Odies Reviews & Rants

Laughter Yoga and Gong Bath Meditation in Angel Islington for Comic Relief

2017-03-09T21:38:00.001+00:00

Review of Sumup Card Reader - What's in the Sum Up Card Reader Box

2016-09-16T13:38:00.002+01:00

SumUp Pin + Card Reader Review

SumUp card reader is compatible with #iPhone7. No headphone jack? No problem. Connects via Bluetooth

No Monthly Fees

Simple Setup ·

Stringent Security ·

Fast Payouts

No Set up Fees

No Contract

30 Day Trial

Less than 2p in the £1 Transaction Fee

Cheaper than Paypal

Click below for more info Offer Ends 30th Sept

Okay so I decided to review the Sumup Card Reader. I am totally impressed with this fabulous little device, LOVE IT. It will be really handy for my events when people turn up with large notes and no change. At least I can offer another way to pay and just use it as and when I need to.

First of all, what it is and what it isn't.

So it is the SumUp Pin + Card Reader

We just bought ours for our events and LOVE IT !! No contract. No monthly fees. 30-day money-back-guarantee. Sign up Today!

Affordable, no-fuss way to take card payments.

To sum it up!!! Excuse the pun ;-) It is cheap as chips and we love a bargain. Less than 2p per £1 and that's it!! Enjoy Also available in other European countries!!

What is it ? It is a card reader machine. It allows you to accept in person credit card and debit card payments from your clients/customers.

Which Cards can I accept ? You can accept Visa V Pay Mastercard Maestro American Express

What it is not. It is not for telephone or web payments.

How much ? £59 plus vat . Use my referral link for £20 off that!!!

What are the running costs ? Less than 2p per £1 transaction. 1.95% per transaction.

So as an example for my event tickets are £15 that is 29p per £15 transaction. Paypal it is 71p!!!

What's the Monthly Fees ? ZERO No monthly fee just a per transaction fee so use it as and when. Note client needs to be present for transaction.

Can I use this for Telephone or Web Payments ? No, that is a big fat no. This is for IN PERSON payments when your customer or client is present.

What do I need to use it ? Iphone or Android smartphones with data/internet connection 3G works fine. No cables, it connects via bluetooth.with an internet or data connection.

Once you reach the Sumup website, you can navigate to the one for your country. It is at the bottom of the page.

Minimum payment is just £1.00 .

Get paid usually within a week, depends on the card issuers bank.

Who is it for ?

So the Sumup Card Reader is great for therapists, events , markets , trade fairs, psychic fairs, craft fairs etc: Any product or service provider and great for events too. Self Employed, Sole Trader Market Traders Cab Drivers

Sumup Card Reader What's in the Box ? Credit and Debit Card Reader

So as you can see it comes with some Point of Sale material which is a fabulous bonus so you can display that you accept cards wherever you are because remember it is portable.

The machine is placed on the setup leaflet and below you can see it fits neatly in the palm of my hand.

It runs on a 2x AAA Batteries, comes loaded with them and you also get a spare set in the box which is kinda cool and a nice surprise.

Although it connects to your smartphone via bluetooth so eliminates the need for cables it does come supplied with a 3,5mm TRRS Jack cable which can be used to connect to the phone instead of bluetooth.

An easy peasy to understand setup leaflet.

So that's it for whats in the box.

It arrived just a few days after I ordered it, this morning to be precise.

On ordering you create your account with Sum up along with details to receive payment from them.

I had this out of the box, connected, worked out what to do, made a transaction for £1 to test and sent myself a receipt by email and text message, all within about 5 minutes. I had installed the app on my Android Phone previously so add another few minutes MAX. Note in order to connect you will need to add a transaction and it will set up ready for use. The app takes care of the blue tooth connection, no need to do so manually.

Nice to see the Magnetic Stripe Reader so you can also accept cards without chips which may also include foreign cards.

Through the app I can see transactions etc nice and clear, easy to operate.

Note the keypad is really sensitive, so you just need to tap your number in, no need for any pressure at all.

