I am saddened, I truly am, to hear that the school where the son of my dear friend attends is now having to hand out vouchers for food banks to families.
I have long since known the country of the United Kingdom was in some very big trouble, and there are an awful lot of homeless people and people living nigh on in poverty, but the crisis is increasing on a daily basis.
The past few elected governments have all contributed towards the ruin of the English people. I often wonder sometimes if that is what the government want. To go back to the days where the super rich had grand estates and ate well every night, lived in comfort and warmth, while their land was worked on by people who could not make ends meet.
Because that is what England is slowly turning into.
A country where basic needs for survival are becoming privileges and luxuries. There are families out there who are now having to choose between warmth and food, warmth or electricity, rent or clothing. It strikes me as complete hypocrisy as England gives a lot of money each year in aid for other countries to have what the people of England are being denied!
Schools are closing left and right, hospitals and health service staff are losing their jobs, an appointment with a doctor is getting more and more scarce. This leaves the British public wondering if they at all matter to those who have been voted in, by that very same public, to protect and serve. The answer every person I meet replies with is the word NO, for the government no longer serves the public, they simply serve themselves and their highest earning friends.
How can they think otherwise? Education is huge worry on the minds of parents, yet there is money going to help educate children in other countries, so how can parents of this country have any faith in the government at all? It is the same all across the board.
My blog is called Hugs and Hope for a reason. I may not have any faith left in those who are trying to rule us into poverty, but I do have faith in humanity and certainly in free will. If this government and the one who comes after it, do not wake up and see what they are doing, someone will do something on the scale of Guy Fawkes.
David Cameron, Iain Duncan Smith, and George Osbourne are making people desperate, and desperate people are capable of anything.
Monday, 6 May 2013
Foam Call ~ Soap and Glory
I would first like to say that each time I see a pink bottle, my mind screams BUY IT! BUY IT NOW!
There is something so good about Soap & Glory and it starts with the lovely shade of pink that has become their trademark, their ‘thing’ if you like. I was cat sitting for my mother one year when I received a visit from Jehovah's Witness. Unlike most people who get irritated at being disturbed by those spreading the word of what they love, I am always respectful and politely decline.
After all, blogs about beauty, politics etc are also a way of sharing their opinions, right?
I digress!
The lady said, and I will always remember this compliment, “You have beautiful skin. There’s not a blemish on you. What do you use if I may ask.”
When I said Soap & Glory, the lady immediately replied with “Are those the ones with the pink label?” We ended up chatting for a good ten minutes before they left!
You see so many products lining the shelves in shops such as Boots and Superdrug, and what do those products look like? It’s almost like you see one, you see them all. The only distinction between them seems to be the brand name. Even companies like Clarins seems to lack creativity when it comes to images.
Sight is one of the five main senses and it’s often ignored by companies. They seem to prefer their products to look clean and classy, if you understand what I’m trying to say, but to me, that ‘clean and classy’ looks clinical.
A lot of people may not agree when I say that image is important, yet it is. I’m not saying that physical beauty is important, as genetics are the provider of facial structure, I’m talking about image.
Your image is your identity, it’s what sets you apart from everyone else, makes you stand out, and it’s doubly important that you take care of that image. If you don’t take care, then you lose yourself.
I know I feel ‘blah’ and ‘meh’ and like I couldn’t give a monkeys. I hate feeling like that, as it also puts me down in the dumps, and gloomy. There’s too much gloom and doom in the world, so I won’t add to it.
Sometimes it also feels like too much work, doesn’t it? To do the whole routine and whatnot. We all know that chores are boring and we don’t want to do them. Caring for your skin shouldn’t feel like a chore, it’s supposed to be something you enjoy, and if you enjoy your morning, chances are you will feel ready to take on anything.
The image of Soap and Glory stands out and it attracts the eye, but not just that, it looks like it will be nice to use. Nice things aren’t chores or dull and boring. They’re fun and fun things makes for happy time.
