Jasmine's Place - Issue No. 8 by Jasmine's Place

Reaching Outwards, Reaching Upwards

FREE

Inspiring Stories & Features for Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Woman!

Faith. Style. Beauty. Business. Interior Decoration. Healthy Food + More! ISSUE NO. 8 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013

JASMINE'S PLACE

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no one like Him, He gives me courage, stills my fears.

JASMINE'S PLACE

♥ A huge thanks to all the writers, readers, sharers and ♥ advisers, encouragers who have ♥ contributed to Jasmine’s Place. ♥ ♥ Thank you very much!

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

JASMINE'S PLACE

Welcome!

It’s so great to welcome you to the 8th issue of Jasmine’s Place! This is a bumper issue packed full of inspiring features, practical advice, great style, pretty interior decoration tips, gift ideas, some very good news, a treat for 6 and more! All relevant for and wrapped in extra-special love for today’s woman! A huge thanks to all the amazing contributors for their contributions and for also providing valuable design feedback as this issue developed. This is our last issue for this year, and it has been specially produced to inspire on many different levels. If you have any feedback, just send an e-mail to the editor at jmagazine33@gmail.com It would be great to hear from you! Design and Editing: Puaichie Badejo Contributors: Diane Dean White, Teresa Ortiz, Julie Arduini, Oluyinka Owolabi, CAP UK, Mike Darracott, Matilda Morton, Rachel Hall-Smith, Aloted Omoba, Rebecca Reed, Ssuzanne, Lori Dixon, Created, Debra Bee, Marijo Phelps and Puaichie Badejo JASMINE'S Inspirational posters (text): Pam Ford Davis and Puaichie Badejo Proof reading, content and design advice: Abi Otunba-Bada (Apex Education (UK) Ltd)

PLACE

Contents NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2013

Inspirational 8 Angel at Midnight Midnight. Smoke from a gas oven. An old house. Young children. A disaster or a recipe for divine intervention?

Style & Beauty 18 African Elegance Beautiful traditional, rich, seamless elegance comes to town!

26 When You Forget Your Best Friend's Name. Funny, loving, forgiving. A best friend indeed?

28 How To take Care of Your Feet Great tips for pretty feet!

Healthy Eating 14 Oat Raisin Cookies Oats and Raisins in a delicious recipe. Healthy and serves 6!

14 30 Mary's Story The story that changed the world. 48 Bungeee Run She ran, but could she outrun Him? 54 Now For My Future Pressing into promises and possibilitiesâ&#x20AC;Ś now. JASMINE'S PLACE

Features 12 For the Long Term An interview with Teresa Ortiz, founder of Stonebridge Publications and a veteran of 28 years in business.

24 There’s always Good News at CAP! Success stories from an award winning debt relief charity.

12 42 GiveaSmile! A fund raising music charity raising money for needy children around the world. 38 The Most Wonderful Time of the Year Great ideas for creating an inviting home at Christmas.

44 Stay Safe… Highlighting the risks of alcohol abuse and alcoholism o women.

Flowers for Mama

34 Reinvent Yourself A challenge to mothers - to discover, develop and excel in their gifts.

56 Can He Take Care Of You? The witness from flowers.

Community

50 Gifts That Won’t Cost The Earth Fairtrade products and handcrafted items from Created.

All information in this publication is accurate at the time of publication. While we do endeavour to make sure that all published information is correct, we cannot be held liable for mistakes or omissions. The inclusion of articles etc. does not necessarily indicate that the editor is in agreement or sympathy with what is written. Clients submitting content to us for publication are confirming that they have a legal right to do so, and agree to neither knowingly or unknowingly submit content they have no right to publish. The client accepts that he/she is responsible for ensuring they have publication rights of use for all material provided, and agree to indemnify any losses incurred to us , the publisher using content supplied by them. This also applies to where articles etc. have been sourced by us. We acknowledge that any logos, photographs, images and trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.

JASMINE'S PLACE

INSPIRATIONAL

Angel At Midnight Diane Dean White

Midnight. An old house that could easily go up in flames. Smoke from a gas oven. Young children. A disaster or a recipe for divine intervention?

JASMINE'S PLACE

One year while waiting to move into our own home, we rented an older house in town. It had spacious rooms, with our bedroom at the front of the house and the children's near the kitchen at the back.

daughter spotted the cookies and gave us a bright grin. You could tell they were Mother and daughter, they looked alike - same blonde hair and same smile.

As many older homes have, this one had a large upstairs that had been converted into a small studio apartment, and was vacant.

I introduced myself and my daughter and we talked about the area for a few minutes. Before we left, our daughter Mandy, volunteered to watch the little girl if her Mother ever needed a baby sitter.

