Made By Coopers Atmospheric Mist – Surround Yourself With ‘Happy’ – by Award Winning Author Dr Kathleen Thompson

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Of all our senses, the ability to smell is possibly the most underrated. We all know that lavender and chamomile can help us sleep, but there’s a whole battery of essential oils and other fragrant plant extracts which can benefit us in so many ways. Ancient medical systems, such as Ayurveda recognize these powers on our mood and mental health and use essential oils in treatments.

As with all products which we plan to inhale or put on our skin, quality is so important, as a significant amount will end up inside our bodies – so I was so glad to discover Made By Coopers – created by Clare and Darren Cooper. Clare had suffered for years with anxiety disorders and when they visited an Ayurvedic centre in Kerala they were inspired to learn about the therapeutic powers of the different plants used there.

Eager to share with others, using the knowledge they’d acquired, they started producing fabulous products, ranging from Atmospheric Mists and candles to skincare products and a special sleep range. Each product has an aromatherapy element to it: Calming, Balancing, Uplifting, Energising and Passion. They follow the Ayurvedic philosophy to treat the body as a whole and they believe in ‘to nourish the skin, nourish the mind’.

All their products use nutrient-rich plant oils, therapeutic grade essential oils, flower water (hydrolats) and botanical actives, and are 100% free from parabens, SLSs, mineral oil, sulfates, artificial colours and synthetic fragrances.

I love the Happy Room Spray, with Lime essential oils for upliftment, Basil for Energy and Stress-relief, and Clementine for Mental Clarity and Mood. At £16.50 for 100ml this instantly relaxes and raises your spirits.

But there’s much more on the website – do take a look, and follow them on social media (links below)

https://www.instagram.com/madebycoopers/ 

https://www.facebook.com/madebycoopers

https://twitter.com/madebycoopers 

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/madebycoopers/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/madebycoopers/ 

By Dr K Thompson, award-winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows


http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q
http://faitobooks.co.uk


Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.

Understanding the Legal Aspects of Self-Employment

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  1. IRunning your own business can be very rewarding, but it’s also very difficult, especially regarding legal concerns. For example, if you’re not careful, you might accidentally miss important tax requirements or could even be unknowingly breaking the law by not having insurance.

The law defines a self-employed person as one who does business as an independent contractor. In other words, while you might work with companies, you are the “owner” of your services or product. But because you’re a business owner, you need to follow specific guidelines, some of which can be confusing.

This post will explore the frequent legal problems self-employed workers face and a few ways you can protect yourself from them.

Common Self-Employment Legal Issues

You need to be careful of multiple legal aspects when running your own business. These include:

  • Property damage
  • Client disputes
  • Injuries
  • Incorrect tax information

6 Tips to Protect Yourself

  1. Get Insured

One of the best ways to provide protection for your business is to invest in insurance. This gives you financial support should there be a job injury, property damages, or disputes. In addition, many states will actually require you to get insurance if you plan to hire or work with others.

You’ll find that there are a handful of different insurance types self-employed businesses can invest in. These include:

  • General liability
  • Errors and omissions
  • Workers’ compensation
  • Property
  • Auto

If you’re not sure what you need, contact an insurance provider. They’ll ask a few questions about your business and guide you toward the best option for your needs. You could also see if an online quote is available. With it, you can type in some general financial and business information to get an average price of what you must pay.

  1. Register Your Business

Unfortunately, starting a company isn’t as simple as just getting the necessary materials and opening up. First, you must ensure that your business is registered locally to operate legally.

There are five main business entities you can register under:

  • Limited liability company (LLC)
  • Sole proprietorship
  • Partnership
  • Corporation
  • S Corporation

These each have their pros and cons, so it’s crucial to research them carefully. For instance, an LLC is easy to begin, but there are strict tax rules, especially if you’re not careful with separating your business finances from your personal ones.

  1. Study Tax Requirements

Trying to comprehend self-employment taxes can be extremely tricky. Unfortunately, many make the mistake of not thoroughly examining what’s required for certain businesses and understanding potential tax breaks.

One of the biggest tax regulations to pay attention to is the self-employment tax. This goes toward your Social Security and Medicare. In most cases, this rate is around 15.3%. All companies take this tax out of their employees’ paycheck, so it’s not always noticed, but because you’re self-employed, you’ll have to set aside some of your income for it.