Foam Call is written in both pink and silver lettering that are set on a pastel shade of yellow. There’s a cute little silver star right next to the brand name of Soap & Glory, which is another thing I love about them. Their brand name is much smaller than the product description, and I don’t know if that is done on purpose, but it says to me that it isn’t the brand that’s important, but the product.
Very clever, S & G!
Combine that pretty image with the wit on the label and we have a bit of smarts going on. Take Foam Call for instance.
The label reads “Want to get fresh? Make a quick Foam Call!” and “Everyone uses soap... At least everyone we like to spend time with!”
I can’t forget the warning, either. For adult use only. Avoid contact with eyes and in brackets, this might also apply to A’s, E’s, O’s or U’s, but we haven’t tested them particularly).
How many other products contain a warning that makes you smile? I know a few that makes me smile, but for all the wrong reasons...
Anyhoo!
The label on this product, as with all the other S & G products, also advertises the 2 Minute Rinse. So we have an eye-catching image, some quirky word play, and encouragement to be more conscious about saving water.
I love it!
Foam Call is a dual-use shower and bath body wash, that contains the following...
Peppermint essential oils, grapeseed EFAs (Essential Fatty Acids), fruitliquid fig and orange waterjuice.
The fragrance boasted is called Fruitigo, and that comes with notes of frozen yuzu, orange oil, green fig, and jungle pomelo essence.
Thanks to my addiction to the perfume oils from Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab (Bpal), my nose has become quite adept at noticing the various scents used in this body wash. The first one I notice is the fig and it’s a bit dominating at the start, then the orange oil comes into play by providing light traces of citrus that mixes wonderfully with the pomelo essence.
Yet what truly makes this come alive is the hint of coconut which, even though not part of Fruitigo, just adds that little extra kick to it.
The ingredients seem to combine naturally to create this fragrance that makes me think of sun drenched tropical islands, where the warm summer breeze is made delicious by the aroma of fruit. In a nutshell, Fruitigo is a very special scent indeed and it’s going to be used during all my showers this summer.
Now for what it says on the tin...
Foam Call is formulated with M-SUDS moisture system molecules and grapeseed EFA’s to reduce the drying effects of your daily soap. Rub a handful onto damp skin, massage until it bubbles up, then rinse.
So I did just that.
Then I did it again and thought what the hell, things always come in threes, so I did it again! Needless to say I was very clean and smelly good.
The consistency is thin and creamy, a little bit like condensed milk., yet it foams up so well and such a little bit goes a very long way. For those of us who are suffering the effects of a lighter purse, Foam Call is a sound purchase if you want something that will clean your family, make them smell good, and have that special thing that just, you know, makes a little treat.
There is one thing to keep in mind. Even though it’s a nice creamy body wash, it’s also extremely slippery, so be careful when you wash your feet. Shower mats are all well and good, but you still have to stand on part of the shower floor when you get out.
When you’re in the shower with all that heat, the second you squeeze some onto your hand, is the second the fragrance surrounds you.
Water has always left my skin quite dry, and using Foam Call made a huge difference. I swear I could hear my skin praying it didn’t fall off in relief! My skin inhaled it on the first use, which shows how dry the skin on my torso can get, and the second use was when it began to bubble. By the third wash came around, I was all soaped up and loving the feel of having skin that remained moisturized while it got washed.
It wouldn’t take as many uses on most folk. The medication I’m on does affect my hair, skin, and nails as much as it affects the pain, except in a not-s0-good way.
What truly impressed me about this was how it worked on my skin graft. I won’t go into personal details, but suffice to say that even after some 20 odd year, my skin graft gets very dry during bathing. Instead of using the nose-repelling stuff the doctors gave me, I tried my new S & G body wash. Probably not the most intelligent thing to do, I grant you, as it could have had some rather unpleasant consequences, but what the hell.