It does go in to sleep mode so its not eating up the battery. I rather like the fact that I can stick in rechargeable batteries and also buy off the shelf in an emergency.

So based on that, future transactions will be within seconds.

Summing it all up

Sumup vs Izettle vs Payment sense vs Paypal vs Payleven - Sumup is simpler with one low per transaction fee whereas the other card readers are on a sliding scale and you need to receive monthly transactions of £5000 in order to match the Sumup rate otherwise their rates are much higher. We love the simplicity of the low 1.95% fee structure.

Although contactless payments, apple and android pay are not available on this Sumup reader, you can accept all major credit cards including those without chip and pin via the magnetic stripe reader. This will be handy with overseas cards.

You can also use your card reader abroad although you do need to contact Sumup to authorise this. Handy if you work trade shows abroad

Okay so i LOVE IT and score it 5 stars ***** Really cannot fault it. Great for occasional use, and great for more frequent use too.

PS Feel free to share my post with your self employed friends. Perfect for self employed and sole traders to accept credit and debit card payments.

Further info and to order yours please visit SumUp via the link

If you found my review helpful, please share

Web Savvy Shopper. Save money on your online shopping. Free Stuff and Bargains.

2016-06-03T11:36:00.000+01:00

I love a Bargain and the internet is full of them.

I would definitely call myself a savvy shopper and the internet makes it so easy. All it takes is time and patience and a little bit of knowledge to do your research.

Many people are sceptical and quite rightly so as there are many scams and cons out there but there are also REAL ways of making and saving money too.

It is always important to do your research and look up reviews.

If it's too good to be true then it probably isn't true so YES be CAREFUL.

It is good to be sceptical and remember the golden rule.

It is best to shop with a CREDIT card as this is SAFER than a debit card.

Here are my golden rules before buying anything online and I will explain more in my articles.

Firstly find and identify the product or item that you would like to purchase. For something like electrical items it is probably best to check out the reviews and there is no better place than the internet for that information. I find amazon a great resource for this as there are usually lots of reviews on most electical and technology items or simply search for the make/model plust the word review. www.reevoo.com is quite good too.

Once all of that is decided the fun begins. Note extra caution is required if purchasing from an unknown supplier. Take notice of my points 4 and 5 below.

Can I receive Cashback via a cashback site or points such as Nectar.
Is there a current Coupon or Discount code that I can use.
Find the best price.
Is the site SAFE or FAKE
Are the goods Real or Fake. (Reviews on the goods or website(seller).

Note, sometimes cashbacks are not compatible with Coupon or Discount codes. ie: you can use one or the other so work out which is best value to you and check the small print.

On a large cashback, I would not take the chance of losing it by adding a discount code too unless I was certain that both were compatible. I often take a chance on smaller purchases as it is no big deal if I lose it.

Cashback sites.

There are many sites on the internet that pay you discounts and cashbacks on your internet shopping.

Basically, cashback sites will pay you to buy through them.

What's in it for them ?

Retailers pay a commission to the cashback site for introducing customers. The cashback site then pays a cashback to you, the customer.

As with anything on the internet Be Careful and keep your Web Savvy head on.

Earlier this year, two cashback websites, Cashback Kings and Rpoints, went bust so any money outstanding is unlikely to be paid. You don't get the same protection as you would with a bank or financial institution.

My advice, go with a well known and reputable cashback site but as we all know we are in difficult times and one never knows who can go under. Be as Savvy as you can though and try to minimise the risk.

One of my favourites is quidco.com They have been around for about 5 years and I have received over £200 in cashbacks via quidco from my usual online shopping.

Basically, you sign up and become a member.

You will be paid when your earnings reach a certain threshold. This varies depending on the cashback site. There may be a small membership fee payable from your earnings.

Before buying anything online or even offline, login to your account and check to see if you can get a cashback. You will be surprised at what is on offer. The largest cashbacks can often be from those companies that you wouldn't expect to be there, such as Insurance Policies, Utilities, Phones (landline and Mobile), Gas, Electricity etc: NOTE the transaction must be completed online.