With the coming of Thanksgiving I was busy with preparations for the children and their activities. I hadn't noticed the young mother and her little girl until after they had moved in upstairs. I immediately placed some cookies on a plate and with our eighth grade daughter, took the side stairway to greet our new neighbors. A young woman in her middle twenties stood in the doorway, and stepped back to ask us in. Her young

A few days before Thanksgiving, I realized how much I missed our own stove and oven, which was packed away while we were renting. I made a mental note to clean the oven before baking my pies. It was a gas stove, and although I liked cooking over gas, I'd always had an electric stove before. We were planning on grandparents, aunts, uncles and other family members to come and share the day. I also sent a note to our new neighbor, in the apartment upstairs, and invited them to join us.

JASMINE'S PLACE

Around midnight, we woke up to someone banging at the side door. We grabbed our bathrobes, and realized there was smoke all over the place. She stopped by later and thanked me, but said they would be going home that afternoon to visit her family for the holiday. That evening I remembered the oven and asked my husband if he would spray the cleaner inside and lay papers under it. He took care of it while I got busy myself with other things, then we went to bed.

Around midnight, we woke up to someone banging at the side door. We grabbed our bathrobes, and realized there was smoke all over the place. My husband ran to the children's rooms and I went to the door. There stood our new neighbor and her little girl. They had just arrived home, and she smelled smoke and called the fire department. Within minutes , they arrived. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d gathered the children

onto the enclosed frontporch, wrapped in blankets, far away from the kitchen area. Immediately the firemen realized where the smoke had started and what had happened. As I rushed to have a clean oven, I forgot paper to catch the grease doesn't go under a gas oven. Although it had taken a few hours, it caught on fire and the smoke had spread around the house. We felt awful. The damage was minimal, but most important was our three children whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d been sleeping were safe. After airing the house out, with the help of our friendly fire department, we went back to bed, thankful everyone was okay. Thanksgiving came, we enjoyed the day and were truly grateful for the Lord's protection and for a kind neighbor upstairs.

JASMINE'S PLACE

I contacted the landlord, but he didn't know anything about them. It seemed incredible... Was she an angel? As we looked forward to the Christmas holiday, I watched out for our neighbor and her little girl. I had a special gift for each of them. But I hadn't seen them again after that fateful night. So I went up to their flat and peeked in through the window. The place was empty, as if nobody had even been there. I contacted the landlord, but he didn't know anything about them. It seemed incredible; I wanted to thank them again. The more I thought about it, I remembered she had said they wouldn’t be home and would be out of town that night. Why had they come back, and where had they gone? I realized their short stay had possibly saved us all in an old house that could have gone up in flames so quickly. A Thanksgiving Day doesn't go by that I don’t think of the young mother and her entrance and exit. I know God brings many people into our lives for various reasons.

Was she an angel? Perhaps. Each Thanksgiving I continue to remember an old house with young children, and that unforgettable night. I especially give thanks for the messengers He sent, allowing us to celebrate many more Thanksgiving Days together… a special blessing from Him. “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing, some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it." Hebrews 13: 2 NIV Copyright, Diane Dean White 2001 and 2013 Diane is the author of over three-hundred short stories, and her book On a Summer Night was released in October and is available on Amazon. Visit Diane on her website at www.DianeDeanWhite.com. She loves to make new friends, send her a friend request on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/diane.d.white. 75?ref=tn_tnmn

JASMINE'S PLACE

FEATURE

For The Long Term

Teresa Ortiz

Having 28 years of experience in the business market, Teresa is the founder of Stonebridge Publications. We caught up with her recentlyâ&#x20AC;Ś Why did you decide to work in publishing?

Was it a difficult decision to start a publishing company?

My heart has always been to promote people and share with as many people as possible the encouraging words I hear from others. God made it clear that publishing was His plan through a series of events. First, I was a Bible study teacher, then a writer. Through writing, He connected me with a writer who started a publishing company.

The decision was not difficult. The trusting, however was a big step. When we are called to a task, we must believe that God will provide, while praying through the details and putting faith into action.

It was the perfect fit. As that season ended, it was clear that God wanted me to establish a company of my own with a new team who believed in the mission and ministry of Stonebridge Publications.

Is your background in publishing? Actually, my background is in business finance, administration, and public relations. Having worked in corporations of various sizes, I gained the knowledge to effectively manage a business and work with the public. Combined with my love for reading, writing, and serving others, it is JASMINE'S PLACE

evident that this was God's intent all along. You’ve written two books - please briefly tell us about one of them. Acts of Life is a series of true to life events - both humorous and painful. Combined with a scripture, it gives a life application to God's word.

