FEMINARUM Issue 4 • January 2014

Our January issue... Meet the lovely Gemma Cullen. We will be chasing away the winter blues with our usual mixture of articles and interviews... So come inside and see what we have for you...

For women by women

Features Pa"s4 - 5 Reaching out to more

people.

6 - 7 Crafty corner with Miss Sew and Sew

8 - 9 Simon and his hair care tip for this month.

10 - 11 Sarah's make-up article.

12 - 13 Darren's healthy fitness tips for 2014

14 - 15 Book review by myself. 16 - 17 Interview with Lady

Perez. 18 - 23 Gallery of Guys.

24 - 25 Planetarium Article. 26 - 27 Story of Chinese New

Year.

28 - 29 Feature article with Gemma Cullen.

30 - 31 Ravens Diary. 32 - 33 Sharon's detox article. 34 - 35 Information about the

website. 36 - 37 Izzi's Kitchen recipe. 38 - 39 Big games for big boys.

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Editor In Chief Helen Wright

Associate Editor Casey Kingsland

Contributing Writer Sarah Pearce, Gemma Cullen, Simon Oliver, Darren Essex

Contributing Writer Casey Kingsland, Sharon Ayling, Sharnha Thwaites. Isabelle Atunrase. Steve Wright.

Art Director Helen Wright

Graphic Artist Helen Wright

Front cover image by myboudoir.co.uk

FROM THE EDITOR

So everyone here hopes that you all had a Happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year. For me this magazine has allowed me to work with some truly amazing people and I hope that this year will be our year when we can really look to push the magazine out even further into the big wide world.

There is already talks of radio and maybe even a TV appearance. And also we are all really excited about doing the "Gallery of Guys" calendar for 2015. Some of the funds raised by this calendar will go to a specific charity and we are currently talking to several charities as we speak.

Also there will be new people joining the team and also the possibility of subscription and advertising as we progress.

This magazine is still in its developing stages but if the last couple of months statistics are anything to go by then we are growing very quickly.

As always, I want to thank every member of this little team for their wonderful and constant contribution to this magazine. Without you, there would be no FEMINARUM so thanks again all you guys and girls...

We hope that issue will sweep away some of those January blues.....

From Helen and all the team at FEMINARUM...

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Reaching out to more people in 2014

"We want to do m o r e f o r o u r readers and reach out to more people. So advertising is on the agenda for 2014."

So here we are in 2014 a new year and already we have done so well with the magazine. I have been regularly updating everyone via FB on the statistics of our readers.

We have such a great team working here and they have been great at giving their all to the magazine without any hesitation. New people like Shahna Thwaites and Lady Perez who will be writing for our magazine will be joining our little team.

Also as I mentioned in the Christmas issue, we will be looking to branch out with the advertising. Some people have been asking about advertising space in the magazine and so Casey and myself will need to get together and have a coffee and discuss it further.

Photo by Double 8

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The magazine has grown faster and is now taking on a life of its own.

W e h av e s o many ideas about what we want to do with it but as always we want to hear from our readers about what they want from this magazine.

It 's for women by women and this is our motto and mantra. It reminds us why the magazine was created.

The articles we print are written by real p e o p le w h o kno w about the topics in detail. If you want to write for us or have a s tory we might be

interes ted in then contact us...

So for the New Year, we want you to tell us on our FB page, what you want to see in the magazine. The success of FEMINARUM means w e a r e d o i n g something right as over 2,000 people per month are reading this.

W e a l s o w a n t t o e x p a n d t o s e l l advertising space, so if you are a small business or you are just getting started then maybe we can help you reach out to an audience.

Please FB us and we will contact you and

discuss prices and sizes of advertising.

Again we could not provide this magazine without your support as the readers and also the wonderful team that work so hard to provide the wonderful articles.

So keep on reading this magazine and tell everyone you meet...

You never know, you might find yourself writing for us soon...

Helen and the team

Photo by Double 8

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"We are always on the

lookout for people to write

for the magazine. The good

news is that it's growing

quicker then expected which

is great."

"Sharnha will be showing you great ideas for Valentines day card designs to Mothers Day cards."

6 • FEMINARUM. Photo by Double 8

Crafty Corner With Miss Sew and Sew...

"Shahna is busy working on lots of projects but she is happy to write for us on a monthly basis. She will be covering lots of crafty projects in future issues... "

We are happy to introduce Shahna Thwaites to our team.

Shahna has been crafting for about 5 to 6 years. Her Nan was a dress maker and m a n y o f h e r f a m i l y members are crafty. Needle craft is the main stay of her creative skills.

