What to expect at the Cuddle My Soul event on Saturday 22nd October

Just 3 more days to go until the most enterprising collaboration of local businesses swing open the doors of the Kings Sutton Memorial Halls to support SeeSaw the Oxfordshire Charity 

and give you a day of shopping, swapping, therapy, inspirational talks
and so much more.. to get your soul cuddled.

Just L@@k Who's going to be there..

Harriet from Ptolemy Toys Shop Brackley

Dawn from Banbury Cup Cakes

Jane from Face to Face - Award winning Face Painter

Ali from Arbonne International - Make up and personal care products

Anoushka offering Reflexology, Reiki & Massage

Annie offering Indian Head Massage & Crystal Healing

Denise from Silpada Jewellery

Diane from Fairy Strands & Sparkles - Thai Silk Hair Braiding

Katie from Kate's Handmade Cards

Fiona from Modern Tarot

Fiona from Usbourne Books

Maggie from Smallprint Silver Jewellery Keepsakes of Loved Ones

Sarah from Organised Mum fantastic array of organisers and useful tools for busy mums

Heather from Partylite Candles and other goodies

Maxine from Pheonix Trading - lovely gift wrap, cards & all manner of goodies

Nicky from Premier Ballgowns

Yolanda from Malaysian Memories delicious authentic Malaysian Food & Clothing

Total Serenity Skincare offering Fairtrade Personal Care Products & Gifts

Jenni from Martha and The Magpie Jewellery

Penny from Aloe2Me gorgeous Aloe Vera products

Max from Max Daymond Photography offering head shots

Leesa from The Skin Food Deli how to make your own 100% natural personal care products

Leesa from Bagsi the original Fluffy Bag

Alison 'The Safety Elf'

Michelle Career Connect and the Meet & Mingle Network

Judy from Finding Your True Colours Consultancy
Susie from Aardvark Art & Articles for Children
Flowers from Proctors Wholesale Florists in Bicester

There's also the Cuddle My Soul Cafe 
to enjoy a delicious lunch, cakes and afternoon tea.

A day of entertaining and inspirational talks from the main stage

And a fantastic opportunity to swap something old for something new from the SWISHING rails!

We really look forward to seeing you at this FAB event!  Doors open to the public at 10am close at 4pm.  £2.50 entrance (for charity).

Just 7 days to go before the FAB event that will Cuddle Your Soul!

This is exactly how I feel.. and it appears I'm not alone!  

Thank you so much to everyone who's been in touch to say they are really excited about the Cuddle My Soul event next Saturday - it makes my heart sing!

Thank you to everyone who's been involved in the event - John Howie for creating a beautiful advertising banner and Michelle Howie for hosting the banner in a prime position on the Meet and Mingle website for weeks on end!   

To those of you who have been tweeting out the event and posting updates on Facebook - You know who you are and this event will be a rip-roaring success because of your efforts - my heartfelt thanks to you.

I'm so excited about meeting all the lovely people that I have been talking to through the Gossip Girls groups, the stall holders and those that are delivering presentations.  It's lovely to be able to put a face to a name and finally, be able to say 'Hello' and show my appreciation.

My family are being just wonderful, Katie is helping me with posters, Max is helping on the day.  Nick (Max's dad) is coming up from Devon to run the Cafe with my partner Mark - it's a real family affair.

I've chosen the SeeSaw Charity to be the beneficiary of this event, as I witnessed first hand the grief and suffering that children and their families go through when a parent dies.  The work of SeeSaw is just outstanding and I know that you will be blown away when you meet the ladies from SeeSaw at the event.

My whole body tingles at the thought of OxBox coming to film the event - it will be a incredible support and promotion of the wonderful stall holders, as well as more exposure for SeeSaw.

As for SWISHING - if you haven't done it before - you are in for a real treat!  Isn't it wonderful that you can bring an item of clothing, or a pair of shoes or bag that you no longer want and swap it for something you do want?  I'm bringing a few things - don't forget to bring yours! 

I really am so excited about this event and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your love, encouragement and networking!

Please continue to support the event by letting everyone know about it and let's have it be an amazing day to remember, for everyone concerned!

Key Info:  Doors open10am - 4pm   £2.50 entrance

With love, gratitude and many thanks..

Do you know what your colours are?

Judy Dendy, fabulous Colour Consultant is going to be at the Cuddle My Soul event.  Are we thrilled or are we thrilled??