It begins with humorous stories and gradually turns to serious matters of the heart. It ends with devotionals straight from the scriptures giving the gospel message in a relevant and non-threatening manner. Please outline to us your convictions about the written word. I believe the written word has a more lasting effect than the spoken word because it can be read again and again, reinforcing ideas and thoughts, allowing time to develop new perspectives. What sort of books does your company publish? Family- friendly fiction works in all genres, Bible studies/devotionals, and biographies. Why do you publish Bible studies? I believe the Bible to be the inerrant word of God and is to be applied in every aspect of a believer’s life.

Why are these categories of books important for the world we live in today? Everyone needs hope, a healthy dose of laughter, and a message that both cuts and heals the soul that needs Christ.

What’s your favourite time of the year and why? Fall - the sun shines, yet the air is crisp and fresh. The array of colors of fallen leaves speak loudest to the changing seasons - both physically and spiritually. What’s your favourite colour? Black - I know, most people think that is weird. I love it because it's strong and bold, and nothing or no one but God can shake its nature. Reminds me a bit of myself. What’s your favourite dessert? Banana Cream Pie. I love bananas, pudding, and whip cream and having them all together is divine :-) Thank you, it’s been a pleasure interviewing you! For further details, visit www.stonebridgepublications.com

It's doctrinal truths are nonnegotiable. Sharing the truth in love is the basis for everything I do. JASMINE'S PLACE

HEALTHY HEALTHYFOOD FOOD

Oats & Raisin Cookies Ingredients 55g raisins 2 drops vanilla essence 60g unsalted butter 2 tbsp spoon of runny honey 1 small beaten egg 55g caster sugar 55g wholemeal flour 1tsp baking powder 85g porridge oats

Method Preheat oven to 200 c – 400 f – gas mark 6 Grease and dust with flour a baking tray Next into a large bowl or electric mixer, place the butter and sugar, and cream together, and then add in the honey, and then add your egg, and vanilla essence. Now mix in slowly the flour, baking powder, oats, and your raisins. Next divide up the dough into 12 equal amounts and place each amount onto the baking tray using a spoon, allowing a good space between each for them to spread. Bake for 12 – 1 minute’s or until golden brown. Serves 6 - 2 cookies each

JASMINE'S PLACE

14 14

Enjoy! Chef Mike Darracott http://www.chefmikedarracott.com JASMINE'S PLACE

15 15

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no one like Him, He helps me win, gives me success.

JASMINE'S PLACE

STYLE

JASMINE'S PLACE

18 18

African Elegance Traditional but urban, textured but seamless, rich but uncluttered. Oluyinka Owolabi shows us how to put it all together.

JASMINE'S PLACE

19 19

Beautiful lace and organza outfit flecked with gold accents is accessorised with gold unique earrings, beaded bracelet and tan shoes. Burnished gold and brown head tie completes the look.

JASMINE'S PLACE

Yes you can pair a traditional head tie with a western outfit as Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done in the picture below.

This skirt to the right is actually a wrap around. Perfect for giving just the right fit. Traditional skirts are usually a bit longer, but this is also a good length. Silver accessories highlight tones in the head tie and skirt. Well cut high heeled shoes finish the look. JASMINE'S PLACE

Colours on opposite sides of the spectrum work well together. It just takes getting the balance right.

JASMINE'S PLACE

Here you’ll see a silver and black blouse and black wraparoundskirt, topped with a yellow/green and orange head tie. It works – quiet tones on the main body and then a flare of colour (easy does it not too vibrant) on the head tie. Choose earrings that catch the light but retain the focus on the head tie. Accent the head tie with a simple ring and beads, go easy on your make-up and then sit pretty. 

Oluyinka Owolabi is married to her sweetheart and they have 3 beautiful children. She is a qualified accountant and while not solving accounting problems for her high profile company, can be found making cakes for family celebrations and customers’ orders. In collaboration with her husband, she co-owns DYNKreations and Divine Inspirations Production. Find out more at www.dynkfilms.com and www.facebook.com/dynkreations JASMINE'S PLACE

COMMUNITY We fell into debt when Steve became ill and had to leave work. He took out a loan against the house but didn’t tell me. When the house was repossessed, I blamed him. I tried to make one meal a day so the boys had something good to eat. Steve and I often didn't eat. We’d not long joined CAP when we received a Christmas hamper. It made me cry; I didn't feel we deserved it! We both became Christians on a CAP break, and we got baptised shortly after. The best thing about CAP is that it brought Steve and I back together.

Sue and Steve

There’s Always Good Katrina

homeless unit. I borrowed money from a doorstep lender, but things spiralled out of control. With no money I lived on a diet of rice. After CAP stepped in, the lender stopped harassing me and I started to breathe again. Members from the local church brought me food parcels and I saw hope again. I’d been angry with God for a long time; I felt He’d left me.