She is looking at other areas but her main focus is on stitching.

In the past she has done f e s t i v e c a r d s a n d personalised cards as well. There has been a big d e m a n d l a t e l y f o r commissioned pieces for b i r t h d a y s , a n d o t h e r occasions.

She is currently working on a st i tch ing project of Mousehole in Cornwall but s h e d o e s h a v e m a n y projects on hold that will be illustrated in future issues of the magazine.

Recently people have been tu r n ing the i r hand to making things and there is

a demand for tips and hints on how to make gifts. There are many websites out there that offer projects t h a t p e o p l e c a n d o themselves.

We will be showing you h o w t o m a k e g r e a t Va l e n t i n e s c a rd s a n d Mother's Day cards in the next few issues.

Shahna has had her worked printed in various crafty magazines including Stitch Magazine. She has also attended several courses at college and enjoys the challenge of producing something wonderful and special.

S h e i s b u s y w i t h commissioned work at the moment but will be finding the time to write for us on a monthly basis.

Along with this, she will be illustrating some of her work in the next issue. If you wish to contact her about the work she does, she will proving details as well.

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Sarah Pearce Vintage hair and make up Hints and tips to get the perfect look...

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Vintage hair and make-up looks – how to achieve t h e p e r f e c t v i n t a g e makeover

It has to be said, I do love a l l t h i n g s v i n t a g e , especially when it comes to creat ing hair and make-up looks. These are some of my tips for helping you achieve your own vintage style.

1) Hair Style:

This is the most important thing to give you that classic look. Pull out those old hair pins and invest in a set of heated curlers for bouncy long curls. There are so many different styles to try from a n A u d r e y H e p b u r n beehive to full on victory rolls, all are fairly simple to achieve with a bit of patience and practice. And remember pain is beauty ! Rollers - even the

new foam ones on the market - are not always comfortable to wear or sleep in, but the end result is always worth it ! You may want to invest in some good, old-fashioned setting lotion to help keep those curls in place.

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To avoid frizz and create shape don't be afraid to keep brushing your pin curls out against your hand, and remember to experiment with different tools and products, some people love curling irons, others swear by hot rollers, or pin curls. Different things will work for different people. Getting the right style of haircut can really help too.

2) Red Lips :

I wasn’t a fan of red lipstick but once you try it you will never leave it ! It does all depend on choosing the RIGHT tone of red to suit your skin tone. Always apply a small amount of concealer around your lips as well, to bring out the look of it. Full red lips and bouncy hair creates a perfect vintage look.

You can make any lipstick matte buy putting a little talk or face powder on top and pursing the lips to run it in. It also makes your lipstick last longer. You can also use face cream on your lips first instead of lip balm, before applying lipstick as it creates more of a matt finish so that lipstick sticks and stays better, it also makes it easier to blend.

I always use different shades of red depending on the time of the day. You can use a lighter red tone during the day, and then full on red by night.

3)Eye Liner :

I love the kitten flick eye liner, the pulled out eye liner which goes up the eye and make everyone’s eyes look beautiful. Everyone’s got to try this look. It goes really well with any outfit and gets easier the more you practise. And also, be patient while your liquid liner dries !

Start off by using a soft eye liner pencil to drawn the shape of the flick and then fill it in with a liquid liner. There are so many different products to create a perfect flick, it’s just finding the best one that works for you. And lots of practise required !

This step by step guide is fantastic to help create the perfect flick ...

4) Eye Lashes :

Lashes need to be defined and long for this look, lots of mascara is required. Before applying mascara, curl the eyelashes first (make sure you have removed any mascara from the lashes or the curlers will ‘stick’ and you will panic !), and then apply mascara. If your own lashes aren’t full enough there are so many strip lashes on the market you can apply these to give more definition and fill out your own natural lashes. My favourite style are winged lashes for a vintage look, or the half / corner lashes for more definition on the outer corner. You can also apply more mascara to these lashes if you need to make them fuller or blend them with your own lashes. I always apply mascara to the bottom lashes as well to complete the look.

If you prefer something more permanent than the strip lashes, you can have permanent lash extensions applied, they just need a bit of TLC after to keep them looking lush.

5) Defined Eyebrows :

Light eyebrows don’t really show your features and really thin eyebrows can look a bit harsh. They need to be well defined and dark. I t makes your eyebrows look beautiful and highlights your eyes as well. If you are wearing false lashes eyebrows need to be made darker to ‘balance’ the look.