There was enough of a difference to make my jaw drop and a giddy little squeal of joy echoed through the bathroom, startling my cat into running for cover. My graft didn’t only feel a tad moisturized, it also felt a bit more relaxed.
Talk about fabulous!
If you have a skin graft, please consult your GP before trying any cosmetic product on it, and do be careful *smile*
While the moisturized feeling stayed put, the scent began to fade quite quickly until there’s an itty bitty lilt around you. As most fragrances smell different on each person, all I have to go on is how it smelt on me.
It changed once I got out of the shower and began to dry off. The scent sort of turned into something warmer. I’m not sure how to describe it, but it became a bit like perfume. The fruity aroma faded into something that reminded me of a fragrance my mum used to wear a long time ago, but as I say. Everyone has different skin chemistry and each scent reacts accordingly.
The label and the meaning behind it, the fragrance... If I ignore all of that, what would be good about Foam Call?
The cleanliness.
I felt clean, even when I went out into the gorgeous sunshine at midday when it’s the hottest, I felt completely clean. It was a clean feeling that came without that ‘tightness’ you get from some body wash products, and it was the sort of cleanliness that went down to the tips of my toes, which were stuffed into a pair of high heeled boots.
All day yesterday, I was polished (Soap and Glory’s Flake Away body polish), moisturized without having to name myself Grease Lightening, and I was clean. That little bit of pampering in the shower, taking those few extra minutes for myself, gave me such a good vibe.
I could have hugged the world!
Now lets get to the nitty gritty.
The RRP (recommended retail price) is £6.50 for a 500 ml bottle, which is absolutely excellent value for money, and trust me when I say it lasts a long, long time. It has a pump-action distributor which gives out measured amounts that makes it easy to use when your hands are wet and slippery.
As far as I’m concerned, “I’m worth it” is being used by the wrong company.
Packaging: 10/10
Consistency: 10/10
Scent: 7/10
Effects: 10/10
Price: £6.50 (from soapandglory.com)
Overall: 10/10
Well! My third review is signed and sealed. I do hope people are not only reading, but also enjoying. I would love to hear from you and especially to find out how Fruitigo smells to you.
Thank you so much as always. Keep safe, stay smiling.
Love and hugs, Jude xxx
Blind with your smile all the rest
Pour your strength against the test
Take the hugs upon your chest
Let the hope bring out your best.
Saturday, 4 May 2013
Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque
Right! Time to stop fangirling, and start doing some reviewing.
As the name suggests, Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair
Masque is an intensive repairing repairing treatment made from macadamia and Argan oil, blended with tea tree oil, chamomile, and aloe and algae extracts which helps regenerate.
What it says: Revitalizing hair re-constructor for dry, damaged hair.
How to use: Liberally comb through clean, wet hair and allow up to 7 minutes of penetration before rinsing. No heat necessary. Deep Repair Mask is an intensive treatment. Use no more than twice a week.
I had a soft wave permed into my hair the other week, and on the same day as I got my hair dyed red, so as you can probably tell, my hair terribly over processed. It could be a good thing, as the best reviews always come about when a product is tested on something that needs it. You see all these commercials on television where, for example, 88% of 190 women agree with whatever is being tested, and if said product is anti-wrinkle cream, why on Earth do they advertise it being used on women who don't need it?!
If this Macadamia repair mask had been used on someone whose hair is in tiptop condition, then how would they know if it worked? Sure, they could testify the living daylights and have everyone feel their hair, but in order to get a true idea of how well it works, a product must be used on what it is born to do.
Anyway!
It was a very late delivery, but that doesn’t affect the product, only either the seller, Specialist Hair Supplies at Amazon, or the delivery company they use. Either the way, they need to sort out their delivery times. Mine was supposed to have arrived between Monday 22nd and Thursday 25th. I got it this morning, so the seller needs to re-evaluate the delivery company they use, or they need to state a longer time between sale and receipt.
The product itself comes in a tub that curves downward, which makes it easy to 'cup' your hands around, but it does make the cup awkward to hold if you have small hands, which I do.
