naturally you magazine issue 2 aug 2014

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Hey there gorgeous (yes I’m talking to you!!!) and thanks for picking up a copy of issue 2 of this labour of love of mine. Even though I planned for this issue to come out months ago,

it’s ended up being launched at the 2nd Naturally You Day event, an alignment I never would have dreamed of, but perfect all the same.

I wanted this issue, like many things I’m doing at the moment, to support and uplift parents and families as much as it helps everyone else, so we’ve added more pages to this issues and a section for Families & Parents, where you’ll find our featured article of a Father’s Love and the benefits of baby wearing.

We’re in the kitchen with the amazing Jackee Holder and find out what sparked CEO of Choices Magazine Lisa Charles to start her business. If you want to remove those pesky chemicals from your hair care routine and find out more about the power of crystals, our Holistic Health section is for you. Emotional trauma is something many of us hold and Yvonne Douglas will be showing you how to release it to gain business success and with ‘No - Gym’ workouts becoming more popular (& rightly so) celebrity fitness expert Warren Williams gives you 3 exercises you can do at home.

After helping people to find the time, money and knowledge to improve their health and life naturally for many years now, I’ve realised that there are 3 steps we can each take to improve any area of our life simply that I’ll be sharing with you in the Naturally You section.

I hope you enjoy all this edition has to offer, many thanks to all the contributors and advertisers who made this edition possible.

Enjoy your readTake care & stay healthy

Leah SalmonThe Naturally You Coach & Editor@[email protected]

Hollistic health 4 - 5 Do we still need ancient crystals in a modern world?

Hair & skin6 - 7 Chemical free natural hair care

Fitness 8. Functional exercises to boost your health

Whole foods9. In the kitchen with Jackee Holder

Naturally you 10 - 11 Upgrage, Replace, Release 3 Steps to better life & health

Business/life13. Releasing emotional trauma for business successl14. My Spark with Lisa Charles

Family & Parenting 15. A Father’s love16. The benefits of baby wearing

Childrens area18. Banana Split

What'sInside

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Editor: Leah SalmonDesign & Layout: JasImages.com

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The Magic of Crystals 5 Crystals that will help to bring balance into your life.By Amenti The Oracle

holistic health

Crystals have been used for centuries for healing

& daily practice, but with the advancement of science, technology and ‘logic’, how are theses ‘colourful stones’ possibly still of benefit to us?

The fact is that we are more in need of Crystals now than ever before and here’s why.

In this digital world we are constantly bombarded with frequencies and energy, whether we are conscious of it or not. It’s hard to escape the energy pylons, mobile phone waves, microwaves everywhere, not to mention Wi-Fi and your smart phone, which emits waves of intrusive electrical energy constantly.

This continuous bombardment of energy has a massive affect on the human body as we struggle to maintain our own natural vibration in this world of intrusion. Even the thoughts that we think contain energy and have an affect on us. All of this can cause illness, depression, low mood, schizophrenia, hallucinatory thoughts and other forms of mental confusion.

Human beings like everything in nature & beyond, are made up of energy and vibration. Frequencies (a measure of sound and vibration, also energy) are all around us and in everything. Our body itself is made up of electrical impulses and electromagnetic fields.

The practice of energy healing

modalities such as Reiki and Sekhem Healing have been rigorously investigated by doctors and scientists, with Reiki becoming an accepted healing modality and is now acknowledged by the NHS a viable alternative therapy. In Reiki, the Reiki practitioner channels energy from the ‘Source’ into their energy field, then activates the natural healing abilities of the client’s body.

Crystals are formed from years of suppression, compression and mixing of a variety of natural rocks, minerals, metals and particles found deep within the earth. Over time, this process creates these magical, beautiful crystals of many colours, densities, shapes and textures, each one offering us a gift of healing and upliftment.

The colours of the crystals alone can have an immediate healing effect on us, but each crystal, depending on its type, shape and density can be chosen and programmed to deal with specific issues, ailments, offer protection, grounding and insight and even help your development in certain aspects of your life!

