Hello..

The festive period is a time for parties, get-togethers and celebrations. Most importantly though, it’s a time to catch up with loved ones, be it friends or family.

This issue is jam-packed with all things love…

We all know how the story goes – the princess waits to be saved by her knight in shining armour, they fall hopelessly in love and live happily ever after… Cliona Elliott takes a look at some of the classic fairytales, and talks about the messages they did, or didn’t, teach us about love. Page 104

When it comes to love, the person we neglect the most is ourselves – especially post-birth. May Bourne, a Midwife and founder of Positive Birth Jersey teamed up with Sophie Darwin, Jersey’s only on-island birth photographer, to launch the MOTHERHOOD campaign to celebrate the beauty of post-birth bodies. Page 82

We have put together the ultimate gift guide which includes over 175 gifts for women, men, children and pets, so you can treat your loved ones to something special. From page 54

As issues surrounding the environment become a priority, the fashion industry looks to play a key role. During London Fashion Week an array of fresh designers pushed their environmentally friendly alternatives. Two brands that stood out to me were Stay Wild Swim and Ancuta Sarca.

Stay Wild Swim was set up by friends, Natalie Glaze and Zanna van Dijk. The two women are passionate about the ocean and have created a stunning line of swimwear, produced entirely from regenerated ocean plastics. Being passionate about eco-friendly alternatives to fast fashion, Ancuta Sarca recycles old trainers with vintage heels to create one-off quirky styles. You can read all about the Positive Fashion initiative from page 36.

Whilst on the subject of eco-friendly options, Traci O’Dea shares her experience of vintage clothes and explains why she won’t be buying anything new anytime soon. Page 39

A familiar face, Andreia Magalhaes, looked simply stunning in our Opulence themed shoot, photographed by Mark Stephenson at the Hotel de France (page 42). Also shot by Mark Stephenson was our cover girl Jodie Lee. Jodie will be performing in Mendes Management’s family pantomime ‘Aladdin’ alongside ex Emmerdale star Dale Meeks at the Radisson Blu from 19th – 23rd December. Liana Shaw met with Jodie to find out about her career as a performer so far. Page 67

Throughout this issue you’ll also find winter trends, beauty ingredients to look out for in 2020, recipes by Christian Gott, Chloe Bowler’s advice on staying healthy over the festive period, Bex Evans dating series, plus much more.

Once this issue prints, we’re looking forward to a busy month of moving house, gift buying and hosting Christmas. This is also our first (and last!) Christmas as a family of three. Yup, you guessed it, Beatrice is going to be a big sister by the time our spring issue hits the shelves!

I hope you have an amazing time at Christmas and wish you all health, happiness and prosperity for 2020.