If you do a lot of online shopping as I do, you will be surprised at how the smaller amounts adds up over time. Try to remember to logging and click via a cashback site to make your purchase. It really is something for nothing. A proper Freebie.

You do require a little patience at times as the cashbacks can be slow in paying and on rare occasions there can be problems in receiving them, although in my opinion I have usually got mine eventually.

Rule of thumb, look at a cashback as a bonus. On a large cashback amount, maybe check the forums on the cashback sites to see how quickly they company pays up or to see if anyone is having problems and keep an eye on your account and be prepared to chase up if necessary.

I received £100 cashback from O2 when I bought my sim only deal so it really can be worth quite a lot.

Here is a printout of my own quidco account.

Coupon or Discount Codes

There are also sites that publish discount or coupon codes that can be used to receive discounts, usually applied via the shopping basket, just before you pay. No need to join as these codes give an instant discount to your shopping before payment.

Before I buy anything, I usually do a quick search for the company or website name and discount or promotional code ie boots discount code.

Best if you narrow your search by date as you are more likely to find a current in date code. There are also lots of well known sites that issue voucher codes and you can join their mailing lists or just check their websites when you are ready to shop online.

Here is a small list of some sites that I find useful.

www.discountvouchers.co.uk

www.hotukdeals.com

www.nectar.com

www.vouchercodes.co.uk

www.moneysavingexpert.com
www.tripadvisor.co.uk

Hotukdeals.com is a brilliant site if you are looking for a bargain or indeed if you find a bargain you can let others know about it too. It is more like a forum but you can also search for voucher codes there too. Very useful site and I use it whenever I am in the market to buy something.

No self respecting blog about saving money can be written without a mention of moneysavingexpert.com. and Martin Lewis. Martin is the guru of money saving information for everyone both on and offline. The website is a resource and wealth of information on anything and everything to getting a good deal.

URGENT Help Save this Calf. 8 days to Slaughter and you can help save him.

2014-04-08T02:59:00.004+01:00

Only 9 days left to save this beautiful animal and your help will save many more in the future too.

Donate here http://www.gofundme.com/79mo9w

I am sharing this like crazy, I so want to help save this calf. The people involved in this organisation are friends of my friend Stuart who I know from Gaunts House.

This is really URGENT and if everyone could just give a few quid, I know we can do it but it needs us all to do just a little. What is a few quid worth to you, perhaps you can go without a coffee today, thats a few quids worth. Come on PLEASE PLEASE help. We can do it TOGETHER.

Click here to DONATE

CalfSanctuary

Help us get this field, we are so close...Help us save the bullock who is destined for the meat industry, a lifelong friend for our much loved "Gevan"

www.calfsanctuary.co.uk

We are a small family run unit working hard to make a difference. We run a vegan cafe and an online website to fund our sanctuary, with no outside help.

We have raised 3,000 from other fundraising that has secured the deposit ( non refundable) but NEED your help before the dream field FOR the rescues slips away

We started this plea a few months ago simply because calfsanctuary is on rented land and we feel it is time to try and secure a permanent place where our rescues would be safe no matter what happened to us.

Our campaign was doing well and we had hoped to raise a good deposit by the end of the summer and have the seasons summer trading behind us to secure a small field.

The bank had verbally agreed figures for a loan and we were working towards that goal....However unexpectedly two things came up, a field at a great price and a new rescue that could be gevans soul mate for the rest of her days ( gevan is a highland cow that has a foot condition, that we rescued from slaughter last year)...

My bank manager was on his holidays ( seems like they have more time off than they work lol ) So under pressure i secured the land with the funds raised so far in the form of a non refundable deposit.

The bank manager sadly will not up the overdraft for the shortfall, as they want me to commit to loans over longer time periods which involves getting valuations done and in my eyes wasting both time and money at our expence.

So there is a shortfall of around 3-4,000 then theres the moo cow rescue....But i have faith that TOGETHER we can make this dream come true.

If we can raise this money the land purchasde will go ahead and we will have an overdraft only on it which we will work like heck to clear...I am getting no younger and i want to know that calf rescues will be safe no matter if i leave this journey..