My marriage of 15 years went dramatically downhill due to drug abuse so I left and ended up in a

Whilst on a CAP break, I realised this wasn’t true and I asked Jesus to be part of my life . Now I am debt free, it’s like a new beginning. JASMINE'S PLACE

When I lost my job, I was confident that I would find employment again. I never dreamt that I could end up in debt. Things got so bad and I considered suicide. After hearing about CAP, it took me 48 hours to muster up the courage to call; I felt so ashamed and embarrassed.

Mervyn

Brian got all of my paperwork, took it and sent it away to CAPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s head office. It was such a fantastic feeling to know someone was taking the burden off me. CAP changed my life. They stood by me all the way. After four years I am debt free and back at work.

News At CAP! Success stories from an award winning debt-relief charity

About CAP Christians Against Poverty is a debt counselling charity determined to reduce poverty in the UK caused by debt. It partners its financial expertise with the care of the local church to offer free debt help and a solution to people regardless of age, gender, faith or background. The charity has 233 centres in UK and runs free budgeting courses through over 1,200 churches. For more about CAP, visit www.capuk.org For CAPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s free debt counselling, visit www.capdebthelp.org or call 0800 328 0006 JASMINE'S PLACE

INSPIRATIONAL

Julie Arduini’s best friend is full of love, funny, gets her, even when she messes up. Isn’t that what we all want in a best friend?

JASMINE'S PLACE

26 26

We have a daughter who at the time was counting the days until she was five. This child made a "best friend" at VBS, Vacation Bible School, that week. The teacher (the child's mother) reported that her child and mine were inseparable. They did everything together, right down to holding hands on their way to the activities. What a great thing to hear! On the way to the car I asked my child, "What's your best friend's name?"

unapproachable, quite the opposite. He’s full of love, and funny. He gets me, and wants to see myself as I really am, not what I think I am. Yet I don't just forget His name, I often forget Him.

I run ahead starting my day and I never look back. I make decisions without talking to my best friend. I don't keep in touch. I don't read His letters or listen to His Words. An hour becomes a day. A day turns into a week. A week melts into a month. Then some crisis hits and I remember. I have a best friend.

She shrugged. "I forget." Seems odd to forget a best friend's name, isn't it? But I'm guilty of the very same thing. Jesus Christ is my best friend. I can talk to Him anytime, about anything. My thoughts. Sins. Worries. Good news. Things that break my heart. My relationships. Ministry. Current events. It’s limitless. When I mess up, He forgives me and we’re right back where we were before I goofed up. He’s not rigid and

And I forgot His name. It’s important to remember Him, spend time and communicate with Him, every day. Do you know your best friend's name? When was the last time you two spent time together?

Julie Arduini is a writer and speaker who encourages audiences to find freedom through surrender. She knows it has to start with her, so she’s surrendering the good, the bad, and--maybe one day---the chocolate. She blogs for Christians Read, is a regular contributor to Jasmine’s Place, and is working on her second Adirondack based contemporary romance,Untangled. Learn more at http://juliearduini.com.

JASMINE'S PLACE

27 27

BEAUTY

How To Take Care Of Your Feet Matilda Morton provides some great tips for beautiful feet!

Make sure you wash your feet daily. It's important to wash your feet daily as they get exposed to lots of dust and dirt by the end of each day. Lather up with soap and pay extra attention to the space between your toes, wipe the feet gently with a towel afterwards. JASMINE'S PLACE

Moisturise your feet everyday. Put lotion or foot cream on as part of your daily routine TIPS!! Rub on foot cream or petroleum jelly on the feet and slip on socks before bed. This will give you soft and moisturised feet and free from dryness. Pedicure every two weeks

Regular pedicure will make a difference in keeping your feet soft and free from dry and rough skin, here are 4 steps to do your own pedicure at home. Wear comfortable shoes • •

•

soak your feet in lukewarm soapy water for 5-10 min exfoliate your feet with foot scrub to slough off dry and dead skin and to moisturise your feet as well cut your toenails straight across as oppose to a curved shape to prevent ingrown toenails from occurring cuticles needs a bit of TLC, apply cuticle oil/cream to your toenails to soften the hardened edges and push back with a orange stick to create an open area ready for polish Your toe nails are now ready to be polished.

Wearing the wrong shoes can affect many aspects of foot health. Shoes that fit too tightly can cause hammer toe, corns, ingrown toenails and overly large shoes prevents your heel settling in the proper place as you walk. Keep your feet looking beautiful. Till next time! Matilda is a retail manager and trained beautician. Her mobile beautician service covers Luton and Dunstable, in sunny England, but she won’t say no to overseas clients if the consult includes a limo pick-up and a 5-Star hotel board. 