I like to use dark brown or black eye shadow to fill in my brows which I apply with a slanted brush, I always blow on the brush first so that it doesn’t go on too thick. I then set my brows with a light application of clear mascara just to groom them in place and it lasts throughout the day.

By doing all that you have just completed your very own vintage look , have fun with it and experiment, and remember practise makes perfect.

Article written by Sarah Pearce.

This issue I am going to chat about colour removers. A few people have come to me and asked what the best ones to use are and where you can find them cheapest.

Well the good news is there are lots out there to choose from, the bad news is many of them are saying they are colour removers but they don't actually do the 'colour removing'.

You can easily find them where ever you go to, but just remember to read the small print as to what exactly they do!

The main thing the ones you buy in shops do is actually lighten the hair using peroxide and a small amount of pre lightner (bleach).

If you use one of these your colour will be lightened quite a bit and yes it will appear as though the colour you have had has been removed, but it will damage the hair itself a lot more!

using a salon branded colour remover will be a lot safer for your hair and will give you a better result. In some cases the treatment will have to be repeated a couple of times and also its best to do the colour remover sooner rather than later, the more of a build up the colour has had the harder it will be to take out.

Unfortunately you cant expect perfect results with the colour remover as its removing the top layer of colour put on, but

it can always be toned down to give you an even look.

There is a lot of speculation as to whether colour removers actually work or not and they do actually work very well but as long as your going about it the right way. The best way to see if its going to do any good or if its worth doing is to chat to your hair stylist, they can give you the best advice for your hair as long as you tell them the truth. A stylist will be able to find out what has been on your hair but it can be a long winded process for the both of you so as long as you know what has been on your hair and tell the stylist it'll be a piece of cake.

This has been a very confusing thing to write about as the technology behind the removers is different for each one so i have tried to categorise them as best I can. If you have any further or specific questions feel free to email me personally, any question any thought to do with hair and ill be happy to help as best I can.

Article written by Simon Oliver.

feminarum.haircare@outlook.com

Simon Oliver Colour Removers.

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"Using a salon branded colour remover will be

a lot safer for your hair and

will give you a better result."

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New Years Resolutions You can keep.....

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New Years Fitness Resolutions You Can keep...

By Darren Essex (Fitness Model and Personal Trainer)

The New Year is here! While many, many people plan to use this time to get healthier or lose weight, the problem with these goals is that they are difficult to maintain. Most people want to see a significant weight loss within a few months or hope to change eating habits within a few weeks. Unfortunately, weight loss can be more complicated than that, but here are some tips to help you reach your goals.

Set Realistic Goals

First, choose a resolution that is achievable. For example, set a time frame that within 3 months, you will lose 10 pounds. This would be a healthy way to lose weight, about 1-2 pounds per week. It is possible that you could actually lose more weight, which would make you feel that losing weight is easy. If you were trying to be healthier either through diet or exercise, set a more realistic goal. For instance, plan to exercise for 30 minutes 2-3 days per week, and gradually increase throughout the year. I always tell my clients to set goals for the week or month. When trying to eat healthier, make small changes, such as eating one fruit per day, and increase as this becomes a daily habit.

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Get Support

To help you meet your resolutions, you also need support within your everyday life. While family and friends are a great support system, you also need to "rearrange" your house and office space. Try to eliminate all the "junk" foods or foods that you have a weakness for. This could include crisps, chocolate, biscuits, bread, or the granola bar that you have at your desk every afternoon. Replace these i tems wi th hea l th ier alternatives in your refrigerator, pantry, and at work. Consider including yogurt (Greek yogurt will provide more protein, making you feel fuller longer), whole grain crackers or bread, high fibre cereal (already portioned in separate containers or bags), oatmeal, fresh fruit or vegetables, and water.

Ease into Exercise

Additionally, you can try to set a time to exercise with friends or family. If this is difficult, try to have your workout kit ready to go each day as a reminder to take action. Take breaks or walks during your work day to help get in the 30 minutes that you might not have time for later in the day. Once you do this for a couple of weeks, it will become more habitual. Most mobile phones and other technology can help you set an alarm that will remind you to exercise.

Make Your Health a Priority

Perhaps the most difficult thing to do is to make all of this work in your hectic schedule. It usually helps to maintain a list of things you need to do. To help with your cooking, try to plan a menu each week so you will know exactly what you need at the Supermarket - and to minimise the possibility of ordering take always. If you must eat lunch or dinner out, remember that healthy choices, such as

salads or wraps, are better options. However, moderation is also OK. Occasionally having the dinner that you enjoy will not hinder your ultimate weight loss goal.