There's a floral pattern on it that's painted in brown and a very pale lemon shade. It has this natural sort of look about it, what with the brown being the sort of brown one would see when one squashed leaves and tiny twigs in their hands, so it's very Earthy. The lemon adds a nice little contrast and so does the lid, which is an eye catching bright green.
When it comes to the color spectrum, brown, lemon, and bright isn't the first combination that springs to mind, is it?! Yet it works, and works very nicely indeed. It just seems to fit the very word Macadamia so well. Lovely!
Anyhoo, the product itself, at first, looked like a run-of-the-mill conditioner that you would buy for half price in a drug store. The consistency starts off quite thin when first on your fingers, but rapidly thickens up once you apply it to your hair. There seems to a bit of 'silkiness' to it which reminds me, in a way, of creamy eyeshadow.
The colour of it is very pretty indeed. It’s pearlescent and catches the light so beautifully, and that prettiness draws you closer in order to get better acquainted, which leads me to my next point.
The scent of it, however, laid to rest my feelings of having bought a name. The fragrance was macadamia from start to finish, and the fragrance is not only lasting, but it also carries. I had to put my newly washed and conditioned hair in a ponytail while I sorted my aunt Andrea’s nails, which took me forever and a day. I let my hair down two hours (yes, two hours to fix her nails!) later, my friend Alan and aunt Andrea said it was lovely, so there's a little review from neutral parties!
I’m still sniffing my hair as I type this and it’s just so very, very natural. I love it with all my heart. Before I get carried away, I must talk about how the product performs. As it’s for dry/damaged hair, my hair is the best test run Macadamia will ever get.
The tub said to "liberally comb through" and I followed the instructions to the T. Now I know I haven't just bought a name, because wow, and I do mean wow. If you're anything like I am when using a new product, you won't be able to keep your hands off! I kept justifying the need to feel my hair every thirty seconds as I simply couldn't stop.
Once my curiosity was sated, I left the mask alone so it was able to do its job to the best of its ability... Until I got the overwhelming urge to scrunch it!
There's a marked difference in consistency, which is expected. It seems to become thicker and creamier when you begin to comb and work it through your hair, much in the same way shampoo begins to foam, and just like how you can feel shampoo cleansing your hair, you can feel this Masque working. Each and every strand slowly became soft, a little slippery, but very soft.
What it says: Revitalizing hair re-constructor for dry, damaged hair.
How to use: Liberally comb through clean, wet hair and allow up to 7 minutes of penetration before rinsing. No heat necessary. Deep Repair Mask is an intensive treatment. Use no more than twice a week.
I had a soft wave permed into my hair the other week, and on the same day as I got my hair dyed red, so as you can probably tell, my hair terribly over processed. It could be a good thing, as the best reviews always come about when a product is tested on something that needs it. You see all these commercials on television where, for example, 88% of 190 women agree with whatever is being tested, and if said product is anti-wrinkle cream, why on Earth do they advertise it being used on women who don't need it?!
If this Macadamia repair mask had been used on someone whose hair is in tiptop condition, then how would they know if it worked? Sure, they could testify the living daylights and have everyone feel their hair, but in order to get a true idea of how well it works, a product must be used on what it is born to do.
Anyway!
It was a very late delivery, but that doesn’t affect the product, only either the seller, Specialist Hair Supplies at Amazon, or the delivery company they use. Either the way, they need to sort out their delivery times. Mine was supposed to have arrived between Monday 22nd and Thursday 25th. I got it this morning, so the seller needs to re-evaluate the delivery company they use, or they need to state a longer time between sale and receipt.
The product itself comes in a tub that curves downward, which makes it easy to 'cup' your hands around, but it does make the cup awkward to hold if you have small hands, which I do.
There's a floral pattern on it that's painted in brown and a very pale lemon shade. It has this natural sort of look about it, what with the brown being the sort of brown one would see when one squashed leaves and tiny twigs in their hands, so it's very Earthy. The lemon adds a nice little contrast and so does the lid, which is an eye catching bright green.
