. For example if you’re a Customer Services Trainer, does what you provide support performance? (Answer: It does, and suddenly you need to learn a whole new language about performance support once your training has been completed). And if you’re an internal practitioner, it means that your world of operating from learning needs analysis is fundamentally changing to being one where you have to learn how to consult with business leaders on what their operational world looks like, because that’s where the performance support is needed – not in the learning environment. 66

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As we are starting to understand more and more, the world of L&D is being flipped upside down. Many practitioners are feeling lost in this new world, others are carrying on with their heads firmly in the sand, more are arguing the toss about why they need to bother, and others are trying to learn about this new world so that they can support learners in ways that make sense for them. I’ll be honest with you fellow L&Ders, it’s a seriously challenging time for the modern L&D and OD practitioner. I don’t lay claim that I can do all of the

things written about in these spaces. I do take the time to understand the various positions, and where I need that personal support is when I rely on those in my PLN (Personal Learning Network). They help me to understand concepts better, and help me to know how I can use that thinking to inform solutions I think can be developed and delivered, as well as those which I can’t and shouldn’t do anything with. Where possible, I apply the thinking and challenge needed which supports design and development of learning solutions which are more focused on performance support…

…and focused on delivery of learning solutions that meet a clear learning and business need. What is Performance Consultancy?

Clickatch ! e n i to OW l n

WITH MICHELLE HOLMES

SEEING ISN’T

Always BELIEVING

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By Uchechi Ezurike-Bosse 70

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One of the things I’ve come to understand since studying Universal Laws is the importance of having faith in the unseen. This is an area so many of people get tripped up on when it comes to manifesting and achieving their goals. You set an intention, go to work on making it happen. You show up, thinking all the right thoughts to re-program your mind. However, there’s something that separates those who are able to manifest with ease, from those that constantly struggle. Because you don’t see the physical manifestation of your goals, you assume that nothing is happening. You assume that the work you’ve put in is in isolation and no change is happening. Here’s the thing to remember during this ‘gestation’ period. Remember that because you have a desire, means you already have the power to manifest it. There’s a solution already available in order for you to bring it about. What starts to happen is as you have your desire(s) and start to align your thoughts and feelings to it, you then ignite a whole chain reaction of events and ‘coincidences’ to help you reach your goals. People, opportunities start to line themselves to you and become present around you. However, realise this: your current circumstances have been the result of your old way of being. So whatever results you find yourself currently experiencing was caused by your past thinking and feelings. This is the law of cause and effect. There is a cause (thinking, feelings, actions) to the effects and results you’re currently experiencing. As you embark on changing the cause (again your thoughts, feelings and actions), new results you wish to achieve start to

Seeing Isn’t Always Believing

“Many times, it’s things that have been there all along, yet you failed to recognizse it, because you were blind to it.” make their way to you in the unseen realm, as you’re experiencing current conditions based on your past beliefs. Most times though, because you don’t see the physical manifestation even though you’re doing the work diligently, you end up feeling stuck. Feeling that it’s not happening and you’re dreams are not transpiring. When really all along the Universe is orchestrating all the wonderful events and people to send into your life to bring it about. You need to stay consistent in your practice until your new thoughts and feelings dominate your old ones. You then are able to see solutions to your problems and opportunities to manifest your dreams become in your scope of awareness. Many times, it’s things that have been there all along, yet you failed to recognise it, because you were blind to it. Other times, it may be new opportunities that are attracted to you because you are now a vibrational match to it (the law of vibration). Once your new empowered way of being dominates your old ways, you begin to see the physical manifestations of your desires. 72

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So, wherever you currently are in your manifestation process, commit to having faith in the unseen. Make the decision to be happy and full of love and trust the process – No. Matter. What. Yes, that means you’ll need to let go of the need to control every aspect of how your goals will come about. I’ve written a lot about letting go and surrendering yourself which is a huge part of manifesting your goals. Many people struggle with this, however

it’s critical in order for you to see the physical manifestation of your goals. Commit to your happiness and peace of mind. Do not let your current circumstances dictate your future results. I know this is easier said (or rather written) than done. I too struggle with this practice. But for me, when I’m consistently choosing to be happy no matter what, trusting in the unfolding of my desires, and understanding that the manifestation of it, is already occurring.

It is then that opportunities spring forward, and the flow of abundance comes rushing into my life.

Seeing Isn’t Always Believing

Your Spirit

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By Karen Salmansohn

SCARED

SHITLESS!

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By Kate Spencer 76

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recently started to make some little videos on my phone for my Facebook page. This is part of my own personal campaign to get over my fear of being out there, because quite honestly there are times when I am absolutely scared shitless! As a verified page I can livestream myself to my audience, and Facebook have made this an easy and fantastic tool to reach more people and help them with my message.