We are thrilled!  Judy certainly knows her stuff when it comes to working out what colours make the most of our complexion.  I've just had a meeting with Judy and found out exactly why I don't wear half the things I've got in my wardrobe!!  

I've got one blouse in particular that I love, it's a beautiful cut and colour but whenever I wear it, I never feel comfortable.  Now I know why, I'm spring and the blouse is very much Autumn!  Time for a spot of shopping me thinks!

Judy is going to give a colour consultation live on stage so that you can see for yourself the impact of wearing the right colours and also the wrong ones.

Judy will be giving some taster sessions from her stand, so if you want to know what your colours are, be sure to go and talk to Judy, she's lovely and incredibly tuned in!

Need a new profile picture for your social media?

Max Daymond

I am thrilled that Max Daymond will be at the Cuddle My Soul event, taking profile shots of people for their social media.

Katie Knott

Max will be setting up his studio, complete with lights and background, offering you the chance to have a fantastic, new high resolution profile 'head shot' which you can use on your social media profiles or in your business.

Don't worry about making sure your hair is OK, there will be a mobile hairdresser and make up artist at the event to make sure you are looking your best.

Max will also create a QR Code (quick response) for you and your business.  QR codes are appearing everywhere, you may have seen them in the shops, on people's websites and in magazines.  QR codes are all the rage in America and as people become more familiar with them, they will become so here too.

QR codes are easily scanned into your iphone or mobile device, you just need to download the relevant QR code reader app for your phone.

When you have a QR code, you can use it anywhere and instead of people having to manually enter data and information into your phone - you just scan the QR code!
Not long to go now - Saturday 22nd October, 10am to 4pm £2.50 entrance (for charity).

Fancy a relaxing Indian Head Massage?

How lucky are we?  Angie Summers will be giving Indian Head Massages at the Cuddle My Soul event.

Angie says... 

When I was a small child, growing up on the North East coast of England I often visited an old lady, she was a sweet, loving and gentle Romany gypsy,  she told me I had healing hands.

Taught me all about karma (cause and effect), charka’s, palmistry, tapping into the universal energy, spiritual healing, feeling people’s energy (aura’s),  crystals, angels, the power of thought, the power of good intent, (like attracts like) and much much more, I couldn’t get enough of her and soaked up all her wise words and  knowledge.

Angie works as an emergency nurse (has done for 25 years) and has a healing practice in Banbury.

I am so looking forward to having some treatments with Angie and Anoushka, I can't wait!

Not long to go now - see you on the 22nd X

Now is the perfect time to invest in Silver and here's a unique way to it...

A good friend of mine gave me a fantastic tip the other day 'Invest in Silver' he said, 'The price is going to plummet' now's the time to buy.  I totally agree with him which is why I was delighted when Maggie called me to be a part of the Cuddle My Soul event.

Cuddle My Soul is delighted to have Maggie Smith from Smallprint Jewellery as a stall holder.

Maggie creates all sorts of amazing and beautiful keepsakes for your little ones or your loved ones, there's a whole range of gorgeous Silver Jewellery on offer.

Seriously, Silver is the metal to invest in this makes Maggie's treasure for your little treasure, even more treasureable (is there such a word?).

I wish Maggie had of been around when Max was little - all I've got as a keepsake is a handprint that I did with some poster paints and a piece of card, it's now 20 years old and fading! 

With Christmas fast approaching (yes, I'm officially allowed to say that word now) I'm sure Maggie will have no end of options for you to consider as presents and gifts.

Anyone else LOVE Massage & Reflexology?

Anoushka Lucas-Howells
I am thrilled and delighted that we are going to have Reflexology and Massage taster sessions by Anoushka at the Cuddle My Soul event.

Massage, Reflexology and Reiki work on so many different levels of the human system - mind, body and spirit.  I've had lots of session of all 3 of the above - I am a raving fan of them all!

When I'm stressed and fatigued, I turn to massage, when I'm dealing with a problem in my body (like gallstones) I turn to reflexology and when my energy feels 'all over the place' and I need grounding, I turn to Reiki.

All 3 are excellent de-stressors and make you feel absolutely amazing after a treatment.  I'm hoping to get a session with Anoushka and Annie (our other resident therapist for the day) - to be honest, I think I'm wishful in my thinking - ah well, one can always dream...  

