YOUNG Magazine - Issue 1 by YOUNG Magazine

A WAVE OF NEW INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCES

YOUNG WOMEN IN POWER SEXISM IN POLITICS

ISSUE 1 DECEMBER 2020

£5

5 WAYS

TO BE HAPPY JUST LIKE NORDIC PEOPLE

IMMUNE BOOSTING

GREEK RECIPES AVA AMANDE ACTRESS TURNS TO FASHION DESIGNER

INSIDE THE MASTERCLASS

GLADYS PERINT PALMER BRANDS MAKING A DIFFERENCE SAY ‘YES’ TO JUSTICE AND PEACE

CONTENTS DECEMBER 2020

YOUNG FASHION Ava Amande brings 12 Actress Bougainvillea to Battersea From being inspired by Indian culture to creating her family-run sustainable brand at her at home atelier in Battersea, Ava Amande has it all…

in Power: Sexism in Politics 16 Women When Sanna Marin posed for a lifestyle magazine when wearing a black blazer without a shirt under it, the backlash on social media was huge – especially from men. The photos were branded as ‘tasteless’ and ‘attention seeking’, and people questioned if Marin was fit to do her job.

Courtesy of Ava Amande

REGULARS

20 Discover the best masks in London – they are handmade and eco-friendly

The catwalks come on strong, but there is one element that undoubtedly crowns as a winner: face masks. An accessory which, unfortunately, nowadays we cannot miss in our daily lives.

Editor’s note

7 8 Contributors’ page

Young Magazine

Courtesy of Alejandra Valle Daroca

LIFESTYLE

24 Art goes live with Gladys Perit Palmer’s

Courtesy of Gladys Perint Palmer

masterclass

Renowned fashion illustrator, Gladys Perit Palmer, is hosting virtual masterclasses in collaboration with Gray M.C.A, talking about her work for Dior. Gennaro Costanzo follows the class to understand how her career is inspiring new artists all over the world.

Greeks on Stage 26 Did you know there are approximately 300,000

Greek speakers in greater London? You might just be one of them! If that’s the case, and your hobbies include the performing arts why not take the opportunity to become a member of ‘Greeks on Stage’?

ey ks

Spin

2020 has been full of disruption and disputes but as it is nearing the end, brands in and around the UK are making a stand on the BLM movement this Christmas.

Lin

Brands make a stand by saying ‘YES’ to justice and peace

f yo

tes

Finland has been selected as the world’s happiest country by the annual World Happiness Report released by the United Nations.

people

30 5 ways to be as happy as the Nordic

FOOD

Take control of your health with 5 Tips

To be healthy is not only to be free of disease but also to have a certain quality of life concerning various aspects. Each of us has a great responsibility in preserving our health and preventing disease.

52 2021 HOROSCOPE

Is the pandemic helping people go vegan? Time spent at home during lockdown has brought attention to bad eating habits that were ignored in the pre-pandemic era. For many young Brits, the solution is to adopt a vegan lifestyle

Recipes To Boost the Immune System During the Pandemic While no diet can prevent coronavirus, studies have shown that staying healthy can reduce the risk of transmission, and also help fight off the virus if we get it.

New Year’s resoultions brought to you by Leanne Powell

Courtesy of Megs Lang

Young Magazine

REGULARS

EDITOR’S LETTER Dear reader,

Thank you for reading our first edition of YOUNG magazine! We aim to publish unique editorial content that is both innovative and inspirational for all those women daring to be different and unafraid to dream. With that in mind we strive to introduce you to different lifestyles, international foods and fashion trends from the streets of London. 2020 has been a year of changes to many of us. Our life has been more or less limited and uncertain and there have been very little things to celebrate but remember this: 2020 will soon be over so cheers to a better 2021! In this issue of YOUNG magazine, we discuss about how women in power are labeled unprofessional by the way they dress and for having a family. You will also meet a fashion designer, Ava Amande, from London who makes sustainable fashion and also a designer, Alejandra Valle Daroca, who is fighting against covid by providing fashionable and safe masks to those who need them. In our lifestyle section we will be taking inspiration from the Nordics and provide some tips on how to be happy like them. We will also take you to stage with Greeks and visit an exciting masterclass with Gladys Perint Palmer. For our food lovers we have gathered Mediterranean recipes to boost your winter immune system and we also talk about how the lockdown has affected our eating habits and if more people are going vegan because of it. I want to say a special thank you to all five members of our group for working so hard to put this magazine together. I hope you enjoy reading our stories and do follow us on Instagram @_youngmagazine_ for more updates. Yours sincerely, Hanna-Liisa Leppänen Editor in Chief

Hanna-Liisa Leppänen

Young Magazine

C ON T RI BUTOR S HANNA LiISA LEPPANEN editor in chief Although half German and half Swedish, Hanna was born in Finland. She finds her roots in the Nordics and her lifestyle reflects this although she now lives in the UK. She loves timeless fashion and exploring new things. Through her numerous adventures around the world, she has grown to be passionate about experiencing different cultures, lifestyles, and her dream is to one day travel to every country in the world. You can find her wandering the streets of London with a camera in her spare time as she studies to become a journalist.

GENNARO COSTANZO CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Coming from the noisy streets in southern Italy, Gennaro decided to follow his dreams in London. He loves everything artistic and enjoys making new experiences everywhere he goes. In his free time, he manages an editing account and writes up his thoughts in his online blog. Although his schedule is very thight, he always finds the time to discuss new music, TV series and the latest trends in fashion. One day, he hopes to be a professional writer and journalist, just like the characters in his favourite movies.

LEANNE POWELL Production editor Born and raised in London town with a Jamaican and Cuban background, Leanne has always been creative and had a passion for fashion since she could remember. From spending her spare time on the sewing machine and keeping up to date with the latest trends to studying many courses to pursue her career within the industry including fashion and clothing, visual merchandising and now fashion marketing and journalism. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always been her dream to write about all things fashion, culture, travel and food.

Young Magazine

REGULARS

VALENTINA OLIVARES TRETTEL FEATURES EDITOR With Argentinian blood running through her veins, Valentina was raised up in Spain to end up living in London. Her passion? Fashion! She’s always up to date with the latest fashion trends and news. Her life is a non-stop, but she’ll always have time to talk about nice music playlists, food and events. Her dream is to become a fashion reporter and travel all around the world covering the latest fashion shows. In her free time she loves walking around London or discovering museums. She feels like a brand new tourist every time she goes out!