Calf has worked very hard and not only to we rescue these animals we use their stories told through us to help raise awareness.

PLEASE HELP US GET THIS DREAM....we have less than 21 days to complete.

Once we get near to this goal i will make calls to the bullock owners and secure his life also...

WE NEED YOUR HELP http://www.gofundme.com/79mo9w

http://www.calfsanctuary.com/shop/products/help-us-get-safe-land

Please HELP and Share with those who can too. Just a few quid and we can do it. 9 Days ONLY

Thank you beautiful people. Much Love XXX

LATEST URGENT UPDATE The past few months have...

LATEST URGENT UPDATE
The past few months have been pretty manic with so much going on, but here is a foreverfield update
( A brief stoty for those who are not aware)
As many of you may know we started looking for a safe piece of land for calf rescues as we fear we may not get our contract renewed on our present home/land.
We approached the bank and got a verbal agreement.
A 4 acre field came to auction and i called the bank, the manager was on holiday ( arrrgggg)
So we went to the auction just to watch, however the land went for such a bargain price we bid and got the land.
A deposit of 2500 went down ( raised from cafe and online donations) which was non refundable.
We only need to up our overdraft another 5,000 along with every penny we could scrape together, thinking WOW its almost 20,000 less than what the bank agreed to lend me i will have no problem.
Sadly on the managers return he would not up my limit unless i agreed to get properties valued. Which to me was a total waste of time and money for the small raise i needed.
WE started this plea online and in our cafe and needed to raise 5,000 being the land shortfall.
Then out of the blue this boy appeared and gave us even more reason to get the field and also save his life and be a friend to our lonely gevan.
The totals raised to date
Go Fund Me ~1160 ( showing as 1300 but 150 of that was in last months total used for land deposit)
Safe land appeal ~ 240.00
One off donations via online and cafe ~ 1587.49
Cheques via cafe and online ~ 303.00
Raffles~ 133.00
Auctions 191.50
Carrie ~ loaned us 1000.00
Bringing the grandtotal to 4585.00..
Now heres where the hard part comes in...
THE SHORTFALL WE NEED TO RAISE FOR THE FIELD ~ £415.00
Then on top of that we NEED for the bullock...He will be sold as of body weight as if he were to be killed :0(
32 per kilo....His dead weight price will be 680.00 plus transport of £100 ~ 780.00
STILL TO RAISE
£1195.00 in 10 DAYS
Please note we have used up all reserves and all savings to make this happen, so really do NEED your help to get to this goal now.
We SPEAK for the animals and if this comes off the land will be a FOREVER FIELD ~ a safe haven for calf rescues even after we have gone from this journey.
HELP build a dream that will live on for years to come.

Holistic Mind Body and Spirit Fayre in London Saturday 14th December - All proceeds to Philippine Disaster Appeal

2013-12-10T10:10:00.002+00:00

Post by Odette Kurland.

London Venue needed urgently for our Holistic Xmas Fair in aid of Typhoon Haiyam Appeal

2013-11-20T09:56:00.000+00:00

Hello Friends :-)

Urgent Help needed PLEASE !!!

We are looking for a Centrally located London Venue for our Fundraising event supporting dec.org.uk Philippines Typhoon Appeal.

I am appealing for your help.

Can you help us ?

Do you know someone who can ?

9.8 million people have had their lives torn apart due to Typhoon Haiyan. They urgently need food, clean water & shelter.

I was watching TV which I don't do very often and the news was on. This man was in tears asking the world to come and help his people in the Philippines. I just knew I had to do something. I am out of work right now so my own donation was minimal. It struck me that I could do more by doing a fundraiser with my own group.

I then reached out to some people for fundraising ideas and leading on from that t then struck me that TOGETHER we can do so much more so here I am asking my spiritual friends to come together to make a DIFFERENCE.

How can you help ?

Looking for a Centrally located London venue for 14th or 15th December for a Holistic Xmas Fair. We have a budget of ZERO !!! Hence it needs to be donated !!! All proceeds to the Philippine Typhoon Appeal via the charity DEC (Disaster Emergency Committee). Our Fundraiser will be registered with them once we have our Venue !!!.