The main tax form most will need to fill out is a 1040, which calculates and documents your yearly income tax. Remember that if your business made less than $400, you wouldn’t need to pay taxes no matter what your career is.

For companies with a partnership, there are other tax requirements. While an income tax isn’t always necessary for it, you must file your taxes regardless. Each partner must then include their income profit or loss on their personal tax return.

If you want to stay on top of things, consider sending in quarterly payments. You’ll send in a certain amount (based on your previous taxes or an estimate) to the IRS every three months. This will go toward your yearly tax requirements and prevents you from needing to pay a large amount at the end of the year.

  1. Keep Track of Expenses

You must carefully document your expenses for tax purposes (especially for deductions) and to keep yourself organized and protected should there be an issue. Keeping receipts can protect you from potential fees or legal issues if something seems amiss on your taxes.

  1. Watch Email Regulation Rules

Some self-employed businesses forget to follow email regulations, especially for marketing purposes. While the U.S. allows companies to send marketing emails, there are guidelines you need to follow via the CAN-SPAM Act, such as having an unsubscribe option. You could face heavy consequences if you don’t research and enact these rules.

  1. Meet with a Lawyer

If you’re still unsure whether you’re doing your taxes correctly or just want to double-check things, it might be beneficial to hire a business lawyer. They can guide you around potential legal issues and verify your business follows the right regulations.

You need to be aware of many legal aspects if you’re self-employed. With these tips, you can better understand legal complexities, so your business succeeds.

CARIADS’ CHOICE: AUGUST 2022 BOOK REVIEWS

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Phil Rickman’s The Fever of the World reviewed by Georgia Hill

This is book 16 in the Merrily Watkins series featuring a beleaguered vicar and “Deliverance Consultant” – or exorcist – and set in the Welsh Marches. There’s a mysterious rockfall death, an examination of Wordsworth and his experiences as a young man in the Wye Valley, the odd Druid (a very odd Druid) and it’s all wrapped around with Covid’s cold, clammy hand. Phil has a cult-like following (I’m one) and his Merrily books are a fabulous and impossible to categorise mix of crime, the supernatural and folklore. Go read!

 

Jen Gilroy’s The Wishing Tree in Irish Falls reviewed by Jane Cable

I’ve been meaning to read this book for a long time and I enjoyed it so much I’m disappointed with myself for putting it off. It was absolutely delightful to escape to a small town community in the Adirondacks, the kind of place I suspect many of us have a secret hankering to live.

Jen Gilroy draws both the people and the place so beautifully, even the most minor of characters come alive in her skilled hands. I was pulled into Annie and Seth’s stories from the moment we meet them both. I knew they both had journeys to take and I knew how those journeys would end, but that’s the point of romantic fiction, isn’t it? No huge surprises, but a really interesting and emotional story that felt as though it was about real people. A place and a time to lose myself in with characters who become to feel like friends.

Not trying to be anything fancy, this is feelgood romance at its best.

 

Faith Hogan’s The Gin Sisters Promise reviewed by Morton S Gray

I loved Faith Hogan’s novel The Ladies’ Midnight Swimming Club and that was what attracted me to this title. Having finished this one, I’m off to find her other books.

A story full of love, pathos, family misunderstandings, secrets and laughter. Initially I wondered if I would cope with the three sisters’ storylines, but I soon became absorbed in their lives, loves and losses.

The book made me think about legacies and the family tangles and feuds we get into over the years.

I wanted each of the sisters to get their happy ever after and it seems their father did too. Definitely a thought-provoking novel which made me experience a wide variety of emotions from laughter to tears. Highly recommended.

 

Clare Marchant’s The Mapmakers Daughter reviewed by Kitty Wilson

Probably my favourite book of the year so far. Both timelines fully held my attention and I loved both Frieda and Robyn’s stories. Clare Marchant’s writing is so skilled that she takes you deep into the heart of Tudor London, all the senses stimulated and I really felt if I was there, hearing, seeing, smelling all that was going on around her characters. The detail she weaves though is not merely evocative, her books are so well researched that I learn things that I did not before and she always makes me want to dive into further research the minute I finish reading.