The more we learn about crystals, the more we realise that the Divine Mother/Father/God has blessed us abundantly with so many tools that we can use to live healthier, happier, more conscious and loving lives.

Everything is energy and


The Magic of Crystals 5 Crystals that will help to bring balance into your life.By Amenti The Oracle

holistic health

modalities such as Reiki and Sekhem Healing have been rigorously investigated by doctors and scientists, with Reiki becoming an accepted healing modality and is now acknowledged by the NHS a viable alternative therapy. In Reiki, the Reiki practitioner channels energy from the ‘Source’ into their energy field, then activates the natural healing abilities of the client’s body.

Crystals are formed from years of suppression, compression and mixing of a variety of natural rocks, minerals, metals and particles found deep within the earth. Over time, this process creates these magical, beautiful crystals of many colours, densities, shapes and textures, each one offering us a gift of healing and upliftment.

The colours of the crystals alone can have an immediate healing effect on us, but each crystal, depending on its type, shape and density can be chosen and programmed to deal with specific issues, ailments, offer protection, grounding and insight and even help your development in certain aspects of your life!

The more we learn about crystals, the more we realise that the Divine Mother/Father/God has blessed us abundantly with so many tools that we can use to live healthier, happier, more conscious and loving lives.

Everything is energy and

energy can be transformed in an instant and crystals help us to literally change the vibrational frequency of our own energy, thoughts and emotions (energy in motion) so that it is in alignment with good health.

Here are my top 5 Crystals to bring health, happiness and balance into your lives.

• Rose Quartz- This beautiful pale pink stone promotes love for self, unconditional love, self healing and acceptance

• Black Tourmaline/Smoky Quartz – This deep rich stone offers protection of the aura, grounding of the spirit, good luck and balancing when you are feeling off center.

• Amethyst – A gorgeous purple stone that encourages your powers of intuition development and the opening and awakening of the 3rd eye, your eye to the spiritual world.

• Citrine - This pale golden yellow stone attracts abundance, enhances will power and promotes mental stability especially in times of stress and uncertainty.

• Carnelian - This brownish red to orange stone promotes self healing, helps boost confidence, courage, passion for life and creativity

Let crystals become part of your daily healthy routine by giving yourself the gift of these precious stones of nature and absorb the joyful energy they possess.

Amenti The Oracle is a Holistic Health Expert, Crystal healer, Author and Spiritual Healer. She is author of forthcoming books, Journey through the Gateways and Ramblings of an indigo child. She offer courses, workshops and retreats to support in acknowledging and honouring your divine Self

www.amentitheoracle.co.uk www.amenthealingspace.co.uk [email protected]


Chemical FreeNatural Hair Care

Hair & Skin

When it comes to choosing which hair products are best for our natural hair, it can be a bit nerve wrecking as we are surrounded by what seems like the same products with different brand names.

How can you decide which one is best to use? the options are endless. It’s pretty simple, we have to read the labels, as most toxic ingredients are hiding behind names we cant even pronounce.

Most of the natural hair products on the market today are still using harmful ingredients and not many people are educated and know the

dangers this can cause internally, which can cause illnesses and

cancerous cells in our body.

As a busy mother of 2, Qualified Aromatherapist and Professional Makeup Artist, after many years of research, I have a better understanding on chemicals used and know how to avoid it by using natural alternatives for my family and clients.

Here is the most common toxic chemicals used in today’s hair care and I have listed natural alternatives.

1. ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL is a poisonous substance that changes another substances natural qualities, it can be found in garages, it is used in Antifreeze and used as a solvent in shellac.

2. MINERAL OIL & PETROLATUM is found in most baby oils, which being sold as baby oil is 100% mineral oil. Mineral oil is a derivative of crude oil (petroleum) that is used industrially as a cutting fluid and lubricating oil.