When it comes to the color spectrum, brown, lemon, and bright isn't the first combination that springs to mind, is it?! Yet it works, and works very nicely indeed. It just seems to fit the very word Macadamia so well. Lovely!
Anyhoo, the product itself, at first, looked like a run-of-the-mill conditioner that you would buy for half price in a drug store. The consistency starts off quite thin when first on your fingers, but rapidly thickens up once you apply it to your hair. There seems to a bit of 'silkiness' to it which reminds me, in a way, of creamy eyeshadow.
The colour of it is very pretty indeed. It’s pearlescent and catches the light so beautifully, and that prettiness draws you closer in order to get better acquainted, which leads me to my next point.
The scent of it, however, laid to rest my feelings of having bought a name. The fragrance was macadamia from start to finish, and the fragrance is not only lasting, but it also carries. I had to put my newly washed and conditioned hair in a ponytail while I sorted my aunt Andrea’s nails, which took me forever and a day. I let my hair down two hours (yes, two hours to fix her nails!) later, my friend Alan and aunt Andrea said it was lovely, so there's a little review from neutral parties!
I’m still sniffing my hair as I type this and it’s just so very, very natural. I love it with all my heart. Before I get carried away, I must talk about how the product performs. As it’s for dry/damaged hair, my hair is the best test run Macadamia will ever get.
The tub said to "liberally comb through" and I followed the instructions to the T. Now I know I haven't just bought a name, because wow, and I do mean wow. If you're anything like I am when using a new product, you won't be able to keep your hands off! I kept justifying the need to feel my hair every thirty seconds as I simply couldn't stop.
Once my curiosity was sated, I left the mask alone so it was able to do its job to the best of its ability... Until I got the overwhelming urge to scrunch it!
There's a marked difference in consistency, which is expected. It seems to become thicker and creamier when you begin to comb and work it through your hair, much in the same way shampoo begins to foam, and just like how you can feel shampoo cleansing your hair, you can feel this Masque working. Each and every strand slowly became soft, a little slippery, but very soft.
What pleased me about this was the complete lack of the tacky and clogging feeling some conditioners can have, it is also neither runny or gooey. Long story short, the consistency is almost exact.
My hair, I kid you not, needs all the help it can get at the moment. Last week, I not only had a perm done, I also had a color, so my head is full of severely processed hair. As you might imagine, my hair would tangle three inches before the ends and when that happens, you know it’s in bad shape. No way, I thought, no way could a conditioner, even one as intensive as this, make a difference in two applications let alone one.
I've never been so happy to be wrong in my life!
The first application was done on the very day it was delivered. Yes, I was an eager little bunny! I first washed with Matrix Biolage Colourtherapie shampoo, which I also purchased around the same time (there will be a review on Monday!).
There is a noticeable difference immediately after rinsing. It
felt much, much softer against my cheeks, while the dry ends didn't irritate the nape of my neck or make it itch.
It truly feels absolutely gorgeous and I can’t stop touching it. Another bonus is how my waves are much more defined now that the hair is getting some much needed nourishment.
The Matrix Biolage Color Care Intensive Conditioning Mask did in four weeks what Macadamia did in seven minutes. Oh, I know it could be a one-off and I got lucky, but when my hair was still wet over half hour later, and my fingers ran through it with no sign of tangles.
My hair is soft and still a little dry at the ends, but that can be expected, it also has a shine to it that’s been missing for a long, long time.
So it makes hair soft, works a miracle on over-processed hair, and has a gorgeous fragrance that is wonderfully natural. Something so perfect must have a downside, right? Wrong! The only downside to it is it’s in a tub and not in a pump dispenser. The main downside is the price, which you will see below. I found it on Amazon for £21.50, so if you want this, then it would pay to shop around so you can get the best price.