To Summarise, don't try to put too much on your plate (so to speak). Take each day as it comes, and do not get frustrated if you slip up every now and then. Don't be afraid to start again! Once you establish healthy habits, the rest will be that much easier. Treat yourself for reaching each goal or staying on track for a certain amount of time. Good luck with your resolutions!

Article written by Darren Essex.

"Family and friends are a great support system but you might want to think about also re-arranging your living and working spaces as well."

Photo on previous page supplied by Matt Marsh.

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I recently picked up this book called " How to be Adored" it's great for all you ladies that want to look like your favourite star. It covers the classic looks of Audrey Hepburn and the Blonde bombshell, Marylyn Monroe. The chapters are well thought out and provide any want to be diva with a fascinating insight into the world of fashion, hair, make up and so much more.. I love the little sayings from such goddesses as Sophia Loren and Coco Chanel that are littered through the pages.. The "How to Make an Entrance" is very amusing and gives some great tips on making a show stopping entrance into any event..it made me smile. So if you have someone who wants to be a Diva then by all means buy this for them. I highly recommend it.. (Caroline Cox, "How to be adored, A girls guide to Hollywood Glamour. Quadrille Publishing, 2009 £12.99 Photos by Double 8

Jessica Kenny, Talks to FEMINARUM about her passion for her job as a dancer and a self made business woman...

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Lady PerezThree years ago, I moved to London with three suitcases, no savings, zero cooking skills and no idea how I was going to get through the next few years. It's safe to say that it's been one heck of a roller coaster ride.

I grew up in the city of Cork, Ireland and at the age of 18, after finishing school, I moved to the big smoke to fulfil my d r e a m o f b e c o m i n g a professional dancer.

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I attended Millennium Performing Arts where I trained for three years. There were times during those three years when I wanted to give up. When I wanted to pack my bags and move home. Not because I'd given up on my dream or stopped loving dance, but because the financial, emotional and personal struggles I was going through were becoming too much.

Three years later, I'm almost 22, I've got a dance diploma under my belt, I've worked with some great people in the industry, I've travelled North America and I own my own business. It wasn't easy, it wasn't painless and sometimes it wasn't all that fun! But the point is, there is nothing that you cannot do once you put your stake in the ground and commit to it.

When I started working as a professional dancer I decided to take on the challenge of starting my own network marketing business in the health and well being industry. Being a dancer, this industry is both important and relevant to me. I am an independent consultant for Arbonne International, providing people with pure, safe and beneficial skincare products. Becoming a business woman was never part of my plan, but I find that sometimes, in life, you attract things to you at just the right time for a specific reason. Last year a dear friend of mine introduced me into this amazing business and I decided to take a leap and jump in. The best advice I can give people when they are feeling unsure or doubting themselves is to just feel the fear and do it anyway because you never know what you might achieve.

When it comes to my life I like being in charge. I've always believed that nobody but yourself is responsible for your own happiness. I agree wholly with Dr. Alan Watts when he says that you should live 'as if money were no object'. You will never be successful at something you hate.

Pictures supplied by Lady Perez.

When it comes to my life I like being in charge. I've always believed that nobody but yourself is responsible for your own happiness. I agree wholly with Dr. Alan Watts when he says that you should live 'as if money were no object'. You will never be successful at something you hate. I would never want to work in a job that I did not enjoy as I would simply be working to carry on living, which would be to carry on working at a job I hate. It's senseless.

I have many goals and desires for my future. Dance is my first passion in life but there are also other ambitions that I have. I want to travel more countries, I want to buy my own home, I want to help put my brother through college. These are the things that motivate me to keep going and never give up.

There are many things that inspire me both in dance and in life. I tend to surround myself with positive and like-minded people as I think it's beneficial to avoid negativity. I have a number of strong, independent and driven women in my family and circle of friends that continue to inspire me every day. The unconditional support and encouragement of my grandfather has been a blessing and continues to push me further and challenge myself. Travelling is another massive thing that inspires me. If there was one thing I had to advise people they must do in life it would be to travel. You learn so much about yourself and you really grow as a person as your mind is opened. It's very refreshing.

I feel like I have accomplished a lot in these las t few years , bo th persona l l y and professionally, but this is only the beginning. I am just getting started. If there's anything that I've learned from my experience so far it's that sometimes, you don't have to know HOW you'll do something, you just need to believe that you WILL. Put it out there and you will achieve it. I've always tried to make the most of everything in life. It's too short not to. Whatever you enjoy doing or whatever you want to do, do it! Nothing in life is guaranteed so seize it and make some unforgettable memories. Every song ends. That's no reason not to enjoy the music. Article written by Jessica Kenny

Photos are provided

By Penny Hardie

Emma Shamaya

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Gallery of Guys.Each mon% we provide y& wi% &r

Gallery of guys. '( section of

%e magazine has become very popular

wi% &r readers...