3. PEG: This is an abbreviation for polyethylene glycol that is used in making cleansers to dissolve oil and used a thickener in products. PEG’s are used in caustic spray on oven cleaners. PEG’s contribute to stripping the Natural Moisture Factor, leaving the immune system vulnerable.

4.PROPYLENE GLYCOL (PG): this ingredient is the active component in antifreeze. There is no difference between the PG used in industry and the PG used in personal care products.

5. SODIOUM LAURETH SULPHATE (SLS) and (SLES) can enter the blood stream. They may cause potentially carcinogenic formations of nitrates and dioxins to form in shampoos and cleansers by reacting with other product ingredients. Large amounts of nitrates may enter the blood system from just one shampooing, which can cause serious migraines.

The summer season has approached us and many are de-cluttering their homes, most of us focus on working many ways on getting rid of unwanted junk, but we tend to forget to de-clutter the junk we have been adding to our hair for many years on a everyday basis which creates build up.


Hair & Skin

As a busy mother of 2, Qualified Aromatherapist and Professional Makeup Artist, after many years of research, I have a better understanding on chemicals used and know how to avoid it by using natural alternatives for my family and clients.

Here is the most common toxic chemicals used in today’s hair care and I have listed natural alternatives.

1. ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL is a poisonous substance that changes another substances natural qualities, it can be found in garages, it is used in Antifreeze and used as a solvent in shellac.

2. MINERAL OIL & PETROLATUM is found in most baby oils, which being sold as baby oil is 100% mineral oil. Mineral oil is a derivative of crude oil (petroleum) that is used industrially as a cutting fluid and lubricating oil.

3. PEG: This is an abbreviation for polyethylene glycol that is used in making cleansers to dissolve oil and used a thickener in products. PEG’s are used in caustic spray on oven cleaners. PEG’s contribute to stripping the Natural Moisture Factor, leaving the immune system vulnerable.

4.PROPYLENE GLYCOL (PG): this ingredient is the active component in antifreeze. There is no difference between the PG used in industry and the PG used in personal care products.

5. SODIOUM LAURETH SULPHATE (SLS) and (SLES) can enter the blood stream. They may cause potentially carcinogenic formations of nitrates and dioxins to form in shampoos and cleansers by reacting with other product ingredients. Large amounts of nitrates may enter the blood system from just one shampooing, which can cause serious migraines.

Natural Alternatives

1. Coconut Oil is made from real coconuts and is used to moisturise and nourish hair as well as you skin.

2.Baking Soda is a dry chemical leavening agent, a mixture of a carbonate or bicarbonate increasing the volume and lightening the texture of any products it is added too. It can be made into a paste with a little water and rubbed into your scalp and into wet hair, to thoroughly clean hair, especially if you have a product build up that’s causing and itchy scalp.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) made from cider and apples. Once you’ve cleaned your hair and scalp with the bicarbonate of soda, you can dilute some ACV in warm water and use it to rinse the hair thoroughly. This also helps to reduce an itchy scalp and helps to soften your hair.

4. Almond Oil is extracted from soaked almond

nuts and is alternative natural moisturiser for the scalp and face.

5. Extra Virgin Olive Oil is extract from Olives, very good for moisturiser and even a leave in conditioner to deeply condition your hair and scalp.

Coconut oil, almond oil and extra virgin olive oil can be combined in equal parts, shaken or stirred well to combine, then used as an all over body moisturiser and hair oil. The addition of your chosen essential oil can add to it’s natural benefits also. Make sure you give them a go, you won’t regret it and your body will thank your for it

Sophia Taylor Aromatherapist / Celebrity Make Up Artistfacebook.com/sophiatayloronline


Functional Exercise To Boost Your HealthBy Warren Williams

fitness

Most people today don’t spend enough time moving, some people due to the busy schedules, some because they find it boring and some because they feel exercise has not worked for them in the past.