IT SOUNDS GOOD IN PRINCIPLE RIGHT? But it’s live, and for me that’s scary. It’s exposing myself and making myself very vulnerable to criticism, judgment and attack. (LOA Lovers – I am aware enough to not be focused on that! And I also see that the fear in me that this may happen has likely drawn this in). No matter how many emails and messages I get a day about Twelve Lessons changing lives, or a Facebook post helping someone when they needed it most – there is often someone out there to pull you down…and last week was my week. I even considered not writing this article for fear of them coming back at me with something else, hurting me even more, but this is important and it’s coming from a place of processing and being conscious, I hope. Yes I know that people do it when they are hurt in some way. Yes I know that it’s their stuff and not mine. Yes I get it completely that I should have compassion and move on.

* But boy does it hurt! * Scared Shitless!

Be true to who are. And the people that are still in resonance with you will still love you, as long as you embrace and love yourself. Maybe I haven’t tefloned myself emotionally enough yet, or maybe I’m just a sensitive girl behind the scenes, that sits at a kitchen table and wants to help heal the world. Perhaps I’m too soft and I need not to engage with these wounded souls, but there’s a part of me that sees past the arrows that they are shooting at me and hears their own pain.

The truth is though, not only can I not save everyone – I can’t save anyone…apart from me. If I want to continue serving as many people as I can with my message, I need to stop trying to be all things to all people. If I allow a couple of people to pull me down and stop me in my tracks I might never get back up on my perch and help the rest of you, or myself. “Send them love and sod them off!” needs to be my new mantra. 78

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Not everyone is going to get what I do and love it, and that’s fine. Some will unsubscribe. Some might leave a mediocre review on Amazon. Some might feel that the light that is shone in their direction illuminates deep wounds that they are not ready to heal yet, and they might lash out at me. This can’t be enough to stop me, but I am human and it’s okay to feel wounded when it happens. Picking myself up and shaking off the fear is the only thing to do, as well as practical steps to ward off psychic attack. Fear of what other people might think holds you prisoner. You can’t live your life in an authentic way if you are second guessing what you say and do in case someone doesn’t like it. There are people out there that won’t like it – fact!

WE NEED TO KNOW THAT OUR MESSAGE IS BIGGER THAN OUR FEAR AND KEEP GOING.

LOVE

KATE Scared Shitless!

Predictions

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By Manish Kumar Arora

Aries 21 March-19 April

The months ahead is likely to start with a boost of energy, which you can use to make some long term plans. April will be a great time to put any of those plans into action, and for some of you a new job or career move is looking likely. A collection of challenging aspects suggests that you’ll need to take a softer, more sympathetic approach mid April, but a tendency to be a little too harsh will ease quite quickly as the planets move into a more harmonious position. You’ll find that you’re becoming the centre of attention although you’re likely to be tempted to overdo it. A new love is likely to come soon, someone who is almost the exact opposite of you.

Favourable Dates April 2, 8, 11, 17, 20, 25 Favourable Colours Red & Yellow

Taurus 20 April-20 May

This month is likely to start on a less positive note: Friendships will need extra attention and friends will need that extra little bit of nurturing. Don’t

be too critical. You should be prudent with your cash. You are likely to find that someone in your surrounding has a negative or critical approach to all the things that you may do or say in your day to day life. You may also find that as work related activities build up, you will have to teach yourself to say ‘no’ when you have enough things on your plate, instead of attempting to please everyone at all times. This is a time for practical, quiet reflection. Seeking the advice of an expert, and listening carefully to what they have to say could be worthwhile.

Favourable Dates April 4, 7, 13, 17, 22, 25 Favourable Colours White & Yellow

Gemini 21 May-20 June

This period augurs well for new beginnings and a letting go of old, redundant ideas. This will be both exciting and draining for you, so schedule plenty of rest and relaxation in around this time. Let inspiration strike, then focus on your goal in order to start bringing about its manifestation. Clear communication and precise thinking will serve you well. Right now is not the time to focus on other commitments to other people, but rather commit to yourself and really work on the ideas Zodiac Predictions for April 2016

that you’ve already got cooking. Be positive and proactive – you’re in charge and you can make what you want happen. Start now.

Favourable Dates April 3, 7, 12, 17, 21, 25 Favourable Colours White & Red

Cancer 21 June-22 July

This month is likely to start with a few tricky choices.. Double check your vacation plans, and double check your available cash; start saving now to avoid hassles later. A lot of little changes can add up to huge change and make you feel more secure at the same time. So start that planning and take those tiny steps toward your future happiness! Romance will be sweet , although an underlying reluctance to be tied down could slow the pace too much. Work or school will seem to take over mid April, and you’re likely to be doubly driven, thanks to a possible promotion or reward. However you might need to be more tactful and tolerant to avoid offending anyone.