We wanted to say %ank y& to all ) guys who send us photos.

22 • FEMINARUM

Photos are supplied by Penny Hardie. Emma Shamaya and Becky Moyce

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South Downs Planetarium. "The show was both e n t e r t a i n i n g a n d education and was the prefect way to spend an afternoon. We both enjoyed it tremendously."

A lot of people like myself enjoy the experience of watching a show or a pantomime over the Christmas period. I decided that myself and my mother would dodo etching different. So I purchased two adult tickets for the South Downs planetarium in Chichester for the show titled "The Night Sky this Christmas" It turned out to be a very entertaining and interesting afternoon.

In 2002 the SouthDowns Planetarium was opened by Sir Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal. The building patron was the famous Sir Patrick Moore and he donated a lot of his work to the planetarium which can be seen in the exhibition area.

On Sunday the 15th of December my mother and myself, joined the queue of people waiting to see the show.

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Whilst we were waiting for the show to begin we decided to wander around the exhibition area of the planetarium. It was very informative and I liked the w a y t h e p i c t o r i a l information about the range of planets and stars was very clearly laid out.

Both my mother and myself were very interested in the notes that Sir Patrick Moore h a d d o n a t e d t o t h e planetarium. They really expressed in great detail his i d e a s a n d fi n d i n g s concerning various matters pertaining to astronomy.

I noticed that more and more families were turning up and in no time the exhibition area became very crowded.

It is small area and it did not help that at that time there was a problem with the projector. The kind staff kept us informed at all

times and nobody seemed to bothered about waiting.

My mother was very excited as she has lived for many years very close to the Planetarium but never had the opportunity to go inside.

We were not disappointed...

As we sat down, we were told it would take a few minutes for our eyes to adjust to the dark. Then the show began. We were treated to a very amazing show of slides and also with sky at night that moved as the artificial evening sky above progressed through the night. We were shown a p le thora o f wonder fu l constellations that anyone could go and find in the night sky by themselves.

There was also a talk on the planets that can be seen at this time of year with the naked eye.

T h e s t a ff w e r e v e r y knowledgable and seemed to enjoy working in such a r i c h a n d e d u c a t i o n a l environment.

We c a m e o u t h a v i n g e n j o y e d s o m e t h i n g spectacular and wonderful.

T h e p l a n e t a r i u m a l s o provides services like a l i b ra ry, l ab /workshop . Hubble space Telescope images, image processing and display and much more.

I would recommend it to anyone.

A list of upcoming events c a n b e f o u n d o n t h e website,

www.southdowns.org.uk/sdpt

And tickets can be bought at the Tourist information o ffi c e i n t h e N o v i u m Museum in Chichester.

Article by Helen Wright

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"Sir Patrick Moore donated a lot of his work to the planetarium."

Photos by Double8

"People give cards that are traditionally red in colour and contain money." Photo by Double 8

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Chinese New Year. The year of the Horse....

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I have always been fascinated by other cultures and so I wanted to look into the traditions of Chinese New Year in this issue.

On the eve before Chinese New Year, (January 31st) it is custom for Chinese families to meet up for the annual reunion dinner. Every family member follows the tradition and joins in cleansing the house.

This is to symbolise the sweeping away of the ill fortune and clearing a path for the coming of good luck.

Many of the windows and doors are decorated with paper cut out designs. These are normally red in colour and popular themes are fortune, happiness and wealth.

Another custom is to light firecrackers. We all have the image in our mind of the dragon dancing down the street with the crackers firing off in all directions.

This is to drive away the evil spirits and so with the dancing dragon and fireworks all the evil is vanquished.

Envelopes are often given as gifts. These contain money in them. There are a wide variety of designs and styles but one thing remains the same. All of the envelopes are red in colour.

Red is the colour and emblem of joy and it symbolises virtue and truth.

The packages are often given by married couples to un-married people and children. The red envelopes are then placed under the pillows and slept on for seven days after the Chinese New Year.

Everything must even and not odd. Anything odd signifies bad luck and so the money inside the envelope must of an even amount.

Gifts are also given especially when visiting friends and family. The most common are, fruit (although not pears) oranges are popular. Cakes, chocolates and candles are also a good choice. Red clothing is also worn during this period as it is believed that the colour scares away evil spirits.