Movement is part of the 4 doctors (Dr quiet, Dr diet, Dr happiness and Dr movement) needed to balance our health and vitality, in this article I will show you just three exercises to give you a big bang toward improving your fitness and posture. 1 The breathing squat: this is known as a work-in exercise which basically means this will support rest, digestion and repair systems in the body; stand with legs wider than hips and slowly drop down into a position as if you could sit without a chair- or the position you would take if you were in the forest and you needed to do a number 2! Then place your hands inside your legs and palms touching - this is the start position, inhale as you slowly raise/stand taking your arms out to the sides and finishing with them touching above your head- you should stand with slightly bent knees and great posture, then exhale as you reverse the movements to your start position- be sure to time your breathe with the movements and aim to do between 5-20 reps whilst trying to move as slowly as possible.

2 The reptilian crawl; this is a great overall body work-out but should not be done if you have a back injury! Imagine you are trying to crawl under a fence! Get low to the ground but on all fours, take your knees off the floor and slowly crawl forwards about 10 metres and then crawl backwards the same distance! To maintain safe technique and to really use your core muscles you should place a dowel rod/pole or broomstick along your spine. 3 The horse stance vertical- similar to the crawl above, kneel on all fours and place a dowel rod/pole along your spine. It is important to keep 3 points of contact on the pole- the head, shoulder blade area and the bum at all times. Raise you’re right hand and left knee gently off the floor only so much that a sheet off paper could just slide under them, try not to lean to one side, now hold this position for 10 seconds before lowering, repeat with left hand and right knee. You should aim to do between 4-10 reps- and if you find it easy it may be because you are leaning!The exercises should be done in the above order the get the greatest benefit. Warren WilliamsChek Level IV Practitionerwww.warrenwilliamscoaching.com

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2 The reptilian crawl; this is a great overall body work-out but should not be done if you have a back injury! Imagine you are trying to crawl under a fence! Get low to the ground but on all fours, take your knees off the floor and slowly crawl forwards about 10 metres and then crawl backwards the same distance! To maintain safe technique and to really use your core muscles you should place a dowel rod/pole or broomstick along your spine. 3 The horse stance vertical- similar to the crawl above, kneel on all fours and place a dowel rod/pole along your spine. It is important to keep 3 points of contact on the pole- the head, shoulder blade area and the bum at all times. Raise you’re right hand and left knee gently off the floor only so much that a sheet off paper could just slide under them, try not to lean to one side, now hold this position for 10 seconds before lowering, repeat with left hand and right knee. You should aim to do between 4-10 reps- and if you find it easy it may be because you are leaning!The exercises should be done in the above order the get the greatest benefit. Warren WilliamsChek Level IV Practitionerwww.warrenwilliamscoaching.com

AvocadoA week does not go by without me enjoying several slices of avocado with my meal, I cannot tire of this delicious precious fruit.

Eating avocados may help with reducing inflammations that leads to arthritis and for writers this means we can help keep the energy flowing especially after long periods of sitting.

TomatoesIt’s rare that my fridge doesn’t contain a tomato of some kind. Personally I love the small cherry variations. My partner loves firm and juicy beef

tomatoes so we’re often at odds with which to plunge into our salads. But I have to admit my recent trip to Greece convinced me that the tomatoes we eat here in the UK are tasteless.

Sweet PotatoesFond memories of dipping into my mum’s home made soup served seasonally during the autumn and winter months. Just evoking the

memory of the sweet taste of the sweet potato melting against the tongue is enough to starve off the descent of a malaise. Nowadays I love cooking sweet potato mash and when I’m really being creative I roast sweet potato chips in the oven. It’s comforting to know that sweet potatoes are a natural source of beta-caraton, which helps in fighting cancer and heart disease. It’s a great source for raising blood levels of vitamin A, which writers will benefit from as it keeps eyes, teeth and bones healthy.

