Spring Equinox

Spring Equinox

Spring Equinox falls today, on Friday 20th March 2020. It is a balance point at which both day and night last for exactly 12 hours each, all over the planet. In fact the Latin word Equinox actually means ‘equal night’.

Daylight Hours

Spring equinox marks the beginning of daylight increasing until the amount of daylight becomes longer in relation to the hours of night, culminating in Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year.

Vernal Equinox

Sometimes the phrase Vernal Equinox is used instead, taken from the Latin word vernare meaning to bloom. Many spring plants have a version of this in their name for example the sweet pea or Lathyrus vernus. Other flowers are also celebrated at this time of year, the daffodil for its bright yellow (sun like) flower head. The daisy or ‘day’s eye’ – closed tightly at night and open during the day, this flower has long been celebrated with Celtic tradition, the yellow centre associated with the sun and also the yolk of eggs first laid at this time of year.

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Friday 13th – Superstitions

Friday 13th

You have probably grown up knowing that Friday 13th is something to be worried about. Even if you do not consider yourself to be superstitious. You likely still associate Friday 13th with being an unlucky day.

What is interesting is that whilst Friday 13th might be one of the best known superstitions. The number 13 has only been considered unlucky since the middle ages. Taking it one step further and associating 13 with Friday only goes back to Victorian times.

There are thought to be 60 million people worldwide who find the thought of Friday 13th absolutely horrifying. The term for this fear is: Paraskevidekatriaphobia!

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Leap Year Proposal

Leap Year

Did you realise that 2020 is a Leap Year? Bringing with it a 29th day in February. It’s not just there to catch us out, and make you think “Am I actually going to get paid for going to work that day?”. It’s there to synchronise our calendar year with the astronomical period.

Calendar

The ancient Egyptians realised that the solar year and the calendar year did not match up. It actually takes the earth 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes and 46 seconds to travel round the sun. Over a period of centuries an extra day was added to the calendar, to make up the difference. The Gregorian calendar set in motion only having an extra day every 4th year. It was the Romans who designated the 29th February as ‘Leap Day’.

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Feel Better In 5

Feel Better In 5
Photo courtesy of Penguin Life Books

Did you do Veganuary (going vegan for January)? Or perhaps you tried Dry January (going alcohol free for the month)? Taking drastic action on the diet, drink or health front in short bursts has been growing in popularity. With many being able to make their will-power last the duration, knowing the fixed period will come to an end.

But, what do you do with your health for the rest of the year?

Well, Dr Rangan Chatterjee, has a new book out called Feel Better In 5 (Penguin Life). That just might be the answer…

You might know Dr Chatterjee from the BBC programme Doctor In The House and podcast Feel Better Live More. He recognises that making positive health, mind and body changes is incredibly difficult and that sticking with it, and maintaining the required will-power and motivation can be tough.

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Numerology: Character in Numbers

Numerology

Many things determine our personality; but it all starts with the day we were born. Numerology is a mathematical way of calculating our likely characteristics using the numbers connected to our birth day. If you were born on the 1st – 9th of the month, no calculating is needed. Otherwise add the numbers together, until you get a single digit. For example, a birthday on the 27th add 2 + 7 = 9 or if on the 29th add 2 + 9 =11, then 1+1 = 2.

Here’s a quick rundown of the Numerology Character Types:

Type 1

You are a positive person, and are great in a crisis. You have perseverance in abundance. You are a helper, wanting to guide others, especially if family and friends are going through difficult times. You can be stubborn, and often have an unusual viewpoint – make sure your opinion is welcomed before interjecting!

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Books for the Festive Season

Books
Photo coutesy of publishers: Seven Dials

For those that love to cook

One Pot Wonders – The Hairy Bikers

Even cooks that like to be in the kitchen want an easy meal to get on the table every now and again. This book provides plenty of inspiration, but with the added bonus of less prep/washing up – as all can be cooked in one pot!

For the vegetarian in your life

VEG – Jamie Oliver

This book is not just for vegetarians, but will certainly help them and vegans make interesting meals. But also, for those looking for ways of boosting their 5-a day habit.

For the one who loves a good romance

A Wedding in December – Sarah Morgan

With an Aspen setting, and wedding day looming – is all well in the world, or does it seem that everyone is hiding a secret? Maybe it’s time to get everything out in the open…

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Christmas Movie Night!

Christmas Movie Night

I don’t know about you, but I always enjoy a trip to the movies during the festive season. In the United States Christmas Day is the busiest day of the year for cinemas. Unfortunately, you are unlikely to find a movie theatre open here! However, we make up for it on Boxing Day, when many flock to the cinema to see the latest blockbusters. Here’s a few films you might enjoy for your Christmas Movie Night.

Two Christmas Movies

Cats – 20th Dec

It’s the time of year, when the cats gather, as the Jellicle Ball approaches! The big decision – who will ascend to the Heaviside Layer, coming back to a new life in the process!

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Gift Cards – What you need to know!

Gift Card

Gift Cards can make a great present, they can be bought in small or large denominations, depending on who the present is for. They allow the recipient to choose something they will love.

However, there is no doubt that the retail landscape is changing, and with Brexit raging on, this doesn’t look like it will alter any time soon. Many businesses go bust in the first few months of the year, if they have not made enough money during the Christmas period.

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Last Christmas

Last Christmas - Universal Pictures
Film Poster courtesy of Universal Pictures

Last Christmas? I know what you are thinking, it’s only November? So, why am I talking about a Christmas film? Well, this movie does have a Christmas back-drop, but really it is a fun-loving, light-hearted British rom-com, that just happens to be out in UK cinemas from the 15th November 2019.

The Cast

Emma Thompson features in the film, but she is also one of the writers. In fact, the film was inspired by a George Michael song ‘Last Christmas’. George Michael was involved in the early stages of the film, but sadly he passed away before the project really got off the ground.

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Ageing Well – Mid-life Health Crisis Averted!

Ageing

It is easy to fall into the mind-set that ‘there is nothing good about getting old’, but in reality, ageing doesn’t have to be a horrible experience. It can be liberating!

Ageing

Ageing, brings with it wisdom and life-experience. Hopefully you no longer fret about the things you used too, and now have a sense of confidence in who you are, and what you want to get out of life…

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