People also wear new outfits especially for the occasion.

It is a colourful, happy event that brings people together and gives them hope for a prosperous and successful new year.

This year which is 2014 by the way is the year of the Horse...

Article by Helen Wright

Front Cover girl. Feminarum interviewed Gemma Cullen and ask about Her thoughts and views on modelling...

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1: How you got started in modelling.

When I was growing up, I never even thought about modelling.I didn't really view myself as a beautiful girl.I was also the type of girl when growing up and even in to my early 30's who hated having her photo taken. I in fact wanted to be a nurse since the age of 3, and down to illness at the age of 17/18 I put my nursing plans on hold. It actually wasn't until my late 20's that I returned to my nurse training, but yet again down to illness, I had to finally accept I was never going to be a nurse. I h a v e a l w a y s h a d a

fascination with the 1940's and 50's bought about by films with Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn and an amazing 90's BBC show c a l l e d ' G o o d n i g h t Sweetheart'.

After my dad unexpectedly passed away in 2011, I kind of lost my way for while, struggling with the grief of losing my dad, and I lost my love for all things I used to enjoy. In December 2011 my partner Rich came a c r o s s a l o c a l p h o t o g r a p h i c s t u d i o offering Vintage Style Pin up shoots, and though I deserved something to cheer me up. After much persuasion I booked myself

in for a shoot in the new year. Long story short, I enjoyed the experience so much that I shared the photos on Facebook and twitter and somehow got c o n v i n c e d t o g i v e modelling a go. I honestly though it was going to just be a fun hobby and didn't real ly expect i t to go anywhere, but here we are 2 years later, my first cover. I have been lucky enough to have worked with some amazing photographers, m o d e l l e d f o r a f e w c o m p a n i e s a n d b e e n p u b l i s h e d i n s e v e r a l magazines both in the UK and the US

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2: What's the best thing about what you do.

There are so many great things about what I d o , m e e t i n g a m a z i n g p e o p l e , photographers, Makeup and hair artists, designers, and other models. Also being able to dress exactly how I want to dress all the time, have my hair and makeup done by professionals who make me look gorgeous. Also when I receive messages from young girls who have been inspired by my pictures and who have realised you do not have to be tiny to be considered beautiful.

When my photos get published and seen by lots of people across the world. When I get so many positive comments and messages. I love that, it nice to know people appreciate my work.

3: What's the worse thing about what you do.

I've mainly had positive experiences but I have had a couple of bad things that have happened down to modelling. The fact that people assume because you post photos online that you belong to them, that they can speak to you how ever they like, basically disrespectfully and rude via email or message on my Facebook page, the downside of the Internet and social media. Also getting nasty and rude comments on photos, not that this happens often as most people who see my photos are of course lovers of vintage and pinup.

Another thing is the constant judging from people who do not know me, calling me disrespectful names, just because I model in my lingerie or some of my photos are implied nude. I have over time just learn to ignore that, yes sometimes it hurts my feelings but at the end of the day it has no actual real impact on my life. Every model experiences negativity at some point in their careers and I am no exception. The positive always out weights the negative. Yes there are downsides to what I do, but all the great things about what I do make it worthwhile.

4: What do you have planned for the future concerning your career.

I would like to model for more clothing brands such as Collectif Clothing, 20th Century Foxy, Vivien of Holloway to name just a view. I would also like be published in several large vintage magazines such as Vintage life, Delicious Dolls and Tease and Cake Vintage Inspired Pin Up Magazine as well as appearing on their covers. I am also hoping this year, on really getting my blog about vintage/reproduction lingerie and clothing out there. I am planning to train to be a Makeup and Hair artist in the next few months. I also want to model at some of the big vintage shows over the next few years.

Anything else:

The amount of confidence I now have since I have started modelling. I am much more comfortable in my skin and body. I was a teenager who was never really comfortable in her own skin. I was tall and pretty skinny, so I never felt feminine or beautiful. I was of course very wrong about this, but when you have confidence it's easy to view yourself on a negative way. I am now nearly in my mid thirties and yes I am much more voluptuous than I used to be, but I love my curves and apart from a few little things I am very comfortable with my body and my hourglass shape. I have always felt that this confidence shines thorough so much now and people can see this is my work.

Now I seem to be labelled as 'plus sized', 'curvy', 'real woman', Rubenesque, even BBW which is a term I can not stand. All woman are real whatever their size. Curvy is a shape and not a size, all woman have curves. Women in the 40's and 50's and pinup girls were usually curvier than what is classed as the 'norm' of today.