Her writing is taut and deftly woven, everything moves the story on, informs the reader and weaves together a truly spellbinding story. The jeopardy she creates had me gasp out loud, my heart pounding with fear – all whilst safely tucked up in my own bed, such is the skill with which she writes. Honestly, I thought this book was flawless and I suspect it will remain one of my favourites for years to come. Absolute perfection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUNDAY SCENE: SARAH RODI ON HER FAVOURITE SCENE FROM ESCAPING WITH HER SAXON ENEMY

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My story begins on the shores of 9th century England. At the King’s daughter’s wedding, Saxon warrior Ashford Stanton is disturbed to discover he finds a Danish shield maiden attractive…

‘Lord Stanton. Would you care for a drink?’ She held up the jug. ‘I don’t think I’ve seen you touch a drop all evening.’ Her narrow nose drew his gaze down and he studied her full, soft lips, which were a pretty petal-pink.
He gave her a brisk smile. ‘Thank you, but no. I am here out of duty, not pleasure.’
Her gaze turned glacial, her face taut, and he knew instantly that she liked his kind as much as he liked hers. Was she just putting on a show for her brother’s guests, as he was for his king? ‘And ale only serves to cloud the judgement, don’t you think?’
‘Well, we can’t have that,’ she mocked. ‘We all know your sound judgement is what’s keeping us all in check.’
His brow furrowed at her blatant disrespect. He was used to being well-regarded by the people of Termarth. ‘You must be referring to my judgement on the Crowe situation—my wisdom in demanding that you show mercy to a man already broken and on his knees…’
‘Crowe killed my father, Lord Stanton. You took the side of my enemy and denied me my revenge.’
He could detect the anger simmering beneath her words, the fire in her personality, and it was igniting an unwanted spark inside him.
Ash inclined his head slightly, as if to acknowledge the weight of her claim. ‘I didn’t know that at the time.’
‘Would your actions have been different had you known?’
‘Probably not. I don’t believe in taking the law into your own hands. What you did was reckless.’

When she was younger, Svea was attacked by Saxon soldiers. Now she has grown into a warrior who has vowed never to let a man take advantage of her again… and she shows Ash she won’t conform.

 

‘We are at my brother’s wedding, and unfortunately I have a duty to be gracious to all his guests.’ She lifted a tankard from a nearby table and poured herself a cup of ale. Raising it up in the air, she made a toast. ‘To the happy couple. I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening…’
‘Doubtful. I have no interest in weddings.’
‘We are in agreement about that, at least. Skol!’ she said, before downing the tankard of ale in one go.
Afterwards, she drew her sleeve across her mouth, wiping the tiny beads of moisture away. He stared at her, incredulous. He had never known a beautiful woman try so hard to disguise her allure. It intrigued him. ‘Still, you played and certainly looked the part today,’ he said.
Her face darkened and she gave an unladylike disdainful snort. He wished the words back the moment he’d uttered them, knowing he’d made a mistake.
‘You seem to have a knack of imparting your opinion upon people who don’t want to hear it, Lord Stanton. As I’ve been sweating like a pig on its way to the smokehouse all day, you should save your compliments for the bride.’
When the King is kidnapped, Svea has to join forces with Ash, returning to his fortress [I visited Bamburgh Castle – inspiration for the setting] to raise his army. Ash learns Svea has been mistreated by men, and he believes the same evil flows through him, but it’s hard to keep his distance… I hope you enjoy the chemistry between them on their journey towards happiness.
www.sarahrodi.com

 

The Columbia Community Centre in Brady Square, Washington is moving forward at a great pace. Phew…

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Marion is thrilled with the  beautiful red roses, gifted to her by Sister Scholastica, and on that note, there are bound to be  knitters amongst you, Sister Mary’s sent her hat pattern (for the Seaman) which is on the CCA social media pages at copies are available at the Centre. As the evenings are drawing in,  I think Frost Magazine  will be hearing  the click of needles any minute now. More school uniforms have arrived, and will be collected by Equans. Was there ever such a smooth running operation courtsey of the CCA. But that’s not all, a freezer has been donated and so it goes on.  And, wonderfully, amidst all the mayhem still the groups arrive

The dancers are strutting their stuff,  Fat quarters  and  Shake that Boogey too.
Marion tells Frost Magazine that  ”Him indoors’ Bob, has put up a book stand in the office for the community to come along and browse the Margaret Graham books amongst others. Margaret is ‘our very own Brady Square lass and my friend.’  Which pleases Margaret, Frost Magazine’s editor, enormously.