NATASHA DRAKAKI CHIEF SUB-EDITOR Born in London but raised for half of her life on the island of Crete, Greece, Natasha has led a double life and gained experiences, including education and work from both Greece and the UK. ‘Sometimes it was difficult growing in two different countries, but the experiences I gained have made me the person I am today and therefore I don’t regret a thing. In fact, I would like to help people understand the value of cultural differences and how much you can gain from this.’ Natasha dreams of exploring as many places as possible around the world and sharing the stories of the people she meets along the way.

Don’t forget to follow @_youngmagazine_ on Instagram!

Young Magazine

Actress

AVA AMANDE

brings Bougainvillea to Battersea By Leanne Powell From being inspired by Indian culture to creating her family-run sustainable brand at her at home atelier in Battersea, Ava Amande has it all…

n November 2019, founder of Bougainvillea London Ava Amande found herself undergoing the ultimate career change. She went from being a well-known actress to a fashion designer within the space of a few months. The career move came after the multi-talented actress took a two-week trip to India with her partner, where they were visiting his family. It was from there she found that she had a love for textiles, after seeing the quality of the materials used to make Indian saris. It all started with a dress Amande designed from a vintage silk sari last October whilst on her trip, which was also the inspiration behind her brand. She now designs, creates, and sells her own bespoke dresses, made with vintage silhouettes using silk from 20-30 year old pre-existing saris, which she imports from India to create these one-off pieces. She named Bougainvillea, after a pink tree that is grown in warmer climates. Amande says this is her favourite tree because it signifies “warm weather and hot countries”. With her love of creativity, she was in awe of the craftsmanship and the lifestyle she saw on the streets of India. “I saw what people were selling and what was available. They give their old saris to the kabadiwala, these sellers collect ‘scraps’ for cash or pots and pans in return and then those sellers then sell on the saris.” Known for their brightly coloured traditional pieces in a variety of prints, embellishments and embroidery, the quality of what was available to buy impressed Amande. Talking passionately about fabrics and dressed in the ‘Paprika’ dress from Bougainvillea she said: “I usually buy dresses for the fabric, I have always loved them especially the ones you can get from Liberty’s,” she said. She was impressed not only by the fabric but also the quality of the silk and the sheer variety of what she could get in India. She also loved the fact that every fabric had a story, which she explains as “giving a second life to something that’s already had a life and a history”.

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FASHION Amande found it revolutionary that customers can have anything they want tailor-made to their expectations, such a bespoke service is rarely offered at affordable prices in the West. “You can take the fabric and ask them to make a dress out of it and that’s widely available on every street corner,” she said. “You see them doing the traditional techniques, beading and weaving but you never see that over here.” After her return to London in November, Amande quit acting for good to concentrate on her new business venture at the beginning of lockdown, which she saw as a natural progression. “I became tired of being the product, I wanted to create the product,” she said. Her partner’s family, who lives in Hyderabad, South India, provides the fabric for her creations, while Amande designs and shoots the garments herself.

Images courtesy of Ava Amande

Eco-conscious shopper, Georgina Crawford, 28, a Visual Merchandiser from London said: “Young people are a lot more conscious of where they’re buying and what they’re buying today because of the impact on the planet. So, this brand appeals to buyers who want more eco-friendly and sustainable fashion like me.” Bernadette Wilson, 35, a Babysitter and lover of vintage clothing said: “I love clothes, so it’s refreshing to find a local company embracing the concept of slow fashion. The clothing is feminine, easy to wear and the silk textiles are pretty and colourful”.

Interestingly, she and her mother take it in turns to sew them up on her 50-yearold Singer sewing machine, which was a gift from her late Grandmother and Actress, Irene Richmond – this is one of the reasons behind her use of the term ‘slow fashion house’ for Bougainvillea. Risking launching in March of this year, during Covid had its perks because “everybody is online and on Instagram”, she said. But she is first to admit that the business side of things is a whole new side she had to explore, taking her months to perfect. Each design is named after someone special in her life like the bestselling dress ‘Irene’ named after her grandmother and the ‘Masala’ named after her cat. “The pieces are inspired by them with elements from that person or thing. I see it as a tribute to them to keep them alive,” she said. Amande focuses on every detail from the 80-year-old mother-of-pearl buttons with antique Bengali writing on their backs used on her garments, to avoiding all plastic labels and stickers. She creates seasonless pieces to wear all year round, her ‘unique selling point’ being that she creates one-of-a-kind dresses by upcycling saris, although working with silk can be tricky. “It’s worth it,” she says.

With the brand turning One this November, Amande is pleased with how successful her brand has come in such a short space of time. “I am excited to make new dresses for the brand; I have a load of new fabrics to create. Without access to the saris I would have never been able to do that, you couldn’t get anything like this in the UK. “Next year I’d like to go into using pre-existing linen with embroidery. Similar styles to what I do already.” Young Magazine 13

W Women in Power:

SEXISM

in Politics By Hanna LeppĂ¤nen

In the picture: Sanna Marin, 34, Prime Minister of Finland Picture Courtesy of Jonas Lundqvist

Image Courtesy of Xavi Gordo

When Sanna Marin posed for a lifestyle magazine in October 2020 wearing a black blazer without a shirt under it, the backlash on social media was huge – especially from men. The photos were branded as tasteless and attention seeking’, and people questioned if Marin was fit to do her job.

woman revealing her décolleté on a magazine cover is a common sight, and the story itself – about Marin juggling her busy career with motherhood - sounded like something that could be in any women’s magazine. But Marin is the Prime Minister of Finland and, according to critics, a head of state shouldn’t have time to talk about their life, how exhausting their work is or how they are raising a small baby while doing it. Most of all, they shouldn’t be

Rising against double morals Only 23% of politicians across the world are women and those who make it don’t have it easy, according to the publication UN Women. Once Marin’s story was published, hundreds of readers questioned on social media whether the 34-year-old was fit to do her job. After the flood of criticism, women decided they would fight back. They launched a campaign called #imwithsanna, showing themselves also posing with blazers with nothing underneath them, and posting their pictures on Instagram. The aim of the campaign was to fight against the double morals in politics – after all, many male politicians pose without a shirt – look at Vladimir Putin! - and nobody questions their ability to lead a country based on their attire. The campaign went viral instantly, and soon there were thousands of pictures of women showing what a true leader can look like.

FASHION “I think it’s an extremely fresh mindset to be open and honest about what a job with a lot of responsibilities can do to you and your life,” says Vilma Seppälä, 31, who has worked with different women’s rights charities over half of her life. “I know many people think that talking about these kinds of things is a weakness, but it’s not. We need to change these stereotypes.”

Other female leaders also facing critique As high-ranking female politicians are rare, they are held to a double-standard.

with that picture. It was very stylish and great. Perhaps it just shows that the mould for politicians is still quite narrow. We have examples of other female leaders facing the same issue”.