Favourable Dates April 2, 8, 11, 17, 20, 26 Favourable Colours Yellow & Red 82

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Leo 23 July-22 August

New learning opportunities are your focus as you look at new age knowledge systems, analysing varying belief structures and go in search of deeper meaning. This is a great time to be part of a new project or establishment wherein you are able to apply your learning and offer your many talents as well. Your interest in the spiritual arts might deepen and you may find yourself rubbing shoulders with many others who share similar faiths. Advisors and mentors will be the theme of the month and it is also likely that you are offering advice to others around you as well. You also find yourself looking at relationships and emotional connections with a more logical approach.

Favourable Dates April 2, 8, 11, 17, 20, 26 Favourable Colours Yellow & Red

Virgo 23 August-22 September

This period indicates a need for protection from negative energies. Whether it be at work, home, or friends

now is the time to clean out your toxicity closet. Be open and create the space for change. Let go of any dead weights in your life, whether that is a real physical object, a psychological pattern or a daily routine that no longer serves you. Emotionally, it’s a time of calm. Perfect for listening and reflecting rather than acting out in passion. Take your time. The outside world has some surprises in store for you. People want to help you reach your goals and are ready, willing and able to offer support in a myriad of ways.

Favourable Dates April 2, 3, 11, 12, 20, 21 Favourable Colours White & Red

Libra 23 September-22 October

A new phase of life is before you. It is important to be prepared to dig deep inside yourself, as with any major changes you will need to change within to meet and match the new external situation. You may not be transforming this deeply on an interpersonal level but your relationship to the outside world is changing. Your way of interacting is changing, the dynamics are shifting and you are renegotiating many “contracts” with others. Give yourself a break this month. It’s all quite challenging work

you are doing. It is also likely that this month your expectations from love and your partner completely undergo a restructuring.

Favourable Dates April 7, 9, 16, 18, 25, 24 Favourable Colours Yellow & Green

Scorpio 23 October-21 November

Your rational mind may be feeling too much pressure to be entirely useful. So listen very closely, to the voice inside you that is voiceless. If you find that the sizzle in your romantic life is starting to wear out –perhaps you’ve been looking for the wrong qualities and it suddenly makes sense now to move on. You might experience a breakdown in your relationships, expectations take a hit and this makes you feel like you’ve discovered a new way of looking at your partnerships because you suddenly want different things. Know that good times and bad times always come and go and that you need to focus on what you want to achieve and believe.

Favourable Dates April 1, 3, 10, 12, 19, 21 Favourable Colours Yellow & White Zodiac Predictions for April 2016

Sagittarius 22 November-21 December

You are spinning your wheels and expending great energy, seeking that which will feed your soul and ignite your passion Be open to sudden flashes of inspiration. Keep a watchful eye out, for doors that were once shut may be opening up to welcome you inside Glide into your passion with flowing movements and an openness to receive. Let yourself go gently into the burning places deep inside. You are able to focus on what you want and chase it down. You will also have an uncanny ability to be the most sensually attractive. When you are passionately pursuing that which feeds your deepest self, you will exude an extraordinary charisma to others.

Favourable Dates April 1, 2, 10, 11, 19, 21 Favourable Colours Blue & White

Capricorn 22 December-19 January

It’s a time to dissolve the fog and start looking at things with fresh and honest eyes. With a commitment to clarity, new ideas and a new sense of authority will

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be close on the horizon. You are in a fine position for the extraordinary, amazing and instantaneous to occur. You will spend the month analysing how you use your resources to help others and this allows you to allocate sharing the same ‘energy’ with the others to keep the cycle going. Someone helped you once, now it’s your turn to pass that on. Be mindful, though, of sweet talking tricksters who may want to take a piece of your pie.

Favourable Dates April 2, 3, 11, 12, 20, 21 Favourable Colours White & Red

Aquarius 20 January-18 February

You are pregnant with possibilities right now. Be open this month to letting your creative mind take over and come up with outside the box solutions. Universe is asking you to go on instinct and move full steam ahead. Whatever the ideas are, no matter the risk, jump and know that this month Universe will catch you and help you succeed. Be sure the basics are covered and that you are creating a strong, supportive

framework around you. You have an opportunity right now to evaluate your relationship to everything outside of you and analyse the spiritual relevance and impact these interactions have on your life.

Favourable Dates April 2, 3, 11, 12, 20, 21 Favourable Colours Grey & Red

Pisces 19 February-20 March

It would be better to look at what you have not achieved, what still lies ahead on the road you’re traveling. Being humble about where you are on your path allows you to honour your achievements and laugh at your faults and failures. Bringing life down to the basics can open you up to a wider scope of possibility. You’re fantasizing about a new love, a new friend, or at a new spark to make what you’ve already got even more special. This month has the potential for fascinating delights to come your way, It is equally possible for you to be distracted away from receiving them. Pay attention to what you’ve got and don’t forget to give thanks.