OlivesI’ve just returned from running a writing retreat on one of the Greek islands where I was surrounded by Olive trees growing wild. Over the

last three years olives have become a staple in my fridge. I make the most delicious red pesto sauce with black olives, sundried tomatoes, garlic, chili peppers and a dash of virgin olive oil from a recipe taught to me by one of my younger sisters. Olives are a source of Vitamin E, contain healthy fats and eliminate excess cholesterol from the blood. For writers it’s worth noting that olives can reduce oxidative stress in the brain and eating a daily serving of olives improves memory by up to 25%.

SpinachAs children we loved watching the cartoon Popeye The Sailor Man with his wife Olive. This was probably my first introduction to Spinach a

vegetable that is on my menu every week. It’s considered as one of the super foods and its health benefits include providing nutrients for the skin, hair and bones, lowering blood pressure and providing iron, protein, vitamins and minerals. I once got addicted to home made spinach, cucumber & pineapple juice. Lets say it was one of the fastest cleansers I’ve ever taken in a day!

Kale and BroccoliFinal two foods I love are Kale and Broccoli. Kale helps the body with hydration and transporting oxygen, which is vital for our thinking and

writing processes. Potassium found in broccoli helps the brain heal and improve itself.

In the kitchen with Jackee

Author of 49 Ways To Write Yourself Well: The Science and Wisdom Of Writing and Journaling

www.writeyourselfwell.com www.jackeeholder.com [email protected] Twitter:@jackeeholder

Foods that are whole natural foods and staples in your kitchen

whole foods


Ifyou,likemanyofus,feelthatyouaren’tatthe the place in life you should be and you wantmore,it’stimetogettoworkandgetyou there in the simplest way possible. A system I’ve used for a few years that works really well is to look at the areas of your life that need to be improved and make a commitment to take them through 3 simple steps until you are happier with them, which are: Upgrade – This is the first and possibly easiest way to make improvements in your life and health, as it doesn’t involve you giving anything up or taking anything away from your current life. Simply put, you’ll start by going for the best version of things currently in your life. Replace – This next steps ask that you find a better alternative for lower quality things in your life, so you can replace them without losing the feelings and benefits that they gave you. Release – This steps empowers you to release the need for this thing in your life altogether, so that you aren’t bound by it in anyway and free to life comfortably and confidently without it. So lets see how this works with a few common challenges: BreadIf you realise bread gives you digestive issues, tiredness, weight gain and you have strong cravings for it, when you take it through the 3 steps you: - Upgrade – Instead of regular bread, start to only eat organic bread, instead of white bread only eat wholemeal, stone ground or sourdough bread. Instead of shop bought bread, make your own bread from scratch from the best ingredients

Replace – Replace wheat bread with gluten free bread, rye bread, spelt bread, raw vegan breads, Portobello mushrooms as a burger bun, romaine lettuce leaves as a wraps etc Release – Stop trying to find replacements for the taste, texture and feeling of bread and just enjoy your meals and foods for what they are without bread. Sugar If you eat sugary foods several times a day with a very sweet tooth and you’ve realised that sugar is negatively effecting your moods, weight, skin, energy levels and health in general, when you take it through the 3 steps you could – Upgrade – Instead of white sugar, buy organic brown muscavado or molasses sugar Replace –Replace regular cane sugar with coconut sugar, date syrup, maple syrup, molasses, dates or raisins Release – Release the need to taste something sweet all the time and enjoy the other tastes the foods have and the nourishment they give. Internet EntertainmentIf you realise that, like many of us, as well as using the computer and internet for our work and other business, you spend a lot of time in front of a screen entertaining yourself in various ways (chit chat on Facebook, reading celebrity gossip on magazine site etc), while you have goals, plans and duties to attend to, that you are being distracted from by social media, email, YouTube, forum discussions and more. You could take this through the 3 steps like this Upgrade – Decide on the 3 sites that you find most interesting, uplifting and least addictive and only visit those.