Another Finnish politician, Li Andersson, also commented on the backlash from Marin’s picture on a Posse TV show. She said: “I think it was a completely ridiculous conversation because I didn’t think there was anything wrong

Marin said in her interview with the magazine that she always tries to look the same as usual so that people would pay as little attention to her appearance as possible.

in the annual report made by the BBC.

debate in the House of Commons.

Marin is not alone when it comes to female politicians whose professionalism has been questioned because of something they had been wearing or just simply because they are women. In 2016 Theresa May, former Prime Minister of Britain, wore leather trousers in a photoshoot for the Sunday Times, which led to criticism from other magazines and from the British public.

After the backlash she sold the dress for £20 000 and donated the money to a charity called Girlguiding UK, which supports young women and girls to develop their potential and have fun while doing it.

Image Courtesy of Vesa Moilanen

“The whole conversation that came around that story, unfortunately, proved Sanna’s point completely right. As soon as you go beyond that role and wear something else than you would normally, there will be comments like this,” Andersson says. Marin started in office in December 2019 and is the world’s youngest Prime Minister. She leads a coalition government with four other women leaders, and in her first year she has succeeded in keeping Finland as having one of the lowest numbers of Covid cases. Marin was also nominated as one of the world’s 100 most inspiring women

Tracy Brabin, a British actress and Co-operative politician, faced abuse on social media because of an off-theshoulder dress she wore during her

“I’ve heard a male colleague tell my colleague to ‘cover herself up’ because she was too distracting. I think it’s important that women support each other in situations like this or otherwise things will never change,” says Emily Boyle, 28, who works as an IT specialist in London. Young Magazine 17

Being a mother and a politician But it’s not only about what female politicians wear that is facing criticism – it’s also about being a mother. Marin has always been very open about her motherhood and she has also shared photos on her Instagram where she is breastfeeding her baby, encouraging other women to be open about it too. Larissa Waters, an Australian politician, was the first person to breastfeed in parliament, which instantly became international news. Spanish MP, Carolina Bescansa, breastfed her baby in parliament during a hearing and got a lot of criticism about it. Some labeled the breastfeeding as ‘attention seeking’ and said that there is a nursery in the parliament building for a reason. When Jacinda Ardern became the Prime Minister of New Zealand she was almost instantly questioned about her ‘baby plans’. In 2018 she became the second world leader giving birth while in power, which sparked questions if she would be able to take care of her duties while having a baby. Ardern has proven the critics wrong multiple times by successfully handling the Covid crisis in New Zealand and showing exceptional leadership skills during these challenging times.

“

We are all human beings and born equal. Nothing you wear should ever change that

18 Young Magazine

”

Images Courtesy of Getty Images

“Showing interest in something else other than your work is not a weakness and shouldn’t be taken as one. We are all human beings and born equal. Nothing you wear should ever change that,” Boyle said.

DISCOVER the best masks in L ondon :

they are handmade and eco-friendly Images Courtesy of Alejandra Valle Daroca

By Valentina Olivares The catwalks come on strong, but there is one element that undoubtedly crowns as a winner: face masks. An accessory which, unfortunately, nowadays we cannot miss in our daily lives. Meet Alejandra Valle Daroca, founder of Moth, a small business located in London dedicated to the production of high-quality masks.

lejandra was born and raised in the south of Spain. She studied marketing and advertisement, and after working several years in the wine promotion industry, she decided to sign up herself for a tailoring course. ‘I wanted to make things for myself that I could not find in the shops”, Alejandra says. “One day my husband was trying on ties to go to Jerez’s fair, and I remember saying to myself: ‘All his ties are horrible, those fabrics are boring!”, she says. So she started making ties for him, as she learned how to in the tailoring course. “Once I started, I didn’t stop”, Alejandra added.

20 Young Magazine

Little by little she became famous in the south of Spain. Her handmade ties caught people’s attention because they were different. Nobody had ever thought of making ties with velvet or with linen. Furthermore, the patterns of the ties were very particular. Alejandra explains that in Spain it is not common to wear that style of ties. It was something innovative and special. And that is how Moth started. Coming to London was a big step for Alejandra’s project. Being London such a diverse and cosmopolitan city, and so extravagant in terms of fashion, she knew her ties here were going to be well appreciated. But with the pandemic, it was time to give a twist to what Moth was doing.

FASHION So she turned those amazing fabrics into facemasks.

I started, I did not have the idea that “ When this was going to last. But I love it. The fact of being able to design and create your own stuff makes you feel full of happiness

Alejandra makes her position clear: this is a passion she carries as a hobby. ‘I am very humble in my thoughts. I have to do what I know to do and go as far as I can go.’

”

Her priority has always been to make sure that the masks are safe against the virus, making sure they are also beautiful. “Since it will be something that we plan to wear on our most day, we must give it a priority’, Alejandra says. Doctors affirm that face masks can cause a variety of skin problems, being acne the most common one. That is the reason why Alejandra works with the best quality and organic fabrics from Liberty London, which are very delicate and soft in the skin. They will assure you no skin problems when using the facemask. “What’s good about my mask and what makes it stand out from the rest? That they last a lifetime. I designed a little pocket inside the mask that allows you to put there the filter you prefer to use. The filter I recommend and the one I put when I make them first comes with five layers of activated carbon that protect you both inside and outside”, she explains. The concept of Moth is what inspires the brand most: ‘It’s all very pure. I have no special purpose with it, I do not want to be famous. I just want people to be protected and feel beautiful at the same time with the face mask’, Alejandra says. Alejandra does not sign the masks. ‘It is not necessary. When someone is wearing one of my masks, people know that they belong to Moth’s collection’, she exclaims. Marta Suarez, a fashion enthusiast with Spanish roots, has been client of Moth for a long time. ‘What I like most about Moth’s masks is that they have very bright colour prints. And I think that helps a lot with this whole grey situation. As well as feeling safe, I feel beautiful when I wear them. ‘She added that the quality of the fabrics is amazing as they don’t deteriorate after washed. Alejandra does not discard to continue one day with the elaboration of ties or hats, to which she also dedicated part of her time. ‘I have got some projects in mind. Right now I have no time and people to help me put them into practice, but I’m sure that in the future I’ll be able to carry them out’, she concludes.