Contact: 07976924583 or amazing.beauty1@hotmail.com.

JASMINE'S PLACE

MARY’S STORY Rachel Hall-Smith

JASMINE'S PLACE

A perfect, oh so beautiful little boy for me to nurture. He’s in God’s plan and purpose and He’s going to have a mighty impact on us all. It’s a good job that pregnancy lasts nine months! I needed that time to adjust to the fact that I was incubating God’s own son. And I was to be a Mum, before I’d become a wife! My lovely fiancé Joseph was devastated when I first told him my news, but God’s angel visited him too and explained the circumstances of His conception. And I couldn’t have done all this without Joseph. He’s cared for me, protected me from all the gossip. I knew that having the God-Child was never going to be a piece of cake, but now that I hold this precious bundle in my arms, all the anxiety and pain has given way to ecstasy and wonder. A perfect, oh so beautiful little boy for me to nurture. He’s in God’s plan and purpose and He’s going to have a mighty impact on us all.

Image: http://freebibleimages.org/

Further stories can be found at www.rachelhallsmith.co.uk © Rachel HallSmith used under a Creative Commons Attribution – Non Commercial – Non Derivs 3.0 Unported License. Creativecommons.org/licenses/by – nc – nd/3.0/

JASMINE'S PLACE

There’s no one like Him, He’s the song of my life. JASMINE'S PLACE

FLOWERS FOR MAMA

A challenge to mothers - to discover, develop and excel in your gifts. Yes, YOU are gifted!

By Aloted Omoba

JASMINE'S PLACE

34 34

Since becoming a mother have you suddenly given up on your dreams. Have you stopped using your Godgiven talents? Do you even know what your gifts are anymore?

would open doors of opportunity for us.

Yes, it is a great privilege being a mum, but you need to be able to enjoy your role as a mum without losing yourself in the process.

It is one thing to discover your gift, it is another thing to develop it, and and excel in it.

This way you are not resentful or unhappy. Instead you are happier, empowered and fulfilled as a woman, wife & mum. No one on earth is gifted more than another, only that some people have learnt how to develop their gift. It is these people who shine and live fulfilled lives. Proverbs 18:16 says "A (wo)manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gift makes room for her, and brings her before great men". (Paraphrased)

Proverbs 22:29 also says "Do you see a (wo)man who excels in her work? She will stand before kings; She will not stand before unknown men." (Paraphrased) Those two verses are full of wisdom. Ok, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s take the first verse. It tells us we all have gifts and we have to discover what those gifts are, if we haven't already, because this is what

Second verse tells us we have to develop our gifts!

When you do this, people will talk about you, you will be the answer to someone's problem, not just someone but a GREAT person. They will look for you; you don't have to go looking for them. You have to be so good at your gift so much so that when someone thinks of whom to call for help in the area of your gift - your name comes to mind.

Do you see a (wo)man who excels in her work? She will stand before kings; She will not stand before unknown men." JASMINE'S PLACE

35 35

Obviously it takes time to get to that level where you known. A lot of us give up even before we begin. The initial stage, which could be termed as the “silent years”, would involve you doing some research, developing, learning and reinventing your gift. A good friend was telling me the other day that she has been reading and researching a lot and not doing much in the area of her gift. She felt she was wasting time. I encouraged her and told her she was not wasting time. She is simply in the process of developing and building herself! Have you ever heard of the 10, 000 hour rule? Malcolm Gladwell mentioned this rule in his book Outliers: The Story of Success. The rule says: that in order for an individual to master any complex skill, be it brain surgery or playing the cello, he/she must put in 10,000 hours of focused practice. For instance, it would take 10 years of practicing 3 hours a day to become a master in your subject. It would take approximately 5 years of full-time employment to become proficient in your field. So this shows that anyone you see today who is successful, didn’t suddenly get there. It took time of practice and persistence. The more hours you put in working on your gift. every day, the better you will be

at it. Like they say "practice makes perfect".

The rule says: that in order for an individual to master any complex skill, be it brain surgery or playing the cello, he/she must put in 10,000 hours of focused practice. For instance, it would take 10 years of practicing 3 hours a day to become a master in your subject. It would take approximately 5 years of full-time employment to become proficient in your field. JASMINE'S PLACE

Like they say "practice makes perfect". An aside note to us as parents, once you discover your children's gift or what they are good at, lock into it and encourage them to start working on it immediately. That way by the time they are older they would have master it and excel in it. Now back to you mums, what do you enjoy doing? What are you passionate about? Ask God to show you if you can't see it. Ask your family and friends to tell you what you are good at. Once you have figured it out, start developing that gift. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let being a mum stop you from polishing your gift. Stop putting yourself last. Yes, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easier said than done, but one day your children would leave home and what would you have left? It is high time you went back to the drawing board to learn, research, develop and reinvent your gift(s). No more excuses.