Upgrade Replace Release3 by Leah Salmon

Steps To A Better Life & Health

naturally you


Replace – Replace wheat bread with gluten free bread, rye bread, spelt bread, raw vegan breads, Portobello mushrooms as a burger bun, romaine lettuce leaves as a wraps etc Release – Stop trying to find replacements for the taste, texture and feeling of bread and just enjoy your meals and foods for what they are without bread. Sugar If you eat sugary foods several times a day with a very sweet tooth and you’ve realised that sugar is negatively effecting your moods, weight, skin, energy levels and health in general, when you take it through the 3 steps you could – Upgrade – Instead of white sugar, buy organic brown muscavado or molasses sugar Replace –Replace regular cane sugar with coconut sugar, date syrup, maple syrup, molasses, dates or raisins Release – Release the need to taste something sweet all the time and enjoy the other tastes the foods have and the nourishment they give. Internet EntertainmentIf you realise that, like many of us, as well as using the computer and internet for our work and other business, you spend a lot of time in front of a screen entertaining yourself in various ways (chit chat on Facebook, reading celebrity gossip on magazine site etc), while you have goals, plans and duties to attend to, that you are being distracted from by social media, email, YouTube, forum discussions and more. You could take this through the 3 steps like this Upgrade – Decide on the 3 sites that you find most interesting, uplifting and least addictive and only visit those.

Replace – Replace screen time with physical magazine, books, calling people to talk to them, going out and meeting real people and more. Release – Free yourself from the need to distract and entertain yourself constantly and focus on completing your goals, plans and duties, while spending a limited time on entertainment daily as a reward for focusing on what’s most important first. These same steps can be applied for other foods, unsupportive relationships with people, distracting activities and even negative mindsets we fall into. There is no set time that you have to spend on each step before you more to the next and you can start at any step too, it’s entirely up to you. So to get started:

1. Take a moment to review all the areas of your life

2. Identify 3 areas that you need to improve on and take them through the 3 steps

3. Note down and commit to the changes you decide and give yourself a rough time frame to work with before moving on to the next step.

I’d love to hear what areas of life you’ll be taking through the steps, email me at [email protected] to let me know. Take care and stay healthy LeahThe Naturally You Coach

naturally you


HOW RELEASING EMOTIONAL TRAUMA CAN LEAD TO BUSINESS SUCCESS

business/life

Emotional trauma comes in many forms, depression, anxiety, social phobia, lack of confidence and motivation and fear, to name a few. As such sufferers of emotional trauma are held back from reaching their highest potential. Many sufferers may have a passion to start their own business, however, due to emotional trauma they lack the confidence and motivation to make it happen. Those who may have started their own business may give up because they find it difficult dealing with the day to day running of their business, this could be due to anxiety and they may even be depressed because things aren’t moving as fast as they envisaged. With these feelings they may give up and feel like a failure.

So, what is the answer? Releasing your emotional trauma is a must if you are to succeed in business. Running your own business is a wonderful feeling, however it is no easy task, it takes work, dedication, motivation, confidence, perseverance, flexibility and you need to be fearless. Do those descriptions sound like someone who has emotional trauma? Don’t get me wrong, there are times when running your business can be challenging and you may feel down at times, and you may also feel like giving up when something does not work, however, for those who release their

emotional trauma they do not see it as failure; they see it as a learning curve.

Running a business takes you on a journey of personal development. You learn a great deal about yourself, your weaknesses and your strengths. You need to be prepared to self-reflect and work on yourself continually in order to succeed in business. Also, if you release your emotional trauma you will be releasing a great deal of negative emotions. Think about that, without these negative emotions you will become a different person, you will evolve into someone with upbeat positivity, someone who will attract great things; contacts, clients, contracts and the like.

How do you release emotional trauma? ‘Feel the Fear and do it Anyway’ says Susan Jeffers, author of a best-selling book. Yes we have

to push through our fears, move out of our comfort zone and be prepared to go

on a journey of self-discovery. Be prepared to move forward in your

life and not stay stuck. Seek counselling, coaching, healing;

in fact any type of therapy that suits you and your needs. You are your business; people are attracted to you primarily, so do your business a favour and release your emotional trauma today.