Young Magazine

Art Goes Live With

Gladys Perint Palmer's

Masterclass

Images Courtesy of Gladys Perint Palmer Young Magazine

Renowned fashion illustrator, Gladys Perint Palmer, is hosting virtual masterclasses in collaboration with Gray M.C.A, talking about her work for Dior. Gennaro Costanzo follows the class to understand how her career is inspiring new artists all over the world. By Gennaro Costanzo

The 73-year-old is now recognised as being in the top 500 most influential figures in fashion, with 50 years in the business behind her. She’s worked for Vogue, The Sunday Times, Harper’s Bazaars and The New Yorker, covering couture and ready-to-wear collections for Chanel, Jean Paul Gaultier, Prada, Armani, Dior and more. But even after all these achievements, GPP is unaware of her influence on the fashion industry and mentions how she’s never worried too much about her looks. ‘I don’t know what impact I’ve had,’ says Palmer with a confused expression. ‘I used to go to the shows dressed in M&S t-shirts and pants.’

t’s a chilly Thursday evening after the first long week of lockdown. Not everyone would spend it online for an art masterclass, especially when you have to stare at a bright laptop for 90 minutes, the same laptop used to work, study or connect with friends and colleagues every day. But this is where art exhibitions can be enjoyed for now, or at least until galleries will be able to open again. There’s only a question on everyone’s mind: will it be as magical as the real experience? The ‘Hi from…’ start filling the chatbox, with international artists and fashion lovers connecting from Chicago, Rio, Boston and London of course. The air of excitement becomes almost palpable. courtesy of drew altizer

After all, it’s Gladys Perint Palmer we’re talking about.

A woman wearing a checkered suit welcomes Gladys - and the many attendees here to see her in action. The woman is Connie Gray, the curator of the Gray M.C.A. art gallery, who introduces the viewers to Dior with a brief history of the fashion brand. It was only in

January that Connie and her husband offered to represent Gladys in New York, but their bond seems to have grown a lot - even at a continental distance. This is the second virtual masterclass that the gallery has organised since the beginning of the lockdown and the collaboration will continue in 2021 with the opening of a new art gallery in London.

"I'm 24

using my finger again. My favourite tool"

LIFESTYLE

Images Courtesy of Gladys Perint Palmer

Soon after, Gladys herself makes her appearance from the studio of her house, situated on an island in British Columbia. Surrounded by loads of artworks and brushes of all sizes, GPP looks extremely excited but quite worried for the storm outside her window facing the sea. ‘I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I enjoy making it,’ she says smiling.

‘Showing all the different techniques is very inspiring. I’ve got my list now of stuff to get and it inspired me to experiment,’ said Gayle Kabaker, former Palmer’s student and now freelance illustrator from Massachusetts. Kabaker was drawing along with Palmer and said that being an illustrator makes her want to be more free.

It’s not every day that you get to see a professional illustrator paint in front of you. As Gladys starts painting the first of her seven new illustrations inspired by the House of Dior, she explains how even the most expensive haute couture garments can be drawn using the more modest tools. ‘I’m using my finger again. My favourite tool,’ she says chuckling. Between ink droppers, quill pens, Crayola crayons and large brushes, each canvas comes to life and each one has a different story to tell.

‘She’s a true pro. I have always admired fashion illustrators because of the way they effortlessly draw the human body,’ said Samantha Baker, full-time illustrator and author from Brooklyn. But the masterclass it’s not all about drawing and painting: from Gianfranco Ferrè to John Galliano, GPP revealed some fun facts about the elite of designers from the House of Dior, like the way a superstitious Christian Dior consulted a fortune teller before every move. ‘She directed his activities and there was the lucky number eight. He had eight stores in his building, he was [living] in the 8th arrondissement,’ says Palmer. Even virtually, the viewers received an incredible experience which truly showcased GPP’s style. ’Everything is always better in real life but I think they did a great job showing how she works,’ said Kabaker. This pandemic can even keep people apart, but it will never extinguish the magic behind art.

Young Magazine 25

Images Courtesy of Ekaterina Glazkova

on Stage

GREEK

London is known for its diverse population. But did you know there are approximately 300,000 Greek speakers in greater London? You might just be one of them! If thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the case - and your hobbies include the performing arts - why not take the opportunity to become a member of Greeks on Stage?

LIFESTYLE By Natasha Drakaki

ostas Mantzakos, 52, is one of the first to create and teach acting within the Greek-speaking theatre group. Prior to this his main job consisted of performing as he’s a self employed actor. “This was the result of all the Greeks that arrived in London after 2012. There were acting groups for Greeks then, but they were English-speaking. What happened next was entirely a coincidence,” he said. “I’m a professional actor myself and I met a Greek girl who was in charge of one of the English-speaking groups. She talked about making a theatre group that was entirely Greek-speaking. She ended up leaving London, and I started the group with my best friend Alex Andreou, who’s also an actor.” Located on Moscow Road in Bayswater, Greeks on Stage operates in the Greek Orthodox Church Agia Sofia. The group was founded in early 2017 with only nine members, and now in its fourth year of operation has over 500. Its first performance took place in June,2018, a German production of a semistaged reading of Woyzeck by Georg Buchner, with about 45 performers. A second took place in December 2019 - a semi-staged reading of a devised piece and a dramatisation of a 1920s Greek story titled My Friend V.H., with the scriptwritten by Kostas himself. The third production was a production titled As the Ship Sails by Galateia Kazantzaki. It was staged by turning the stage into a large boat using chairs and other props. “The presentation was really quite magnificent. The only thing I would say is that it’s a shame people didn’t take rehearsals seriously enough,” said Kostas.

Titled Victims of Covid, the black comedy genre was to feature an amazing 67 performers. “It’s a shame it never made it as I feel it was a good script and would bring laughter in a time like this”, said Kostas, who wrote the play with fellow playwright and of Greek origin Alex Andreou.

Creative classes Due to current government regulations, classes have moved temporarily online via Zoom. Students are hopeful for the return of on-site attendance, in particular as the venue has a certain ambiance of its own. The theatre has old-fashioned wooden furniture and two entry/exit points – great for social distancing – both of which sport Greek statues. In October 2019, Greeks on Stage decided to split two groups: one for acting and one for script reading. Kostas wanted to produce ‘old-fashioned’ scripts to students in order to “challenge them in a way that they look into the ancient Greek community, for example the use of vocabulary”. “The classes are very creative. I like the fact that they’re split into two...Because I feel like I gain a better understanding and skill of theatrical performance,” said Alexandros Sfakianakis, 29, a Greeks on Stage performer. He added that he never considered joining a theatre group until he met Kostas at a beach bar whilst on holiday. “He said it’s an amazing group. So I thought, why not?” Spyros Koutis, a teacher and relatively new student of Greeks on Stage said: “I really like them. They’re quite interactive for an online lesson and I want to say a big thank you to the professors!”

Due to the pandemic, a fourth scheduled production never made it on stage.