Aloted Omoba (pseudonym) lives in Essex with her husband and two children. She is passionate about God and women. She is the founder of Super Working Mum where she helps Christian working mums achieve a better-managed and fulfilled life both at work and at home. She has recently launched a membership site called Faith, Family & Financial Freedom Inner Circle for Christian working mums where they can network, develop & improve themselves. For more information go to www.superworkingmum.com

SL ReF U O

Fear may want to stop you from realising your dream but remember God has not given you the spirit of fear but of Power and Love and Sound Mind.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. ~ James 1:17 (NIV)

Dear Mum, it is time to step out of your comfort zone and reinvent yourself.

JASMINE'S PLACE

FEATURE

The Most Wonderful Time ideas for creating an inviting home Of The Year Great at Christmas from Rebecca Reed! "It's the most wonderful time of the year. With the kids jingle belling and everyone telling you 'Be of good cheer.' It's the haphappiest season of all. With those holiday greetings and gay happy meetings when friends come to call. It's the haphappiest season of all..." Andy William's classic holiday song will now be stuck in your head for the next week {sorry}, but he pretty much sums up why Christmas is easily my favorite holiday season. Not only do I love all the festivities that the holiday brings, but it is another excuse for me to decorate!

Soft twinkling lights, the scent of a decorated evergreen, and warm crackling fires... yes please!

Blow-up Santas on a motor- cycle displayed in your front yard, tinsel flung about without caution and so many outdoor lights that Clark Griswold would be proud... let's talk. There are definite do's and dont's when decorating for the holiday to keep you on the right track. If you throw up every light you own and display every lawn ornament you have, it would look tacky, I say. But if your goal is to create a beautiful inviting home for your friends and family, then read on. JASMINE'S PLACE

Lighten Up! Definitely put up the lights! Put them outside and put them inside, but when putting them up, stick with either white lights or colored lights... except on the tree. This is my one exception where I feel it's okay to add both if you want. In our house, we put both white and color strands on the tree and white lights everywhere else.

Adding white and colored lights to your tree brings an elements of surprise and interest to your dĂŠcor

Group Together Find like items and group them together in beautiful vignettes. Creating simple groupings around the house will make more of an impact and not overwhelm the space A collection of antique wooden spools is grouped together on the mantle to create a warm display. JASMINE'S PLACE

Keep it Simple The old adage, "less is more" applies to Christmas decorating for sure. It isn't necessary to display everything you own. Keep it fresh by selecting from the things youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve acquired over the years, recombining the old and the new.

Color Coordinate Your holiday decor doesn't necessarily have to coordinate with your home's decor. Find a color palette that you like and stick with it. As long as there is a unifying theme throughout the space, things will come together.

A simple collection of vintage white milk glass dishware looks great on display and makes a pretty back- drop for the bulbs to be displayed.

Using the same colors, berries or ribbon through out your home with help bring things together. JASMINE'S PLACE

Be Sappy! Remember to keep the sentiment of the season at the core of your holiday decor. I am both sentimental and nostalgic and it is reflected in my decorating. Use things that remind you of something from your childhood... if you love it use it!

Rebecca Reed is the owner and principle designer at Grace Interiors & Design Co. a full service residential interior design company that works with individual clientele, architects and builders. Her mission is to provide her clients with an exceptional design that unites beauty, proportion, style and quality. Connect with her at: Facebook: Grace Interiors & Design Co. Twitter: @graceinteriors1 Pinterest: graceinteriors1 Instagram: graceinteriors

JASMINE'S PLACE

COMMUNITY

GiveaSmile! A fund raising music charity raising money for needy children around the world.

JASMINE'S PLACE

42 42

Since it started in October 2012, it has raised money for Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), Save the children's charity for children in Syria, the NSPCC.

A smile is a smile in any language. As we all know, smiles can be very rare in places and situations where people are in dire need. Ssuzane, a gospel artist who loves God. believes we can all do something to change the world around us and that's why she decided to share a smile with people in need, by raising money for them through her charity "GiveaSmile" in "Giveasmile" events 6 times a year. As she’s a gospel artist, Giveasmile is a music fundraising event. Since it started in October 2012, it has raised money for Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), Save the children's charity for children in Syria, the NSPCC. The event also includes a special Face of Gold night that recognises people that have been through tough times.