It is going to be an amazing day with lots of Holistic Therapies, Readings and depending on the space hopefully some workshops with everyone donating their time and services so all the proceeds can go to this very worthy and urgent appeal.

I do hope you can help us or perhaps you know someone who can ?

It will be fantastic if we can make this happen and raise some much needed money for a deserving cause.

Please contact me if you can help us.

Blessings :-)

Odette
http://www.meetup.com/London-Spiritual-Events/

URGENT !! Esoteric Content Censorship coming to a Website Near You !!!!

2013-09-27T09:52:00.001+01:00

If you work in Spirituality, Healing, Mediumship , Lightworkers All please do Share Share Share and Sign this petition.

Original graphic published at www.reachinglight.com.

Day trip to Glastonbury from London for Autumn Equinox 22 Sep 2013

2013-09-11T21:54:00.001+01:00

London Spiritual Events and Socials & Spiritual Friends Days Out , Weekends Away and Retreats present to you a Day Trip to Glastonbury with Spiritual Friends

http://www.meetup.com/Spiritual-Friends-Days-Out-and-Weekends-Away/events/138889812/

Join us on a very Special Day Trip to Glastonbury to celebrate Autumn Equinox.

Please note Bookings for this Trip will only be open for the next 48 Hours !!!

Autumn Equinox

The sun rises due east and sets due west and the light is equal to the dark. We begin to move into the twilight of the year and our lives. A time for harvest and making contribution It is a time of equal day and equal night, and for the moment nature is in balance.

It is a time to reap what you have sown, of giving thanks for the harvest and the bounty the Earth provides. For finishing up old projects and plans and planting the seeds for new enterprises or a change in lifestyle. Autumn Equinox - Mabon is a time of celebration and balance.

On The Day

We will visit The Chalice Well Gardens, Glastonbury Tor and for those of you who wish to visit Glastonbury Abbey, time permitting there may be an opportunity for that too. Entrance to The Abbey is £6.00 which is not included in the price of the Day Trip.

Free time and time to stop for lunch and refreshments. Time to mediate and chat with our new like-minded Spiritual Friends.

A Jam packed day amongst Spiritual Friends celebrating Autumn Equinox in Glastonbury ( Heart Chakra of The World ). It does not get any more special than that !!!

The Chalice Well and Red Spring

The Chalice Well is among the best known and most loved holy wells in Britain. Many legends are attributed to its chalybeate waters, which flow ceaselessly at a steady rate and temperature that never varies. Not least among these is that they represent the blood of Christ miraculously springing forth from the ground when Joseph of Arimathea buried or washed the cup used at the Last Supper. For others the waters are acknowledged as the essence of life, the gift from Mother Earth to sustain its living forms and so a continuous spring like Chalice Well is a direct expression of an unbounded life force.

Chalice Well is a World Peace Garden. A place of peace and tranquility for those of all faiths and none. These festivals are grounded in common principles; welcome, stillness, silence, reflection, grace, communion, community, relationship, celebration, gratitude and blessing. That people gather together, not in a formalised building or structure of worship, but in a beautiful garden, allows a shared acknowledgement of the sacred and divine that transcends borders and differences.

The Well water is believed to possess healing properties. This belief can be traced back to the sixteenth-century.

The White Spring

Glastonbury was once an island and water rises and falls from it’s heart in profusion. Full of mystery and symbolism, two springs rise within feet of each other at the base of the Tor - the holy hill of Avalon. One, tasting sweet with calcium, leaves a white trail. The other, tasting metallic with iron, leaves its mark in red. We sought to create a Temple here in honour of the Spirit of the White Spring. The White Spring water flows through it, as does the Ley Line known as the Michael line. Cavernous and set apart, in blackness or candle lit, mysterious it remains. A stark contrast to the wonderful gardens of Chalice Well of the Red Spring.