Young Magazine

Spyros joined the group just before the pandemic and he expressed he’s felt a little disheartened by this as he “didn’t get a chance to meet everyone in the group. A few times they would have a beer at the pub after lessons and I missed the chance to go, but hopefully things will go back to normal soon”. One of the reasons both Alexandros and Spyros joined Greeks on Stage; (apart from the theatrical aspect) is the social gatherings that take place after lessons. It gives the opportunity for people to meet up and build connections. Syros said, “The main reason for joining was because I want to build confidence and I know acting lessons help towards this. I love the fact that the lessons are done in Greek as I don’t get much of a chance to speak allot my own language due to being in the UK for so many years”

Images Courtesy of ‘Greeks On Stage’

* Greeks on Stage is open to everyone, with a £30 monthly joining fee. For more information, visit https://www. facebook.com/GreeksOnStageLDN/.

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5 WAYS By Hanna Leppänen

to be as happy as the Nordic people

Finland has been selected as the world’s happiest country by the annual World Happiness Report released by the United Nations.

he report ranked all together 156 countries by how happy their citizens are, and how good their quality of life is. Finland is number one, and the other Nordic countries - Denmark, Sweden and Norway - are not far behind on the list.

Nordic people are very much connected with nature, and a huge part of their lifestyle is about being outdoors. In Copenhagen, Denmark, over 50% of its residents are cycling to work every day, and in Finland, it’s normal to go foraging in the forest.

“We go out to the forest when we want to be alone, when we want to destress and when we want to exercise. Nature is the whole package,” says Amanda Lehtovaara, 32, who is managing her own hair salon in Turku, Finland.

The UK is number 13 on the Happiness Report, so what could we learn from the Nordics?

Tip: there are plenty of parks in London where you can go and relax, but if you really want to go and explore nature then Richmond Park might be a good idea!

Go to the great outdoors Nordic people are very much connected with nature, and a huge part of their lifestyle is about being outdoors. In Copenhagen, Denmark, over 50% of its residents are cycling to work every day, and in Finland, it’s normal to go foraging in the forest.

30 Young Magazine

Tip: there where you ally want Richmond

are plenty of parks in London can go and relax, but if you reto go and explore nature then Park might be a good idea!

Coffee time “Here Fika time means time spent with your friends or family. Coffee is pretty much part of every part of our lives – from work to big life events,” says Anita Autio, who was born in Rauma, Finland but now runs a marketing company in Stockholm, Sweden.

LIFESTYLE

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Hygge time

Work to live

The whole world has adopted the Danish word ‘Hygge’ but what does it really mean? It doesn’t have a similar word in English, but if simplified, it means feeling cosy. Hygge time is to cosy up on your couch, light some candles and spend time with your loved ones.

All the Nordic languages have a variation of the word arbejdsglæde, which doesn’t have a direct English word but means ‘happiness at work’. Nordic people work an average of 200 hours less a year than people in the UK and generally, they refuse meetings which are not planned for office hours.

Tip: try to make more time for the people you feel are the most important to you even if it can be challenging with the current situation we are in now. If they are far away, then try to arrange video calls with them and talk to each other while you are in the comfort of your home.

I always go near the sea and just sit there and look at the horizon. That is my quiet place where I’m happy and where time doesn’t exist

“It’s so weird to think that ‘after work’ culture is really strong in some countries, but we don’t really have that sort of thing here. We appreciate our own time, and we try to keep it separate from work,” Lentovaara says. Tip: take a look at how much time you spend on work during your free time. If you notice that your mind is still at work even though you are home, then try to make conscious decisions to avoid work during your free time and maybe start a new hobby to distract you.

’’

Images Courtesy of Hanna Leppänen

Tip: to get Nordic coffee in London, you can head to Scandikitchen, located in Oxford Circus, and also taste Nordic pastries while you are there.

Appreciate the stillness In Finland, people believe that you don’t always have to speak. Being silent is a way of communication and a way of really enjoying the present moment. “I always go near the sea and just sit there and look at the horizon. That is my quiet place where I’m happy and where time doesn’t exist,” says Autio. Tip: on your day off you can choose a place with a nice view that makes you feel relaxed, sit down and just enjoy the moment.

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BRANDS MAKE A STAND BY SAYING

‘Yes ’

TO JUSTICE AND PEACE

LIFESTYLE By Leanne Powell 2020 has been full of disruption and disputes but as it is nearing the end, brands in and around the UK are making a stand won the BLM movement this Christmas. This year, racial injustice has been at the forefront of people’s mouths, media outlets and social media platforms after a video was released in March showing the senseless and brutal death of George Floyd by police in the United States. Floyd’s death was not an isolated instance, neither here or in the USA. The harassment, brutality and even death of many Black individuals at the hands of police are finally exposing the systemic racism in both countries and causing an uproar around the world. The incident, which was captured on video, took place in May in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic and sparked national protests in the US. Eventually there was widespread protest in the UK too, from London to Brighton and even up to the north of England, including Manchester and Birmingham. Not only was this powerful message protesting systemic racism coming from millions of people worldwide, but big businesses made a stand too. Consumers are holding brands responsible for the actions they needed to take, including making their ads more diverse.

Brands speaking out A survey carried out for PR week asked whether or not ‘brands should speak out about major issues’. The results showed that nearly 60 per cent of those aged 18-34 said brands should speak out.

Image Courtesy of RicardoChucky

“It’s a good wake up call for the advertising industry to realise the lack of representation in the marketing campaigns, and that it’s not reflective of a multicultural society,” said Jenna West, 33, PA and Marketing graduate. Brands that stayed away from politics would be pressured to do so – and threatened with boycotts if they did not. The result: many admit ted their lack of inclusivity and also came out in support of small Black-owned businesses. Back at the time of Floyd’s death hundreds of well-known brands, including Nike and Netflix, joined the movement to donate and promote where possible. Nike changed its classic slogan ‘Just do it’ to ‘For once, don’t do it’. A Nike video said: ‘Don’t turn your back on racism.. Don’t sit back and be silent”. Young Magazine

Netflix highlighted the Black Lives Matter movement with a collection of 56 films and documentaries including the award winning 13 th and 12 Years a Slave. UK clothing brand InTheStyle made a ÂŁ10,000 donation to the George Floyd Foundation. Pretty Little Thing and makeup brand Charlotte Tilbury made individual donations to multiple foundations who were supporting the cause. Beauty brand Glossier funnelled $500,000 US dollars into Black-owned beauty businesses.