                       

During the week the CCA hosted a new programme of training with MBC Art Wellbeing which delivers free activities for children. This programme is funded for the next year, particularly during school holidays,which thrills Marion and the committee  Pottery class was the kick off activity and I daresay Marion got stuck in.  Roll on the 24th and the making of Wind Chimes

Is that it for Week 4? Don’t be silly. Another friend of Marion’s is to visit to discuss delivering some First Aid training for all. and says Marion, ‘A little tea party was held  for two of our regulars, Sandra Noble and Ray Turnbull, both celebrating their birthdays (ages undisclosed!) Cake flowed in abundance. Refurb, what refurb who needs doors, thingamabobs or thingamajigs when you are having a great time.’ Frost Magazine, who love a bit of a ‘do’  has to agree.

And so exciting. The CCA should now be ‘live’ online, and soon there will be an email address. and everyone was on their marks waiting for the Asbestos check. Would hoards of men in white coats? No, to Marion’s intense pleasure it was a handsome young man named Chris who arrived. (Lord the woman’s so easy) She says, ‘That’s two handsome young men in my life today as my grandson Daniel has just arrived from Texas and the doors are back!! Hurrah hurrah. (will need priming and painting, but they have come home)

Another grand end to the week!’

Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square

Margaret Graham is an author, tutor, editor of Frost Magazine and grumpy when it’s too hot,. She just loves the fish and chips at the Washington Arms  near the green in Washington Village. Yep, got it, Margaret is greedy.

How To Keep House While Drowning: A gentle approach to cleaning and organising, by KC Davis. Reviewed by Nadia Tariq

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With the laundry baskets overflowing, three children at home creating chaos faster than I could possibly manage – and a handful of Audible credits that needed used up – I made what turned out to be the best spontaneous book choice.

Forget your typical summer reads (I wouldn’t be making it to the beach in any case). This book is exactly what I needed. Self help isn’t my usual genre, but the title alone – How to Keep House While Drowning – spoke to me, and with a listening time of only 3 hours, I’d be stupid not to give it a go.

Indeed, the key aspect of this book for me was its accessibility – it was very easy to engage with, very easy to understand, and very easy to finish (and I do have a problem with finishing audiobooks – difficulty concentrating through constant interruption can make them seem like more of a chore than a pleasure).

Crucially, author KC Davis is a licenced therapist, as well as having active experience ‘drowning’ while keeping house herself. She shares her struggles and her techniques for keeping afloat, which are all relatable, doable, adaptable and centred around caring for the self above all else.

I did not come away from this with a rigorous new game plan for tackling my home. I did not and still do not harbour dreams of becoming a domestic goddess. Instead – which in my view is far more valuable – I came away with the ability to not feel guilty about the state of my home.

Here are a few choice lessons that have stayed with me after listening (paraphrased):

Try not to think of it as ‘housework’ or ‘chores’. These are ‘care tasks’.

Anything that is worth doing is worth doing partially.

Momentum breeds momentum.

It is not tidying. It is ‘resetting your space’.

Your space exists to serve you. You do not exist to serve your space.

For the full experience, I thoroughly recommend giving this wonderful book a read or a listen. If your home doesn’t thank you, your mental health probably will.

Reviewed by Nadia Tariq

Katie Flynn enthralls yet again.

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The Winter Rose by Katie Flynn. hb –  (pb 27th October)

Liverpool, 1941.:  After German bombs shatter the life Cadie has built for herself in Liverpool, she is more determined than ever to sign up and do her bit. Joining the WAAF means she is closer to her beau – for now, but not for long, for Jez is sent far from home.

While Jez is in Africa vicious rumours spread that could thjreaten their relationship and Cadie finds herself torn between keeping secrets and telling the truth to protect those she loves.

Cadi has always believed that their love can weather any storm, but as the snow sweeps in, she faces an impossible choice. Will her decision break her heart or will she and Jez be reunited in time for Christmas?

I have no intention of spoiling the end, but rest assured this bestselling author does not disappoint, and you will simply love this book. I promise.