Favourable Dates April 2, 8, 11, 17, 20, 26 Favourable Colours Blue & Red 85

Contentment Friends, we want it. We long for it. We search for it. We try to buy it. We try to uncover it. We grasp for it…with desperation. In 2008, Americans spent $11 billion on self improvement books, CDs, seminars, coaching and stressmanagement programs according to Forbes. Forbes also reported that the main group of people buying into the search for contentment and happiness is, “mainly middle aged affluent females living on either of the two coasts. What are they getting for their money? In a word: hope.” Find me online here

By Katie Clifton, Christian Columnist 86

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Hope Women are hungry for it. We crave it. We cling tightly to hope. I often catch myself hoping for things that are good: I hope for clarity and discernment to follow the Lord as He leads me. I hope I am raising our children to love the Lord with all their hearts. I hope I am faithfully loving my husband as the Lord intends for me to. I hope I am obedient. I hope I will be confident in who I am and how the Lord created me. I hope I am full of love. I hope I am brave and willing to obey. We are surrounded by our hopes, desires and expectations. And our hopes are leaving many of us broken and desperate. Somewhere in the middle of all my own “good” hoping and my “righteous” (self-righteous) attempts for contentment I am finding a thread of comparison. This thread is attached to the anchor of coveting, and it is dragging us all down deeper. It is pulling us further away from Christ and from happiness than we ever imagined. Our inner grasping for the things of this world controls us and takes our affections away from Jesus. This pattern actually leads us away from the contentment we are desperate for. The Lord designed us to only find true contentment through Him and in Him. In Exodus 20, God lovingly gives us His commands so that we can see the nature of God and how we should live. The 10th Commandment is a command of contentment. It means that we must love God enough to be content in all circumstances.

Contentment: The Lord commanded it? Contentment

“Do not covet” (Exodus 20:17) is not a suggestion or an offer. If it was an offer, it would expire. Offers run out. Offers have exceptions and limitations, terms and conditions. A command means it is available to everyone. The 10th Commandment is a command of complete peace. The Lord is saying, “Don’t worry about what everyone else has and don’t worry about what everyone else is doing.” If you and I got real with ourselves, we’d see that our discontentment is bound to the anchor of coveting. Maybe we don’t want our friend’s husband, but we would like a marriage that looks like theirs. We aren’t actually wanting to steal our friend’s success, but we would love to have our own spot light or platform. We are excited for people whose lives seem to have such amazing purpose and meaning, but we are tearfully searching for our own direction and worth in this life. We wouldn’t trade children with anyone, but we long for “kids like theirs”: happy, healthy, obedient. I have found myself tangled in the net of wanting, recently. The trap is set for all of us and it’s a steep slope down and we can grow weary trying to crawl out from the pit of comparison and discontentment.

We desire. We long for. We search for. We hope for. We covet. There is a secret we are searching out the answer to. The secret seems priceless. In America, it is an $11 billion dollar secret. We all want to know how to find contentment. Paul said, “Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:11-13, emphasis mine). Some of us have great needs. Many of us are dissatisfied because we don’t have what we are wanting and hoping for. Paul is saying that he learned

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contentment. He didn’t just automatically know how to be content, but the Lord taught Him and Paul paid attention. Paul learned the secret we are all searching for. Paul knew the difference between his wants and needs. Paul trusted in Christ and his attitude and desires changed from wanting more or even wanting different circumstances - to being able to accept the Lord’s provision and the Lord’s power over his life. Jesus Christ will strengthen us, as we learn the secret of living in any and every situation.

Christianity: being a follower, lover, disciple of Jesus, offers us complete peace. Religion will leave us empty, anchored to comparison, discontentment and coveting. I am so guilty of being religious, rather than reliant. I am guilty of being a fan instead of a follower. And I am not the only fan in the stadium. We deceive ourselves when we measure our happiness or contentment in life by the things of this world. We miss out on learning the secret when we reject the offer. The secret has been uncovered. Contentment is found through the gift of God’s love and in doing His will. It is that simple. Apart from that truth, we will scrape and claw, dig and climb searching for contentment. And we will always be left empty.

Are you burnt out and worn out from searching for happiness? Contentment

Are you aching for the things you are chasing and never reaching? Are you acquiring the things you chase, yet still filled with an emptiness you can’t understand? Are you putting the things of this world before following Jesus? Sweet sisters, you are not alone. We need to get real and honest before the Lord. Pray for the Holy Spirit to allow you to see your life from God’s point of view. Ask the Lord to focus your perspective on Him and the eternal. Contentment is a lesson we are all learning the secret (answer)

to, together. The answer is found in our perspective, our priorities and our source of power.

The answer is found in Him. 90

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(Philippians 4:11-13)

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