Courtesy of Gettyimages

Photography Courtesy of Chris Spencer Payne Courtesy of Elainea Emmott

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LIFESTYLE A diverse Christmas As the year comes to an end, many UK advertisers are embracing Black families within their Christmas advertisements. These brands include Sainsburys, Amazon and Vodaphone although Sainsbury’s have been scrutinised from some of their consumers for this. In recent weeks, a Sainsbury’s Christmas adverts featured a Black family celebrating Christmas, provoking online trolls to dub it ‘unrepresentable’. “We want to be an inclusive retailer where people love to work and shop. We are proud that our advertising represents the diverse communities we serve, and this year’s Christmas campaign simply reflects three stories of three different families celebrating Christmas in their own way,” said the supermarket in a statement. “Sainsbury’s is for everyone, and it’s important our advertising reflects this. The negative response of a vocal minority won’t stop us from representing modern Britain.” Jenna West, who was in favour of the Sainsbury’s ad, admits that some advertisements could come across as culturally negative and stereotypical.

Courtesy of Amazon

“But from watching some of the creatives, it makes me wonder if there are Black people on their creative team. If not, are they trying to interpret it in some way? To me this comes across to me slightly in the Sainsburys ad,” she said.

Inspiring everyone Courtesy of Tais Vinolo

Amazon’s Christmas advert features a young Black girl who is trying to become a ballerina. The 17-year-old actress who featured in the short ad told metro.co.uk that she was happy to represent and inspire others to pursue ballet. “They don’t really show young Black ballerinas on TV,” she said. “Little black ballerinas that want to do ballet feel inspired...”

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tips to help you stay healthy By Valentina Olivares Trettel

o be healthy is not only to be free of disease but also to have a certain quality of life concerning various aspects. Each of us has a great responsibility in preserving our health and preventing disease.

The Students Fresher group offered a talk last Wednesday about health and well-being with the participation of nutritionist Karen Newby, Dr. Folusha Oluwajana, and Sunna van Kampen.

Manage what you eat Eating properly has a major impact on our quality of life: it means providing our bodies with all the nutrients they need for optimum functioning. Make a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains the basis of your diet. Remember that it’s recommended that you eat 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day. If you do not know how to combine all of this, a good way is to prepare juices. They are rich in vitamins. The best nutrition advice Karen can give is to ‘eat as close to the Earth as you can. This will give you all the nutrients you need’. She also adds the importance of not skipping breakfast. “It gives your body the energy it needs to be active in the morning and also helps prevent overeating throughout the day”.

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Image Courtesy of Karen Newby

‘We should also avoid snacking between meals. If you do, choose healthy snacks, such as a piece of fruit with some cheese’, says Karen. ‘Also, try to reduce salt and sugar intake and keep your body hydrated by drinking two litres of water every day. It will help you eliminate toxins’.

Image Courtesy of Justine Celina

LIFESTYLE Do some sports, get moving!

Sport is one of the pillars of healthy lifestyles. Practising moderate and long-term physical activity every day, such as walking at a good pace for 30 minutes, has many health benefits. It will help you keep your weight down, as well as controlling your blood sugar and reducing the risk of heart disease. Furthermore, it promotes the quality of sleep and increases self-esteem. Although it must be hard to keep yourself motivated during lockdown or Wintertime, Dr. Folusha Oluwajana advises to build up a routine in which you feel comfortable, not forcing yourself. This way you will be able to practice it every day while getting in shape.

Take care of your hygiene

Even if you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see them, everything around you is full of microorganisms and some of them are capable of causing disease. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why it is key to maintain good personal hygiene and cleanliness of the house. Wash your hands when you get home and always before eating.

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Shower daily, to control the germs that can affect your skin. In particular, it is important to do so after physical exercise, as this encourages sweating and contact with bacteria present on the surfaces our skin comes into contact with.

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Sleep well

All the functions of our body are affected by lack of sleep. Besides, several studies indicate that not sleeping well can increase the risk of obesity, infections, and heart disease. Carrying out a regular schedule for going to bed and getting up will help you sleep better. Sunna van Kampen advises not to take stimulants such as coffee or other caffeinated drinks after 1 pm. Suggested products: Overnight Masks (LaNeige (LaNeige,, Allies of Skin) Skin) Pillow Sprays (thisworks, (thisworks, LUSH) LUSH) Comfy Bedsheets (Me (Me Sooo, Sooo, Bedfolk Bedfolk))

Images Courtesy of Pinterest

Do not forget your mental health!

Mental well-being is a fundamental part of health. Mental and physical health are closely linked because if one is not functioning as it needs to, then it will harm the other and vice versa.

Chiara di Leo, student at Cass Business School says: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was aware of the nutrition and sports facts before attending the talk, but I did not think it was that important to take care Humans are social beings, so en- of our mental health tooâ&#x20AC;?. courage and take care of your interpersonal relationships with The key is to rest, eat well, family and friends. Learn to and practise sport. As ask for help when you need it. you have seen, there are many steps you can take Dedicate a few minutes per to maintain good health. day to meditate. Meditation The most important thing is a quality resource for im- is that it is up to you to proving mental well-being. implement them or not.

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Finally, set one or several purposes you want to achieve in the future because having a long term motivation favours the health of the mind.

Is The Pandemic Helping People

GO VEGAN?

By Gennaro Costanzo

ime spent at home during lockdown has brought attention to bad eating habits that were ignored in the pre-pandemic era. For many young Brits, the solution is to adopt a vegan lifestyle A recent consumer research study from Mintel revealed that during the pandemic, vegan diets became more appealing to over 12% of British consumers. Young millennials between the age of 21 and 30 were significantly more attracted to eating vegan, with more than a quarter of them giving up dairy products and meat. Switching to a plant-based diet is no simple task, and in the middle of a pandemic making such a significant change is quite bold. The question is: why now? ‘More and more people are realising that we can eat in a very healthy manner by just going back to basics, utilising produce at their more natural state,’ says Nicole Leida, a nutritional therapist and yoga teacher from London. She argues that the rise of veganism among young Brits has to do with their awareness of the impact of food and the food industry on the environment, as a vegan diet doesn’t incorporate any animal products - even honey. ‘Some people who follow a vegan diet from an ethical point of view, go as far as not using products that have resulted from animal testing or cruelty,’ she says.

Image Courtesy of Pinterest

Did you know that...

2020 became the year that every one of the top UK supermarkets (by revenue) had their own vegan range. •

We could feed twice as many humans with today’s global harvest if we did not feed farmed animals but rather consumed the yield ourselves. •

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FOOD The ‘magic’ benefits of a vegan diet Rebeka Török, a 21-year-old theatre student from the London borough of Barnet, is one of the many young Brits whose eating habits were vegan even before the pandemic, and she kept to her principles throughout lockdown.

For Brits, especially millennials, Covid-19 was a reminder that health can change at any time. There is a lot of speculation around healthy food, more than half of Brits (51%) believe that plant/botanical ingredients can have medicinal benefits, according to Mintel.