Hiding Place by Ssuzanne 1: I must tell everybody about the wonders of your love Because its so amazing Your love is never ending, it's the secret of your grace It keeps me safe Chorus: It's my hiding place Resting place Sweet embrace 2. When I think about your goodness and all the wonders of your name I know my life can not be the same Cause your name is a mighty tower Any time I run to you, you are there for me (Chorus) Refrain : Now I'm an opportunist of your grace, I keep running back into your grace.

It must take a lot of effort to organise these events. Work well done for a worthy cause indeed.

This is her one of her songs "Hiding Place”.

Listen to “Hiding Place” and find out more about Ssuzanne at http://www.ssuzanesmusic.com JASMINE'S PLACE

43 43

COMMUNITY

Stay Safe…

People tend to drink more during the holidays. With Christmas on the horizon, we thought we’d take a minute or two to highlight the risks of alcohol abuse, especially to women.

Highlighting the risks of alcohol abuse to women. This article has been produced with permission from information culled from the National Institutes of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. .

Risks of Alcohol Abuse: Drinking and driving: It doesn’t take much alcohol to impair a person’s ability to drive. The chances of being killed in a single-vehicle crash are increased at a blood alcohol level that a 140-lb. woman would reach after having one drink on an empty stomach. Medication interactions: Alcohol can interact with a wide variety of medicines, both prescription and over-the-counter. Alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of some medications, and it can combine with other medications to cause or increase side effects. Alcohol can interact with medicines used to treat conditions as varied as heart and blood vessel disease, digestive problems, and diabetes. In particular, alcohol can increase the sedative effects of any medication that causes drowsiness, including cough and cold medicines and drugs

for anxiety and depression. When taking any medication, read package labels and warnings carefully. Breast cancer: Research suggests that as little as one drink per day can slightly raise the risk of breast cancer in some women, especially those who are postmenopausal or have a family history of breast cancer. It is not possible, however, to predict how alcohol will affect the risk for breast cancer in any one woman JASMINE'S PLACE

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome:

of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism:

Drinking by a pregnant woman can harm her unborn baby, and may result in a set of birth defects called fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).

Alcoholic liver disease: Women are more likely than men to develop alcoholic hepatitis (liver inflammation) and to die from cirrhosis. Brain disease: Most alcoholics have some loss of mental function, reduced brain size, and changes in the function of brain cells. Research suggests that women are more vulnerable than men to alcoholinduced brain damage. Cancer: In addition to breast cancer, . Alcohol is linked to cancers of the digestive track and of the head and neck (the risk is especially high in smokers who also drink heavily). Heart disease: Chronic heavy drinking is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease. Among heavy drinkers, women are more susceptible to alcohol-related heart disease, even though women drink less alcohol over a lifetime than men. Finally, many alcoholics smoke; smoking in itself can cause serious long-term health consequences. Stay safeâ&#x20AC;Ś

FAS is the most common known preventable cause of mental impairment. Babies with FAS have distinctive changes in their facial features and they may be born small. It can cause a range of developmental, cognitive, and behavioural problems, which can appear at any time during childhood and last a lifetime. The brain damage that occurs with FAS can result in lifelong problems with learning, memory, attention, and problem solving. These alcoholrelated changes in the brain may be present even in babies whose appearance and growth are not affected.

Becoming Alcohol Dependent: Another risk of drinking is that a woman may at some point abuse alcohol or become alcoholic (alcohol dependent). Drinking four or more drinks on any given day OR drinking eight or more drinks in a typical week increases a womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s risk of developing alcohol abuse or dependence.

Culled with permission from: http://www.niaaa.nih.gov http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochurewomen/wom en.htm#drinking http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochurewomen/wom en.htm#drinking http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/womensfact/womensf act.htm http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/FASDFactsheet/FASDf act.htm http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/research/niaaa-researchhighlights/scientists-rethink-alcoholbreast-cancer-relationship

The following are the health effects JASMINE'S PLACE

JASMINE'S PLACE

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no one like Him, He always answers when I call.

JASMINE'S PLACE

INSPIRATIONAL

BUNGEE She ran, but she could feel the strength of His pull. Could she outrun Him?