Packaging: 8/10
Consistency: 10/10
Scent: 9/10
Effects: 10/10
Price: £21.50 (from Amazon) 6/10
Value for money: 8/10
Overall: 8/10
When they say “You get what you pay for” sometimes even an amazing product with definite results can a wee bit too expensive, and this is one of them. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a miracle in a tub and it’s truly incredible. While I say I will only buy it when my hair is in need of something special, I know it will be a regular product for me.
There we go! My second review with the I's dotted and the T's crossed. If you can think of anyway I can improve what I do here, I would be grateful if you left a comment or two.
Thank you very much for reading. Keep safe, stay smiling.
Much love, Jude xxx
Blind with your smile all the rest
Pour your strength against the test
Take the hugs upon your chest
Let the hope bring out your best.
The Matrix Biolage Color Care Intensive Conditioning Mask did in four weeks what Macadamia did in seven minutes. Oh, I know it could be a one-off and I got lucky, but when my hair was still wet over half hour later, and my fingers ran through it with no sign of tangles.
My hair is soft and still a little dry at the ends, but that can be expected, it also has a shine to it that’s been missing for a long, long time.
So it makes hair soft, works a miracle on over-processed hair, and has a gorgeous fragrance that is wonderfully natural. Something so perfect must have a downside, right? Wrong! The only downside to it is it’s in a tub and not in a pump dispenser. The main downside is the price, which you will see below. I found it on Amazon for £21.50, so if you want this, then it would pay to shop around so you can get the best price.
Packaging: 8/10
Consistency: 10/10
Scent: 9/10
Effects: 10/10
Price: £21.50 (from Amazon) 6/10
Value for money: 8/10
Overall: 8/10
When they say “You get what you pay for” sometimes even an amazing product with definite results can a wee bit too expensive, and this is one of them. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a miracle in a tub and it’s truly incredible. While I say I will only buy it when my hair is in need of something special, I know it will be a regular product for me.
There we go! My second review with the I's dotted and the T's crossed. If you can think of anyway I can improve what I do here, I would be grateful if you left a comment or two.
Thank you very much for reading. Keep safe, stay smiling.
Much love, Jude xxx
Blind with your smile all the rest
Pour your strength against the test
Take the hugs upon your chest
Let the hope bring out your best.
Thursday, 2 May 2013
The Gift Of Fear - Book Review
The Gift Of Fear
It's basically a self-help book that teaches you how to read signals in the behavior of others so you can avoid danger. These signals are called pre-incident indicators, and the author not only helps you recognize these, but also teaches you how to deal with it accordingly and safely.
The author, Gavin de Beck, is a specialist in security and has worked with the very worst sort of criminals and their victims. In the book, you learn to read body language and how to spot certain things which I've listed below. He is one of the leading experts in violent behavior, and his expertise comes through with every word.
I've listed some of the pre-incident indicators below and I wonder how many of you have fallen into some of these traps of manipulation. I know I have.
Here are some examples of the main points the author explains to you:
Forced Teaming: This is when somebody purposely puts themselves in your boat. They may something like "We have a hungry cat to feed" When, in fact, it's you that has the hungry cat. Forced teaming is the beginning of that person edging into your life.
Loan Sharking: Loan sharking is when someone helps without being asked and then expects favors for it. This is one I've fallen into so many times. I personally call this Forced Debt, as this makes you feel like you're 'obligated' to do them a good turn, or more to the point, pay them back.
Unsolicited Promises: These sort of promises mean the exact opposite, such as "I promise I'll leave you alone after this" usually means they won't. Or there's the "I promise I won't hurt you" pretty much means they intend to hurt you.
Typecasting: This is when someone says something akin to "There's such a thing as being too proud, you know" Typecasting usually follows straight after Loan Sharking. They offer to give you help and when you try to decline, they will typecast you. None of us want to be labeled and especially not as proud.