‘The fully vegan diet can be the healthiest at this time, but we also have to take supplements regardless of our diet. Nowadays we buy most of our food from multinational grocery stores where the goods are treated with chemicals and don’t contain as many vitamins and minerals as needed,’ she says.

Illustrations by Elena Resko

Image Courtesy of Pinterest

Rebeka, who’s now been a vegan for more than two years, says that a plant-based diet includes a variety of different ingredients which keep her healthy - even during a pandemic. Her usual diet contains lots of berries, nuts, leafy greens, avocado, coconut, oat and green lentils. ‘It has many medical benefits. It lowers the blood sugar, lowers your risk to heart disease, improves kidney function and protects against certain cancers,’ she says. Products such as kelp, ginger or turmeric are some of the top herbal supplements she uses, which are claimed to help boost the immune system. ‘Kelp could way because dants. Who

boost anyone’s diet in a good it’s full of minerals and antioxidoesn’t want that?’, Rebeka says.

‘There are all sorts of foods that have been claimed to be superfood or magic food’ Young Magazine

Photo Credits to Claire Luxton

FOOD

Leida explains that variety is best, and that one individual would be incapable of consuming the necessary quantity of these ingredients on their own, for maximum effect. ‘There are all sorts of foods that have been claimed to be superfood or magic food,’ she says. ‘In 2020 there has been more attention towards kelp or following a ketogenic diet, but those won’t be very helpful in your diet unless you have a variety of products.’

Home baking The pandemic has also changed the nation’s eating habits in other ways. People are travelling less and spending more time cooking with ingredients they have at home. ‘Most people realised that they had more time to cook or even bake their own food at home. By doing so, they’ve reduced the waste of food and became more conscious of their impact on the environment,’ says Leida. The lockdown has also motivated people to bake from home. More than half (55%) of the nation plans on cooking more from scratch post-COVID-19 than they did before, according to research from Mintel. Image Courtesy of Ulas Kesebir

For Rebeka, that meant experimenting with brand new dishes - although not every attempt went as expected. ’I love baking at home and it didn’t change during the pandemic,’ she says. ‘My suggestion to beginners is to follow the steps and experiment later. I didn’t do it that way and I had to throw away so many misfit bread rolls.’

Leida argues that good nutrition depends on how much you know your own body. ‘I would suggest to try and almost tune in to your own body’s intelligence and listen to what it is saying when you eat certain things,’ she says.

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G reek Rec ipes To Boost The Immune System During The Pandemic By Natasha Drakaki

he Coronavirus outbreak originating in Wuhan, China, arrived in the UK in January 2020. Since then, cases have sky rocketed to over 59 million cases across the globe. According to Statista, the number of confirmed deaths in the UK, as of November 27th 2020, amounted to 57,551.

Nadia Iordanova, has worked in many restaurants in Chania, the second largest city in Crete. “In Greece we have a saying: you are what you eat,” says the 45-year-old chef. “I cook from scratch, with fresh ingredients, not processed, not frozen, simply living. Through every season I gather ingredients nature provides me. In Greece with have a variety in our diet. The law of proportionality can help our health.”

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Illustration by Essi Kimpimaki

While no diet can prevent coronavirus, studies have shown that staying healthy can reduce the risk of transmission, and also help fight off the virus if we get it. Below are some recipes that not only provide healthier cooking options but explain how each vitamin/protein/iron contributes towards a better functioning immune system.

FOOD Ntakos: a delicious Greek bruschetta A starter she calls “simple, cheap and effective” is ntakos, which is like a Greek version of a bruschetta. Ingredients: 2-4 slices of Greek Rusk bread 200-500 gm Crushed or grated tomatoes Olive oil Fresh white goat’s and/or sheep’s cheese Oregano Sea salt “Here we have a dish full of health, fast and delicious,” says Iordanova. This dish can be made as a starter or as a side course for a light lunch, paired with soup or salad. “First you crush or grate at least three tomatoes. Then wet at least two slices of the Greek Rusk bread and put them in a bowl, add your tomato mixture on top of the bread with around two tablespoons of olive oil. Add crushed goat’s or sheep’s cheese on the top. Add a sprinkle of oregano and you’re done!” Tomatoes are high in lycopene, which helps protect your cells from damage can boost the immune system. It originates from the UV rays of sunlight.

Ingredients: (For 4-8 people) 2 kilos of fresh fish (grouper, golden grouper, John Dory, cod) 4 large potatoes, cut in four 3 large onions, cut in rings 2 tomatoes, cut in rings 300 g Celery 1 tea cup of olive oil Salt Pepper

Image Courtesy of Nadia Iordanova

Fresh fish soup: Kakavia

Clean the fish, add salt and leave it on the side. Put in a large saucepan the onions, potatoes, the tomatoes and celery. Fill the saucepan with water until the ingredients are covered, then leave to boil on high heat for 10 minutes. Lower the heat and add the fish to the saucepan. Leave to boil for 25-30 minutes. Add the oil, salt and pepper and leave to boil on high heat for another 10 minutes. Turn the heat off and serve the soup in bowls. Serve the onions after 10-15 minutes of sitting in the juices.” The soup tastes delicious and is bursting with Omega 3 fatty acids, which can have positive effects on immunity and inflammation. Young Magazine 49

Healthy ingredients Chef Elias Marin, of Spanish origin, works in a Mexican restaurant in Notting Hill, London and tries to incorporate healthy ingredients in his dishes. “Feeding your body certain foods may help keep your immune system strong,” he says. “My favourites, ceviches and aguacachiles, are traditional Mexican dishes in which you ‘cook’ the fish or shellfish with citrus fruits. To cook an ingredient you need to heat them, so you don’t really cook them,” he says. “But if you immerse the fish/shellfish in citrus juices, the acidity of the juices will turn the meat of the fish in a texture and colour similar to the one you cook it.” As you will eat the fish “raw” it is really important to do it with frozen fish to kill the bacteria and pathogenic virus. Freeze them for at least five days (if you buy them fresh).

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Imagery Courtesy of Elias Marin

Eustratios Zymbragoudakis, 29, works at an Asian restaurant in Chania. “My goal is to try flavours from around the world and enrich my knowledge. Strengthening our immune system through our food is our shield,” she says. “Hippocrates once said: ‘Let food be thy medicine and let medicine be thy food.’ It’s a good excuse, this pandemic, to begin to look out for what we are putting in our bodies”. Eustratios recommends Kakavia(Greek fisherman’s soup), as a main dish.