Look forward to seeing you at the event - not long to go now X

Time to plan for the future

I'm off to Kings Sutton this morning, with 3 weeks left until the Cuddle My Soul event, all stall holders booked and confirmed, I am planning where, what, how it's all going to fit in and hopefully, work beautifully!


I can't wait to meet you at the event on Saturday 22nd October.

Malaysian Memories will be at Cuddle My Soul - will you?

Yolanda Tapping of Malaysian Memories has taken a stall at Cuddle My Soul and we are salivating at the thought!

Yolanda saw the article on Cuddle My Soul in the Through The Letterbox Mag & thought she'd see if we were interested in having her...

Too right!  Even though we are now at our limit for stall holders, I love Malaysian food and this is something different! 

Yolanda has delivered over 200 authentic Malaysian dinner parties locally - you can even book her for a business lunch - how cool is that?  The only function Yolanda doesn't cater for is weddings. 


OK, my mouth is watering now - time to stop thinking about food and focus... Yolanda also has a range of authentic clothes and accessories that she brings back with her from Penang, these will be available to buy on the day.

Your opportunity to rescue cards and gift wrap from the mediocrity of the high street

Elizabeth Wilson has taken a stall at the Cuddle My Soul event - and quite frankly, we're delighted!

Phoenix Trading publishes an exclusive range of gorgeous Greeting Cards, Wrap and other Stationery accessories, including a Christmas range which in previous years has raised over £1m for charities such as Cancer Research UK and Children's Hospices UK. Our cards are printed in the UK, and are of exceptional quality and represent great value.

Elizabeth told me.. "I've been a Trader for nine years now and I love it! I run my own business on my own terms, working with a delightful company and a gorgeous product. We need many more Traders to help us rescue card buyers from the mediocraty of the High Street, so if you think that could be you, do get in touch!"

 

I absolutely love the card organiser folders - they're beautiful and incredibly practical too.  You can buy all your cards in advance, put in their date order in the folder and never have to worry about finding a card again!

Arbonne Consultant Ali Jones to join Cuddle My Soul

I'm delighted that Ali Jones will be having a stall at the Cuddle My Soul event - Ali is a consultant for Arbonne - Pure, safe, natural Swiss skincare, cosmetics and health supplements.   

Ali also run parties, pamper events, fairs, 1-2-1 consultations and coffee mornings - if you'd like to book her or find out more, please visit her website link.

Ali and her business partner Margaret Collis are currently offering a fantastic business opportunity for people to join their team and build a business of their own, marketing Arbonne’s amazing products to family and friends - this is definitely the future, people generating their own independant income streams whilst being part of a bigger team and enjoying the support and benefits that come from working with others.

I haven't tried any Arbonne products myself, friends and family members have and they all RAVE about them - I'm looking forward to sampling the products at the event.

Businesses Working Together

Did you see the joint ventures article in Through The Letterbox?

I write the B2B articles for TTLB and this month was all about Cuddle My Soul - of course, I wanted to give the local businesses some exposure and let everyone know about the event - but also because Cuddle My Soul is a fine example of what can be achieved with people working together, in business as a team - to serve a need in the community, get to know each other, as local businesses and of course members of the community.

I've just had some lovely feedback from Gary at Touch Of Pine in Bicester - Gary said 'A lot of people have mentioned the event' which is really great news and I'm a happy bunny :D

I think community events like Cuddle My Soul are the future - after all, it's a great way of shopping, doing business, networking, meeting new people and learning and having fun - all under one roof.

Cuddle My Soul is experiential and we know that experiences are longer lasting.  My intention is that everyone enjoys a fantastic experience at the event and leaves feeling satisfied, moved, inspired and with their soul having been cuddled. :D

See you on the 22nd! 

Always with Love - Leesa X

Here's your invitiation to SWISH...

I am so looking forward to the Cuddle My Soul SWISH!

Have you been to a swishing event yet?  They're all the rage in London.

The racks and rails are ready to be adorned with all the lovely items of clothing, shoes and bags that you bring along to the event to swap and exchange - exciting isn't it?

If you are wondering what to bring to the Swish - here's 2 suggestions
Items that you haven't worn for a few months (or ages!)
Things that no longer fit (and you know that they probably never will again).