A"icle by Gemma Cullen. Photo by myboudoir.co.uk

Happy New Year Everyone!!

Hope you had a good one, and you didn’t get too fat over Christmas.

I had a pretty normal Christmas but was rather lovely all the same, my little boy getting overexcited and my younger siblings play fighting which turns into a full blown argument.

But away from the family, I was preparing for my very first set of Photo shoots as a proper Photographer. The first time shooting Models, instead of being the Model myself (well I was in a way, apart from my usual bookings)

I am endeavouring on a new Selfies Project, which probably sounds a bit lame and you are wondering how taking your own photo classes as a Photo shoot. Well I shall explain, I am trying to take the concept of Selfies and turn them into Professional Shoots with hired models.

We would simply be shooting it all ourselves instead of hiring a 3rd person to take the images. A lot of juggling involved with lighting it properly, getting the right angles with camera in hand. But hopefully it will turn into some cute romantic images that will get more attention in the Professional Photography world.

I was so pleased that quite a few Professional Models were happy with the idea, and weren’t weirded out that I would be in the image with them, but after a short explanation they were fully on board.

I really hope that, in a few years, I can be noticed for bringing Professional Self Taken

Images to the forefront of Photography and hoping it won’t be dashed in disgust as it is now, as it stands having an image with the Photographer acting as Model with another Model is strictly forbidden and is not allowed on Modelling/Photography Sites across the globe.

I really want to change this and make it an acceptable form of Art, as it is Art, if you do it right.

So hopefully in my next Diary I can show you how I got on with the Project, and If you want to see the results before next month’s issue, please ‘like’ my Facebook page.

www.facebook.com/lilylovesimages

I will be happy to see you all there engaging with me.

See you all here next time!

Much Love

Raven

xxxx

Ravens Diary... New Years News

30 FEMINARUM •

"I was preparing for my very first set of photo shoots as a proper photographer." Photo by Intense puppy.

FEMINARUM 31

Sharon's detox Getting life sorted out in 2014...

32 •FEMINARUM •

Happy New Year…. What is your Resolution?

Happy New Year for 2014!

“I’m going on a diet/detox, I’ve had enough!”

“Good luck, let me know how it goes.”

“Really? Oh well, I’m sure a glass of wine won’t harm.”

“Really? Oh well, a least you did a week……”

Sound familiar?

The average women spends 31 years of her life on a diet

More than a 5th are on a permanent diet

More than a 10th of the population are on a post Christmas diet

Three quarters of those have given up by the end of the week.

Every New Year we promise ourselves that we plan to; eat healthy? Lose weight? Give up smoking? How long do we manage to stick to these promises’ before they fall to the wayside.?

Photo by Double 8

"To stay one step ahead, a good detox plan needs to last between 21-30 days."

FEMINARUM 33

Now that the festive season is over, many of us are become accustom to over indulging with rich food and drink. We convince ourselves that it is a “treat” as we have earned it. But when does that stop? It becomes harder to keep and stay motivated as we have persuaded ourselves that we need that “treat.”

In order to stay one step ahead, a good detox plan needs to last between 21 - 30 days. This is imperative to refocus and channel positive energy to change habits. Here are a few helpful tips to help you stay motivated:-

Choose a programme that fits your needs

Commit to the programme to a tight schedule.

Do the programme (sometimes easier said than done!)

Monitor the changes, record the results.

Introduce bite size chunks, it may be more helpful on a daily chart rather than a weekly one. What ever helps you stay on track. J

Tell yourself you did it, and share your success.

Once you have completed this challenge, then factor this thought process into a 60 day programme to help maintain healthier lifestyle.

A pre organised annual chart may help to keep you motivated and on track.

Jan/Feb = New Year….New You

March/April = Step into Spring, spring into step

May/June = Spring into summer, summertime is blooming

July /August = Keep your summer glowing

Sept/October = fall into winter, banish the winter blues

Nov/Dec = looking and feeling great in the little black dress.

Synchronise this knowledge with a course treatment of massage to encourage you to maintain and reap the benefits. Massage is a fabulous treatment to compliment a detox programme. I would always recommend a massage treatment as it is fabulous for helping to remove toxins from the system and stimulate circulation. Massage treatment also aids relaxation and helps to promote s k i n r e n e w a l . M a s s a g e treatments are a vital component in order for detoxification to be a success! If your looking for a “ t re a t ? ” C o n s i d e r t re a t i n g yourself to a regular massage and reap the benefits! This month I am promoting my block booking treatment programme. Receive fi f t h t r e a t m e n t w i t h m y compliments when you book up and pay for four treatments in advance.