Discounting The Word "No": The person will at first wave off your initial declining of, for example, a drink. The encouragement increases, doesn't it? And how many of us have 'given' and accepted the drink just to end it. Ignoring your saying "No" will yet again lead to you being in debt to the person and you feel obligated to do something for them, whatever it may be.
I'm going to quote two ladies from the forum of Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab. In the thread "What Are you Currently Reading?" I brought up The Gift Of Fear, which attracted the attention of two other ladies, who both had lots to say about it. They say so much in so few words, and I must share with you their point of view.
From Voodoocatwoman on Bpal (Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab forum)
It's basically a self-help book that teaches you how to read signals in the behavior of others so you can avoid danger. These signals are called pre-incident indicators, and the author not only helps you recognize these, but also teaches you how to deal with it accordingly and safely.
The author, Gavin de Beck, is a specialist in security and has worked with the very worst sort of criminals and their victims. In the book, you learn to read body language and how to spot certain things which I've listed below. He is one of the leading experts in violent behavior, and his expertise comes through with every word.
I've listed some of the pre-incident indicators below and I wonder how many of you have fallen into some of these traps of manipulation. I know I have.
Here are some examples of the main points the author explains to you:
Forced Teaming: This is when somebody purposely puts themselves in your boat. They may something like "We have a hungry cat to feed" When, in fact, it's you that has the hungry cat. Forced teaming is the beginning of that person edging into your life.
Loan Sharking: Loan sharking is when someone helps without being asked and then expects favors for it. This is one I've fallen into so many times. I personally call this Forced Debt, as this makes you feel like you're 'obligated' to do them a good turn, or more to the point, pay them back.
Unsolicited Promises: These sort of promises mean the exact opposite, such as "I promise I'll leave you alone after this" usually means they won't. Or there's the "I promise I won't hurt you" pretty much means they intend to hurt you.
Typecasting: This is when someone says something akin to "There's such a thing as being too proud, you know" Typecasting usually follows straight after Loan Sharking. They offer to give you help and when you try to decline, they will typecast you. None of us want to be labeled and especially not as proud.
Discounting The Word "No": The person will at first wave off your initial declining of, for example, a drink. The encouragement increases, doesn't it? And how many of us have 'given' and accepted the drink just to end it. Ignoring your saying "No" will yet again lead to you being in debt to the person and you feel obligated to do something for them, whatever it may be.
I'm going to quote two ladies from the forum of Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab. In the thread "What Are you Currently Reading?" I brought up The Gift Of Fear, which attracted the attention of two other ladies, who both had lots to say about it. They say so much in so few words, and I must share with you their point of view.
From Voodoocatwoman on Bpal (Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab forum)
I read it a long long time ago, so it might be time for a re-read. I always tossed out my 'gut feelings' about things, thinking that I was being paranoid/close minded/unadventurous. I know now that those gut feelings were my subconscious trying desperately to alert me to danger. After being the victim of an armed robbery, I realized how my subconscious had been screaming at me to pay attention to what was going on around me. I never discount those gut feelings now.
From Urbantravels (Also from Black Phoenix forums. I will provide the link at the end of my review.)
Count me in on the Gift of Fear love. I think it's a terrific book. At the time the book came out and he was on Oprah and all that, he got some flak for supposedly bragging about his celebrity clients. I don't personally find the part about celebrity clients in the book to be very interesting but it's only a small part toward the end, which you can easily skip.
The flip side of learning to recognize behavior that might turn out to be threatening is learning how not to be super frightened of everything all the time. He makes the point that you're stronger if you're observant and alert, and that being completely tensed up and seeing threats everywhere gets in the way of being able to discern real dangers.
And there are SO many ways that women are socialized to never give offense and be "nice" to everyone, even total strangers, that predators know very well how to exploit. This book really makes you understand that you don't owe everyone 'niceness' at the expense of your own safety.
I guarantee that after reading even a few chapters of this book, your view of those in your life will change for the better. The thing I love most about this book is the feelings you get. Gavin de Beck is extraordinary in how empowered you feel while gaining this knowledge and it's not only that, but it makes you look at everyone in a very different way.