FOOD Ceviche + For ceviches you normally use white fish 1 fish fillet (100-150 grms) Lime juice to cover it (3-4 limes) Garnishes to choice 10 grams red onion 10 grams jalapeno chili 10 grams coriander 15 grams sweet corn 25 grams tomatoes 25 grams papaya Imagery Courtesy of Elias Marin

Remove the skin of the fish and you cut it in cubes of 5mm aprox. Place them in a container and cover with the lime juices. Leave to rest for about two hours until you open the fish and it is completely white (instead of “translucent”. In the meantime finely chop the rest of ingredients. Once the fish is ‘cooked’, remove the lime juice and mix with the rest of ingredients. Season them with salt and pepper to taste. Young Magazine

HORO S By Leanne Powell

Capricorn dates: December 22 – January 19 Work - December may not be great on the job front, for you Capricorn. If you plan to put in the work, it does not mean you’ll get much back from it because the results will be minor. Love - Your love life is looking a little better, if you are single and ready to mingle then new romances are on the horizon. Strong relationships will end up in marriages but for the weak maritals they will end up parting ways this Christmas. 2021 - In 2021 Pluto will be in Capricorn, meaning new opportunities will come your way. By trying new things, you will progress but if it does not feel right then follow your gut and don’t do it.

Aquarius dates: January 20 – February 18 Work - December will be quite beneficial for you in terms of your working life, Aquarius. There will be growth within the workplace and a financial reimbursement and what a perfect time too, with all those Christmas presents you need to buy this month. Love - Your compatibility with your partner will be based on spirituality this month. Be prepared to be sensual with your partner as you will have romantic thoughts on the 16th. If you are single you will have an opportunity that is linked to spirituality. 2021 - This sign will be able to handle anything that is thrown their way in 2021.

Pisces dates: February 19 – March 20 Work - In your career there will be changes for the better. You may end up getting that managerial position you have been after for months, as there will be some changes to the corporate structure in your organisation. Love - This December, communication with your partner will be key, Pisces. There will be jealousy but alight this with passion! If you are single you may find love with someone you least expect. 2021 The past few years have been crazy for you but this year things will settle down. Family life may get tricky but do not worry, everything will work out in the end.

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S COPE Illustrations by Vetvy

Aries dates: March 21 – April 19 Work - December is not good for career progression, as you fail to get support from associates. This will prevent you from sticking to your targets but hold on to them as they may come in handy for next year. Love - It is the most wonderful time of the year, with all the Christmas cheer and luckily for you, it’s looking highly romantic and passionate for you and your partner, Aries. Singles get ready to get your charismatic charm on! If you are seeing someone then it will either move on to the next level or you will call it quits! 2021 - Leave 2020 behind, as there are a lot of positive changes ahead. You will face a lot of decisions in the Spring and Winter time, four different planets will have an influence on you in particular and the choices you decide will be influenced by the planets. Taurus dates: April 20 – May 20 Work - Relationships in the workplace will remain in harmony, that does not mean it is time to make your move on the office hottie you have been checking out on those group zoom calls though. Do not worry, career progression is on its way, Taurus! Love - New relationships will form but there is an old flame that may want to rekindle with you this month and it could be promising. For those who are coupled up, be impulsive and make your partner happy. 2021 - Though you are stubborn and prefer to be steady in life, take the risk and be ready to embrace the change, with that will come new opportunities

Gemini dates: May 21 – June 20

Work - Your workplace environment will be extremely pleasant this month and your efforts at work will be rewarded! Love - Have you been having differences with your partner? The two of you need to forget them, end the year full of happiness and peace instead. Single Gemini’s, your social circle will help you find the one! 2021 - You will need to get creative in 2021 Gemini, as there will be little changes in your social life and finances.

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Cancer dates: June 21 – July 22 Work - Cancer are you not happy with your job? Then now’s the perfect time to apply for a new one. Not ready to take the leap, then change your responsibilities in your current job. Love - Your love life will be highly enjoyable for singles and couples. Single ladies and males in particular, you’ll find opportunities for some loving at work or in a cultural environment. 2021 - Change is on it’s way but do not feel nervous or negative about it, Cancer. There are great things in store for your sign but only if you are open to new opportunities! So, keep positive, then things will work in your favour.

Leo dates: July 23 – August 22 Work - You will be gaining some social contacts that will help you in your career prospects. Although you’re the lion of the zodiac, if you are in an important position in the workplace, do not abuse your power! Love - Don’t be afraid to express your feelings this month, Leo. Relationships will be harmonious and stable this December but do not feel left out SINGLE Leo’s because love and relationships are going to be readily available for you! 2021 - This year will be full of ups and downs, it will require hard work to get a successful outcome. Make sure you balance your work life and social life to keep your relationships and finances steady.

Virgo dates: August 23 – September 22 Work - Career prospects will be stagnant this month, Virgo. Hard work does not result in rewards, promotions, or a pay rise. Your goals in the workplace will not be achievable, try again in the future. Love – Compromises need to be made as there will be misunderstandings in your relationship this month. Singles, self-belief will help you form new relationships. Whether you are single or taken make sure you communicate! 2021 - This year will not bring as many troubles as the past few. You will be moving in the right direction, as there are some positive developments to come in your life.

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Libra dates: September 23 – October 22 Work - Professional development will be pushed back due to family issues becoming your focus. You may also find yourself in a negative situation in the form of conflict at work. Love - There will be a difference in opinion in your relationship when it comes to spirituality and finances but if your communication is strong then you will get through. If you are single, stay positive and do not rush relationships, just allow them to blossom when the time is right. You may also find love among your list of friends and contacts. 2021 - Be ready to rely on your platonic and romantic relationships to help you through the year. 2021 will be a great year so look forward to the future but also learn from your past!

Scorpio dates: October 23 – November 21 Work - Good things are going to happen for you, Scorpio. This month is a great time for you to change your career path! Work hard to get to where you want to be this month and there will be a chance for you to gain a nice income ready for those gifts this December. Love - Marital and relationships will be amazing, this month you will gain a better understanding of your other halves wants, needs, and desires. Single Scorpio’s, you will attract potential lovers, but they will not want to rush into a relationship as they will want to make sure you are committed and mature enough. 2021 - Keep your relationships, finances, and information about work to yourself this year, being too open about these things in particular may put them in jeopardy... If you keep this lowkey it will lead to success!

Sagittarius dates: November 22 – December 21 Work - This month you need to show what you do best, and you’ll stand out to your professionals. Some of you will be inspired to start your own business, go for it! This will be your chance to gain a wealthy income. Love - Planet mercury is in your sign this December which will help you find the balance of your own needs and your partners. To have this balance you need to be flexible. Singles in the middle of the month your social life will take off, this is your chance to meet a potential love interest and you may even meet new friends! 2021 - Usually Sagittarians lead a crazy life but things will be a little different this year, it will be a calm year but do not worry, it won’t be boring! Good things will be happening in terms of your social life and travel plans!

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