Follow the link www.female-focus.co.uk or check out my face book page and leave me a comment and together we can focus on a positive start to healthy New Year.

Article by Sharon Ayling.

" C h o o s e a p r o g r a m m e that fits your needs."

34 • FEMINARUM •

FEMINARUM website concept.. We are hoping to get a website up and running soon which will contain information about how we got started, pictures of our front covers with the relevant link to that issue underneath. We will also be running competitions and a pin board for people to send their images in. Any that are printed will get a free FEMINARUM t-shirt. Also there will be a way of contact us direct for those that want to buy advertising space in our magazine or people that want to write for us. We have two new members joining the team so watch this space in the next few issues. The latest news and statistics will be put on the Facebook page but there will be a link to our website as well.. We want to branch out and really get FEMINARUM out into the wide world. So if you want to advertise or write for the magazine then contact us.... Thanks, Helen and the team... Photos by Double 8

FEMINARUM

For women by women

Jewel biscuits Something bright and tasty to chase away those winter blues..

36 • FEMINARUM •

Izzi's kitchen.

Ingredients

For the biscuits

350g/12oz plain flour, plus extra for dusting

1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

½ tsp salt

2 tsp ground ginger

100g/3½oz butter

175g/6oz soft brown sugar

1 free-range egg, beaten

4 tbsp golden syrup

packet wrapped frui t-flavoured boiled sweets in different colours

FEMINARUM • • 37

Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4.

1.

3.

For the biscuits, mix the flour, bicarbonate of soda, salt and ginger together in a bowl.

Rub in the butter until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs, then stir in the sugar.

2.

Remove the biscuits from the oven. While they're still warm, check that the holes are still there - if not, push a straw through again. Do not remove the biscuits from the baking tray until they have cooled because the boiled sweets need to harden.

Once the sweets have hardened, gently lift the biscuits onto a wire rack with a palette knife to finish cooling.

If you like, you can decorate the biscuits with piped white icing.

4. In another bowl, beat together the egg and golden syrup, then pour this mixture into the flour mixture and mix to make a smooth dough, kneading lightly with your hands.

Crush the sweets in their wrappers using a rolling pin.

Roll the dough out on a floured work surface to about 0.5cm/¼in thick, then cut into shapes using a selection of Christmas-themed cookie cutters. Transfer the biscuits to baking sheets lined with baking paper.

Cut out shapes in the centre of each biscuit, making sure you leave a good edge all around the biscuit. Completely fill the hole in each biscuit with crushed boiled sweets.

Make a hole at the top of each biscuit using a drinking straw so that you will be able to thread a ribbon through it later. Bake the biscuits in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until golden-brown.

Big games for big boys and girls... Reviews of some of the games for the Xbox one.

38 • FEMINARUM •

FEMINARUM understands that games for the Xbox one are expensive so we got our hands on some copies and we got our resident gamers to play them and give us their reviews on three of the most popular ones.

The first was Assassins Creed IV Black Flag. This game has seen many variations and this is the latest.

This is what our mystery gamer had to say about it.

"Black flag is a pirate/assassin game were you drive boats and stop the Spanish and British.

When you start you are in the middle of a boat battle and there is a Assassin on the other boat and you crash on a island and you have to chase the Assassin and kill him.

Once you have killed him you get his gear and meet a Merchant that gives you his boat and drive you to his town. You meet the 3 Spanish Templars and they give you a pistol and hidden blades one of them

Is like a hunter and one of them is a leader and the last one is a assassin.

Once you have done al l the missions you get set up and you get imprison on a boat but you can free yourself with the help of an other pirate and you have to kill every body on the ship and you have to swim to the over ships

To free all the pirates you steal one of their boats. The storyline is even better if you are a fan of pirates.

So if you are an Assassins creed fan then this is the one for you. The characters and graphics are amazing and cool.

The only downside is that it's format is the same in all the games.

Look at some of the reviews online and in magazines of it and if you like it then buy it."

" The graphics and the game quality is superb. You feel as if you are really there as the game experience."

FEMINARUM • 39

Call of Duty is one of t h e m o s t p o p u l a r games and many of the high street stores sold out of this game in the run up to Christmas. Our reviewer is a big fan. They spent some time on Call of Duty.

"The game is hard in some areas and the g a m e r d i d g e t frustrated at some areas of the game. The characters are smarter and more powerful then in the past. The sneaking aspects were

a w e s o m e a n d t h e g r a p h i c s a r e v e r y lifelike."

Photos by Double 8

FEMINARUM

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