As I leaned forward to switch off the stereo, the van crossed over the center line just enough to startle me. Navigating through bitter, angry tears, I slowly meandered my way to work. "I don't want to be fettered or tethered or whatever that word was," I said, crying out to the one I was desperately trying to avoid. "Can't you just leave me alone?" The song was turned off, but the words still hung in my head, beckoning to be addressed: 'O to grace how great a debtor Daily I'm constrained to be! Let that grace now like a fetter, Bind my wandering heart to Thee. Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love; Here's my heart, O take and seal it,

Seal it for Thy courts above.â&#x20AC;&#x2DC; At this point in my life, it wasn't so much about wandering as it was a flat-out-full-on run. I did not want to be bound or tied to a God who allowed so much hurt and disappointment. I wanted to be free. To be free to do whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. My mother had served God her whole life and was now wasting away from Alzheimer's. I had no use for Him. For months I had been avoiding church and most of my Christian friends. God and I were in a tug-ofwar and I didn't need anyone else pulling on His side. I began to hang out more and more with the girls at work who sympathized with my predicament and soothed JASMINE'S PLACE

RUN By Lori Dixon

me with their non-confrontational attitudes. But now that song was pounding on my head and heart, demanding to be played again. To be considered. Gravel sprayed up as I pulled off the side of the road. Putting the car in park, I rubbed my throbbing hands together, suddenly aware of the death grip I must have had on the steering wheel for the last few miles. I switched on the car stereo… Once again it was the third verse that got to me. It made so much sense. As I mulled over the word, 'fetter', I pictured my daughters at the school fair only a few weeks previous. There was an inflatable bungee run that had belts which were tied around the girls' waists. They would run as fast as they could towards the end of the bouncy lane but just when they would almost reach the finish line, the springy tether would pull on them and they would go flying backwards to where they started.

God and I were in a tug-of-war and I didn't need anyone else on His side. God had a bungee cord around me. I could sense it. The faster I ran, the more tension I could feel and the harder I would fall. He was not letting go. Turning the sound up to a near deafening level, I put the song on repeat and let the words wash over me again and again. Who was I kidding? My wandering heart was fettered, and I did love Him. Finally surrendered, my shoulders dropped as my hands raised . . . "Here's my heart, Lord, Take and seal it, seal it for thy courts above.“ Author's note: This is a true story. I no longer have my mother, but I still have my Lord … and the CD. Copyright Lori Dixon Wife, mother & servant of Christ www.LovingKindnessMinistries.ca Lori@LovingKindnessMinistries.ca Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com <a href="http://www.faithwriters.com">CHRISTIAN WRITER</a>

JASMINE'S PLACE

COMMUNITY

Gifts That Wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Cost The Earth

Fairtrade products and handcrafted items from Created

Heathlands Bracelet (Set of 5)

Autumn Leaves Earrings

Terracotta Leaf Tealights (set of 3)

JASMINE'S PLACE

Floral Scarf

Elephant Puzzle

Bangles Photoframe

Tiger Bangle Ripple Vase

JASMINE'S PLACE

Gardenerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gift Set

Baby Calm and Relive Gift Set

Vibrant Handbag Set

Bicycle Bookends (Pair) Nose Glasses Holder

JASMINE'S PLACE

Green Symbols Bag Chain

Bodycare Gift Set

Chocolate Block Coasters

Bicycle Chain Lock

Teal Necklace

Visit www.createdgifts.org for these and other great gifts!

JASMINE'S PLACE

INSPIRATIONAL

Now For My Future Pressing forward into possibilities and promisesâ&#x20AC;Ś now By DebraBee

JASMINE'S PLACE

Each time I feel discouraged, I feel a steel rod being placed within me â&#x20AC;Ś added strength for my weak condition. Denial is not truth so I take in the details of what is before me. As I look at the now, trust grows my heart for the future. I lean on strength to keep praying into possibilities and promises. 2Cor. 4:18 (CEV) Things that are seen don't last forever, but things that are not seen are eternal. That's why we keep our minds on the things that cannot be seen.

I love to encourage the heart of people to be who they are meant to be in Christ, individually made and uniquely designed. www.debrabee.org Email: debrabee@debrabee.org .

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com <a href="http://www.faithwriters.com">CHRISTIAN WRITER</a> Article URL: http://articles.faithwriters.com/reprint-articledetails.php?id=20351

JASMINE'S PLACE

FEATURE

Hydrangae

Carolina Jasmine

Tulip

Hibiscus

JASMINE'S PLACE

Chrysanthemum Dahlia

Poppy

If He can beautify the flowers, who are here today and gone tomorrow, He can take care of you.

Violas and Pansies

Poppy, Violas and Pansies taken by Marijo Phelps http://myincrediblelord.blogspot.com/

JASMINE'S PLACE

There’s no one like Him, He’s the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. JASMINE'S PLACE

Next Issue More inspiring features for today’s woman! To be notified when it’s ready, you can • Like us on facebook: www.facebook.com/jasminesplaceextra • Follow us on twitter: www.twitter.com/jasminesplacex • Subscribe at www.issuu.com/jasminesplace or • Send an e-mail titled “subscribe” to jmagazine33@gmail.com Jasmine's Place - Wrapped in extra-special love for today’s woman! Thanks for reading and see you soon! ♥♥♥