The major thing Gavin de Beck covers is your image. By that, I mean what your actions look like to others and I don't know about you, but there have been many times I've ignored my intuition because I didn't want to look like a paranoid fool. The author remains consistent throughout the book that your image is not a priority when it comes to your life.
There's so much in this book to talk about and discuss as your recognition of the world around you becomes that much clearer. I love this book, I love Gavin de Beck, and I absolutely love how, just last week, I prevented putting myself in a situation where I was going to be manipulated into loaning money to a family member. The family member in question is infamous for never returning what she borrows.
I give it a full 10/10 and will recommend this book until I'm blue in the face!
As promised, here is the link to the forums of Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab:
Blind with your smile all the rest
Pour your strength against the test
Take the hugs upon your chest
Let the hope bring out your best
Much love, Jude xxx
Pour your strength against the test
Take the hugs upon your chest
Let the hope bring out your best
Much love, Jude xxx
Breaking The Ice
I would first like to thank my lucky kneecaps that I have such wonderful friends. They are encouraging, supportive, honest, and more importantly, helpful in my endeavors.
I'm a bit technically challenged, and so I have avoided setting up my own blog for many years, settling for sharing my reviews on Facebook. What?! It was easy! Just copy and paste! Perfectamundo!
One of my dear friends handed me the link to Blogspot as a starting point. It took a little while for me to work my way around, but I reached the end of the maze and more than ready to share with the world my thoughts. I have a motto for life and it goes a little something like this...
If you look good, you feel good. If you feel good, you look great.
I go by that rule every day and repeat it to myself if I have to. It wasn't easy for me to form self-confidence, as I am in a position to receive a lot of malicious comments, jokes, and whatnot. I was knocked over when I was 11 and it caused an amputation of my entire right leg and, after which I was to be in a wheelchair.
Anyhoo, this is an introduction and not my life story!
What you will find in the hallowed halls of Hugs and Hope are reviews of beauty and books, dreams and wishes, and my addiction to the perfumes from Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab. I seem to have a very selective taste, almost eclectic if I'm honest, so my shiny new blog will be quite the mix.
The first review I will post will be on a book that I live by and truly believe everyone should read, as it provides clarity and gives a good bit of knowledge.
As for now, I am jetting off to watch Warehouse 13 on Netflix with my grandfather.
Blind with your smile all the rest
Pour your strength against the test
Take the hugs upon your chest
Let the hope bring out your best
Much love, Jude xxx
I'm a bit technically challenged, and so I have avoided setting up my own blog for many years, settling for sharing my reviews on Facebook. What?! It was easy! Just copy and paste! Perfectamundo!
One of my dear friends handed me the link to Blogspot as a starting point. It took a little while for me to work my way around, but I reached the end of the maze and more than ready to share with the world my thoughts. I have a motto for life and it goes a little something like this...
If you look good, you feel good. If you feel good, you look great.
I go by that rule every day and repeat it to myself if I have to. It wasn't easy for me to form self-confidence, as I am in a position to receive a lot of malicious comments, jokes, and whatnot. I was knocked over when I was 11 and it caused an amputation of my entire right leg and, after which I was to be in a wheelchair.
Anyhoo, this is an introduction and not my life story!
What you will find in the hallowed halls of Hugs and Hope are reviews of beauty and books, dreams and wishes, and my addiction to the perfumes from Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab. I seem to have a very selective taste, almost eclectic if I'm honest, so my shiny new blog will be quite the mix.
The first review I will post will be on a book that I live by and truly believe everyone should read, as it provides clarity and gives a good bit of knowledge.
As for now, I am jetting off to watch Warehouse 13 on Netflix with my grandfather.
Blind with your smile all the rest
Pour your strength against the test
Take the hugs upon your chest
Let the hope bring out your best
Much love, Jude xxx
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