Photo below is one I took of Chalice Well Celebrations for Winter Solstice 2012

Glastonbury Tor

Prominent hill overlooking the Isle of Avalon, Glastonbury and Somerset

This iconic and evocative landmark offers magnificent views of the Somerset Levels, Dorset, Wiltshire and Wales.

Steeped in history and legend, excavations at the top of the Tor have revealed the plans of two superimposed churches of St Michael, of which only a 15th-century tower remains.

Glastonbury Tor also has a grisly past. Abbot Richard Whiting was executed here in 1549 on the orders of Thomas Cromwell, the first Earl of Essex.

Glastonbury Tor is known as being one of the most spiritual sites in the country. Its pagan beliefs are still very much celebrated. It’s a beautiful place to walk, unwind and relax.

Another one of my photos of Glastonbury Tor

This has got to be the most amazing picture I have ever seen of Glasto Tor. Not one of mine though !!! Super Moon :-)

Glastonbury Abbey (optional time permitting during Free Time)

£6.00 Entrance Fee

The Abbey is set in 37 acres of beautifully peaceful parkland in the centre of the ancient market town of Glastonbury. It is traditionally the first Christian sanctuary in Great Britain, visited, so legend has it, by Joseph of Arimathea and Saints David & Patrick. Many believe that the Holy Thorn tree that can be seen in the grounds originated from Joseph of Arimathea's staff and others are convinced that King Arthur was buried in the Abbey beside his lovely wife Queen Guinevere. Whatever one believes the facts are that the ruins are unique, the grounds provide a spot of peace and tranquility in an otherwise hectic world, and if the weather is poor there is the new Visitor's Centre with award winning Museum which includes a model of the Abbey as it might have looked in 1539, together with a display of the Town, a children's Display and the magnificent 16th century Othery Cope.

Itinerary

Meet at the pick up point at 8.15 for a coach departure at 8.30 A.M. Please aim to arrive early as the coach will be leaving on time.

10.30 am approx arrival in Glastonbury where we will be dropped off by our coach for the day. You will need to take your belongings with your as we will not have access to the coach until pick up time.

We will make our way to The Chalice Well Gardens for the Wheel of the Year Festival - Autumn Equinox Meditation.

There is FREE Admission to the Gardens until 12pm.

For those of you BRAVE enough to stand in the Healing Pool (my favourite spot) you can join me for this 'must have' experience. The pool which has a constant temperature of VERY COLD !!! but well worth the experience.

We can purchase Refreshments at the Chalice Well.

We will leave The Chalice Well at an agreed time and head for The White Spring together.

We will then head into the town together. There will be an opportunity for some Free time in the town where we can have a wander around the shops, perhaps visit The Abbey and stop for lunch. We will split into smaller groups for this and have a meeting point and time.

Next on the agenda is a wonderful walk up to Glastonbury Tor where we can join in with the celebrations for Autumn Equinox. We can gather as a group and enjoy a meditation together and spend some time absorbing the wonderful energies of The Tor.

Some more free time to spend as we wish in the area before meeting at 5pm for a group sharing then we will head to the departure point for our trip back to London.

6.00pm We leave Glastonbury for our journey home to our departure point in Central London.

There will be many opportunities throughout the day to connect with one another and during the Free Times you are welcome to join me if you wish. No-one will be left alone unless they wish to have some Alone Time.

What to Bring

Be Sure to bring a bottle to fill with the magical waters of The Chalice Well. We will visit both the Red Springs and the White Springs. I prefer to mix my water with both waters.

If you wish to dip your feet in the Chalice Well Healing Pool, you may wish to bring a small towel to dry your feet.

Bring appropriate clothing for the day. Rain or Shine as well as comfortable walking boots or shoes.

Enough money for food and refreshments and a bit of retail therapy !!! There are some fantastic book shops and New Age type shops in the town. If you love Crystals then you will be in Crystal Heaven.

Payments

All payments are to be made online via PayPal in full if you decide to RSVP (you will be taken to the payments page after you RSVP).

Please note you do not have to have a Paypal account to pay via Paypal. If you do not have a Paypal account, choose the option to 'pay with a debit or credit card' and fill in your card details, address, email etc as directed by the screen.