Yvonne J Douglas -The Emotional Trauma Coach …www.yvonnejdouglas.com


My Spark1, What is your name, business and title?Lisa Charles, Co Founder Choices Magazine

2. Who do you help and how do you help them in your business?Choices Magazine helps people who are making the transition from employment to

self employment, with articles on everything that affects someone’s ability to succeed in business including their lifestyle, wellbeing and personal growth. We purposely omit millionaires & celebrity business personalities, only featuring businesses that early stage companies can relate to and directly learn from, with tips and advice that can be implemented immediately.

3.Canyoutellusaboutasignificantturning point in your life that brought you to where you are today?While working as an Account Manager for a PR agency, I noticed a lump at the back of my head. I went to the doctors and whilst I was waiting for some test results I thought about what I would do if I was told I had limited time left and how I would spend my time. I knew I would not do any of the things I was doing at that time, including working where I was. I questioned myself – was I only prepared to do something that made me happy if I thought I was going to die? Then I was given ‘Follow Your Heart’ by Andrew Matthews by my boyfriend (now my husband and co founder of Choices) and this changed everything for me. We both had dreams of the type of lifestyle and flexibility we wanted and very soon after I resigned

from work and started on our self employed path.

4.Whatdoyouthinkyou’dbedoingifyour‘spark’hadn’thappened?I’d probably still be working in PR, having worked my way up to director with work engulfing my life even more than it did before. Of course still having some fun along the way, but my vision of the lifestyle I wanted, the time and flexibility I wanted to have as a parent would not have materialised.

5. What advice do you have for others seeking to follow in your foot prints?You have to expect rough times and challenges. You have to be mentally strong to get through any failures and not let it affect your belief in what you’re doing. Surround yourself with books and people who can help and support you on your journey and remain focused on your goal no matter what.

6. What does Naturally You mean to you?Being authentic and real in everything you do. Being yourself and not what you think others want you to be. Looking after your body and mind.

By Lisa Charles

" You have to be mentally strong to get through any failures and not let it affect your belief in what you’re doing. Surround yourself with books and people."

business/life


from work and started on our self employed path.

4.Whatdoyouthinkyou’dbedoingifyour‘spark’hadn’thappened?I’d probably still be working in PR, having worked my way up to director with work engulfing my life even more than it did before. Of course still having some fun along the way, but my vision of the lifestyle I wanted, the time and flexibility I wanted to have as a parent would not have materialised.

5. What advice do you have for others seeking to follow in your foot prints?You have to expect rough times and challenges. You have to be mentally strong to get through any failures and not let it affect your belief in what you’re doing. Surround yourself with books and people who can help and support you on your journey and remain focused on your goal no matter what.

6. What does Naturally You mean to you?Being authentic and real in everything you do. Being yourself and not what you think others want you to be. Looking after your body and mind.

HowdoesaFather’sexpresshislove?WhatdoIknow?I’monlyfourteen!However,sincethere’saslightchanceImightbecomeafatheratsomepointinthefuture,I’llsharea few of my thoughts.

A Father can either express his love like wise ruler, or a harsh dictator, either way, he makes sure his decisions are made for the betterment of those in his charge. Experienced in doing right, once he puts his foot down, that’s it! A Father should feel that he is in charge, but also know that that doesn’t mean he can’t listen to the advice of others. One time my father was boiling water on the stove, to do some cooking, and my older brother Elijah asked: “Why not just boil the water in the kettle, and then pour it into a pot on the stove?” My father ‘scoffed’ at this suggestion — like he always does when we give him a good idea — but the next day guess what? He was boiling water in the kettle.