For those of you who haven't been to a Swish before - the process is really simple - when you arrive at the event, you'll be given tickets for your swishing items.  You then hang your swishing clothes on the relevant rails (they will be marked up by size)  same with shoes - just put them onto the racks under the appropriate size and bags can go onto the table.

Then you can go off and have a wander around the stalls, maybe have a therapy taster session, tarot reading or listen to one of the many speakers.  The Swishing room will be open the whole time - for you to claim the item/s you want - It's all very organised and great fun and you can pick up some great stuff.

I look forward to seeing you there!

If you love unusual jewellery - you'll love Martha and the Magpie...

I'm delighted that Martha and the Magpie Jewellery are having a stall at the Cuddle My Soul event - Jenni has a range of funky and contemporary jewellery that not only looks absolutely FAB, the prices are great too!

I know I've mentioned the C word (Christmas) in a previous post - but come October you will be thinking about it, so this will be another perfect opportunity to stock up on pressies.

For the latest offers and designs etc.. here's the website.

Jenni has other strings to her bow too as well as Jewellery - I'm hoping she'll bring along a sample of her lovely hats and fascinators that are for hire.

You can follow Jenni - Martha and the Magpie on Twitter @marthamagpie

Are you ready for a new you - discover lasting joy in your appearance...

New Reflection is all about making the very best of you...

Whether you are a full time Mummy, returning to work after time off or just feel bored and stuck in a rut with your clothes, I am here to help.

Jo says... 'I want you to feel great about yourself every day. It really is so easy to achieve and will restore an inner confidence. You will be able to face any situation irrespective of who you are, where you go and what you do'.

Wearing your best colours will:

• Give you a healthier, younger look
• Give you more definition to your face shape
• Give you sparkling eyes and glowing skin
• Boost your confidence and create a positive impression
• Give you an easy to mix and match wardrobe
• Save you time and money when you go shopping

Jo comes highly recommended and I am so looking forward to her presentation at the Cuddle My Soul event.  I don't know about you, but I'm definitely ready for change - these days, I throw open my wardrobe and breathe a heavy sigh - I can never find anything to wear - in the main because I don't like it or it doesn't fit! (I must have washed all my clothes on boil - they all seem to have shrunk!!!) ;D

Premier Ballgowns will be be at the Cuddle My Soul Event.

Premier Ballgowns are bringing their lovely dresses to us...

I love these dresses - they are absolutely stunning!  I've been looking over Premier Ballgown's Facebook Page and Website - drooling over the gorgeous dresses.

From the styles to the colours - you can see they are flattering and I bet we'd feel gorgeous wearing any of them! 


If you've got a special event or occasion to go to - be sure to check out Premier Ballgowns - there's a fantastic range of gowns at some great prices!
 

Are you a mum in need of organising?

I'm thrilled that Sarah Robbins is going to be a stall holder at Cuddle My Soul - showcasing her gorgeous products for busy mums!

Sarah is a busy mum herself - with 2 children (both under the age of 5) a home and a business to run.

I can't wait to see the Organised Mum products - Sarah was telling me that the quality is fantastic, the Calendars run for the whole of the school year from September to December - there are reward charts and all manner of special goodies.  I'm looking forward to seeing the diaries that have sections for all the family, Mummy, Daddy and enough space for 5 children!

It's official - Fairy Sparkles are going to be at Cuddle My Soul..

Fairy sparkles are strands of coloured silk - tied to one strand of your hair - How many you have is up to you!

Fairy Sparkles grow out with your natural hair - they can last a day, weeks or months!

What I find amazing is that you can brush, wash, curl, straighten and colour your hair without affecting your Fairy Sparkles!!!  How cool is that?

Fairy Sparkles come in a range of colours - they are fabulous!

I met Diane a couple of months ago, she was wearing the beautiful silk strands in her hair then - she looked amazing!  I was totally distracted by their shimmering beauty.  

I've never seen anything like it before (or since).  Diane is the only person in this neck of the woods who does this and I'm thrilled that she's going to be giving us the opportunity to be adorned with these gorgeous silk strands at the Cuddle My Soul event.

This is a close up picture of the Fairy Strands - they really are so pretty.

This is so new Diane doesn't have a website for her Fairy Sparkles - so I've posted a link to her business website - to give her some exposure and you never know.. 

You may also be interested in her photographic restorations business - I know I am!  Take a look at Diane's website to see some examples of her fantastic photographic restoration.