 

The Forget-Me-Not Summer by Katie Flynn in pb

Liverpool, 1937

When Miranda awakes one morning to find her mother has disappeared, her life is about to change forever. She raises the alarm amongst the locals, but her mother’s whereabouts remains a mystery.

With nowhere else to turn, Miranda is forced to live with her aunt and cousin, who resent her presence and treat her badly. She struggles to hold onto hope until she meets Steve, a neighbour who promises to help her in her search – until war intervenes… Miranda will never forget the past, but can she find the courage to open her heart and forge the future she deserves?

A classic Katie Flynn story of tragedy, triumph and love from the Sunday Times bestselling author.

Katie Flynn has produced as always an enjoyable, easy and satisfying read. Great characters, we feel we know them. Great structure, and romance. What more can one say except – read this. You will love it.

How to Prepare for Your First Luxury Holiday

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Gin and tonicNowadays, more people are going on luxury holidays. In fact, Yahoo Finance reveals that the global luxury travel market is predicted to reach $965.8 billion (£803.2 billion) this year. It’s also expected to reach $163 trillion (£135.5 trillion) by 2027. Driving this growth are several reasons including the increased interest in luxury trips, rising millennial spending, and tourism developments. Additionally, luxury holidays offer an elevated experience with minimum dissatisfaction and maximum comfort.

If you’re planning to go on a luxury holiday of your own, then you’re going to need to prepare for it. With that said, here’s how to prepare for your first luxury holiday:

Pick your ideal luxury tour



First, determine the type of tour you want. Two of the most popular options are luxury rail and sea tours. For those who want to tour a whole country in five-star luxury, the Transcantabrico sleeper train takes passengers on an 8-day tour from Spain’s historic Santiago de Compostela to Leon. The train includes reservations at some of the country’s best restaurants, as well as luxurious suites, jacuzzi ensuite bathrooms, and vintage dining cars onboard.

For those who prefer to travel by boat, Explora Journeys highlights how luxury sea voyages can expand your horizons by providing you with a holistic well-being experience, exposing you to diverse culinary riches, and amazing leisure activities. For instance, their Caribbean tour will take you through the different islands in the region, exposing you to various cultures and cuisines. If you are feeling a little more adventurous, you can even go on a helicopter tour to view gorgeous sights from above, such as the reefs and clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef.

After choosing the type of luxury tour you want to go on, then you can proceed with the other steps, as these will revolve around your decision.

Make early reservations



Establishments in luxury destinations are hard to book due to their popularity. Case in point: the Michelin-star restaurant Noma in Denmark is always fully booked, especially after being named the world’s top restaurant in 2021. Their menu focuses on unique seasonal ingredients, so it’s always a different experience every visit. Another example is the 3 Michelin Star restaurant El Celler de Can Roca in Spain, where you can only book on the 1st of each month at 12 midnight on their website.

As soon as you’ve picked your tour type, book reservations for everything—including hotels, restaurants, and activities—immediately. You’ll make the most out of your first luxury trip by securing the best food and experiences.

Prepare a luxury travel itinerary



Now that everything is set, it’s time to map out the trip. Because this is your first luxury holiday, it’s best to follow a plan to make the most out of it. Start your itinerary planning by listing your departure date and time, the reservations you made, and the date of your trip’s end. Then, this is when you can insert any activities in between, like a day trip to Sicily or a shopping spree in Paris. By creating an itinerary, you will be prepared to do as much (or as little!) as you want to make your first luxury holiday one to remember.

Alternatively, you can book a dedicated tour package if you want to do away with the stress of planning where you need to go. Just make sure that your tour gives you ample free time in between schedules to explore the destinations on your own time, letting you experience everything your destination has to offer.

Acquire travel insurance



Anything can happen on your first luxury trip, including accidents or sudden hospital visits. We at Frost Magazine acknowledge the importance of travel insurance, as this will safeguard you during the trip. Contact your insurance company to inquire about travel insurance. Make sure it includes any medical expenses acquired abroad, personal injuries and accidents, and cover for lost baggage. Another is cover for getting home should you be unable to complete the trip for health reasons.

Getting travel insurance gives you peace of mind, allowing you to enjoy your first luxury trip without any worries.


Going on your first luxury trip should be comfortable and relaxing. With these preparation tips, may your next luxury holiday be one for the books!