A Father should be the hero of his children, their idol, their example of manhood… he should be their driving force. He expresses his love every time he attempts to push his children to the limits of their abilities and beyond. Whenever we are having fun day learning, a Father’s love can cause him to instantly become serious, if he judges that that fun is no longer serving as a benefit.

This is a rough description of my Father, a man with a good sense of humour, who, outside of work can be jokey with us. However, as soon as work begins, he shuts off that side of him self. At times this can feel a little harsh, as it impacts on us differently. For me, whenever I show him the result of any writing or home-school project he has set for me, he’ll pick it to absolute pieces, until he is totally satisfied with the end result. This is his quality control, which can be quite painful to endure. I used to think he was just being mean, but then I realized that it’s his way of making us grow. It’s how he shows his love.

So now when I see my Father, being extra-critical with my sister Jennah or my brother Elijah, I just smile because I’ve learnt the hard way… It’s just a Father’s love.

Photo Credit - DH/JetBlakInk™

A Father’s Loveby Joseph Icha

family & parenting


The BenefitsofBabywearing

family & parenting


Babywearing has been practiced for centuries in indigenous cultures throughout the world, and over the last few years, has fast become a parenting phenomenon here in the western part of the world and there here are many good reasons for this too.

The most obvious benefits of babywearing is the convenience of having your hands free, allowing you to continue with your daily routine without having to ignore, or stop what you’re doing, to attend to your baby when they are crying or fussing. In indigenous cultures, babies cry less than babies in western cultures, this is usually because babies are kept in arms and slings. Babies that cry and fuss less, spend more time in a quiet alert state, which is perfect for babies to learn and interact with their environment. Research has shown that carried babies demonstrate enhanced visual and auditory alertness. Being in a sling also allows babies to scan their environment, choose and pick out what they wish to look at and shut out, which develops baby’s learning with the ability to make choices.

Babywearing is a great way to help your baby to get used to their new and unfamiliar, loud and bright environment. Your baby has spent all of their life inside of their ‘womb world’. Using a sling can help your

baby transition into ‘our world’ more easily. In a sling, your baby is close enough to hear your heartbeat, the sound of your voice and feel your movements, all of what they were used to hearing and experiencing while inside their ‘womb world’.

Slings are convenient to store and travel with, making them always on hand, which is great for avoiding having to push the stroller with one hand and carry your baby in the other, when out and about. They’re also especially convenient when travelling in busy areas, or places not suitable for strollers, such as when using public transport or at a busy airport.

Slings can be great for dads, and other relatives and caregivers, to bond with their baby. Dads don’t have the same head start that mums have, but dads can make up for this by using a sling. When babies are carried by their dads, babies get used to their dads voice, his heartbeat, movements and facial expressions and vice versa, building a strong bond of their own. This can be the same for grandparents and other caregivers too.

Babywearing is great for babies born prematurely or with developmental issues. When kept close to their mother, babies sleep better, baby’s temperature is regulated and weight gain is encouraged as well as healthy hip development. It’s also useful for parents with postnatal depression and can help develop new parent’s confidence, helping them to recognize their baby’s gestures and meet their baby’s needs with ease.

There is no obligation to carry your baby all the time if you don’t want to, or are unable to. Any time-spent babywearing is beneficial for both you and your baby.

Debbie Field-PellewParenting Lifestyle and babywearing [email protected]@amedeeofficial


childrens area

Vegan Berry Yoghurt Smoothie

You’llneed:1 handful of your favourite berries1 apple1 banana1 cup of orange juice1 big tablespoon of coconut oil1 cup of water

How to make it: 1. Wash all your berries, removing all the leaves and stalks and put them in a blender jug

2. Wash and remove the core from the apple, peel the banana & add them to the berries.

3. Finally add the orange juice, coconut oil & water.

4. Ask an adult to help you turn on the blender to the highest setting for about 45-60 seconds or until it’s very smoothe & creamy :-) Enjoy

Animal Crossword

Banana Split


naturally you magazine issue 2 aug 2014

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