Please 'click here' to view an organisers meetup group set-up with instructions and screenshots on how to pay without a Paypal account.

Payments are non-refundable unless the trip is cancelled or rescheduled. We hope members will understand that if we provided one person with a refund then every person would be entitled to a refund. If we allowed that to happen then we would risk losing the substantial amount we have already paid for the whole trip.

it would not be possible to plan trips of this scale without an organisation fee included in the price. Therefore, included in the cost of £34 will be a contribution to myself for organising the trip.

If you have any other questions at all , please contact me.

Places will be limited and bookings must be made and paid for by 13th September. We will require a minimum of 25 bookings in order for this trip to go ahead so please please book as soon as you can. In the event that this event is cancelled by me, a full refund will be made without delay !!!

This trip will also be offered to another Spiritual Social Group and Healing Group that I run, all like-minded Spiritual Folk. More New Friends !!! :-)

To Book your place, either click on the link below or on the RSVP button.

RSVP

http://www.meetup.com/Spiritual-Friends-Days-Out-and-Weekends-Away/events/138889812/

Look forward to connecting with you all on what is sure to be an extra special day.

Love, Peace and Blessings :-)

Odette

The Coming Global Revolution

2013-07-30T09:08:00.001+01:00

Wow What a day with London Spiritual Events and Socials aka LSEAS

2013-07-16T09:49:00.002+01:00

Spiritual Picnic hosted by London Spiritual Events and Social Meetup Group

http://www.meetup.com/London-Spiritual-Events/

We had an absolutely amazing day for our very first meetup with London Spiritual Events and Socials.

I could not have dreamed of a better day for our very first gathering. The Sun shone continuously even though the forecast earlier in the week was not in our favour so Thank you Thank you Universe and Thank you to everyone who made the day so special.

Healers, Acupuncturists, Authors , Tai Chi , Producers of Music , Shamans , Spiritualists, Tarot Readers and that is just a fraction of the beautiful diversity we have attracted within our new Community.

The turnout was incredible, somewhere in the region of 25 or so Spiritual Friends gathered in London Regents Park for a Picnic.

New friends and connections were established, good conversation was enjoyed along with laughter and yummy food.

We have more events and socials planned so do join us at our meetup group to be sure to not miss out.

We welcome and encourage member participation and input as it is all of us that will help to create a new Spiritual Community for London.

Please do come and join us if you wish to connect with other like minded Spiritually minded folk in London.

Some photos from our Spiritual Picnic.

A very special Meditation with Justin Bonnet

Our next event will be a Walking Meditation on Hampstead Heath on Sunday 21st July 2013.

Come along and join us for a Walk and Meditation on Hampstead Heath. My all time favourite London Park.
http://www.meetup.com/London-Spiritual-Events/events/129643852/

Join us for more Spirtual Fun at http://www.meetup.com/London-Spiritual-Events/ London's Brand New Spiritual Social and Events Group.

Blessings :-)

Odette
London Spiritual Events and Socials

Spiritual Picnic in London 13th July 2013

2013-07-04T16:49:00.000+01:00

London Spiritual Events and Socials are Having a Picnic !!!!

Would you like to join us for a Picnic in the Park on 13th July 2013 with London's newest Spiritual Social Group.

This is our first Social Event so we are all Newbies together :-)

Do come along and take part in the creation of a brand new group.

We look forward to meeting you all and making new friends.

For further information and to RSVP please join by clicking on our group link.

http://www.meetup.com/London-Spiritual-Events/events/127573652/

Completely FREE of charge but bring your own picnic and perhaps something to Share.

Anyone got a Didgeridoo ? It will be awesome to meditate do the sound of a Didg.

Wishing you all Love Peace and Blessings

X :-) Odette
London Spiritual Events and Socials ( Group Creator )

Spirituality in London

2013-07-03T17:40:00.000+01:00

London Spiritual Events and Socials Meetup

http://www.meetup.com/London-Spiritual-Events/

Is this you ? Calling all .....

Spiritual Beings having a Human Experience

Spiritual Healers in London

Reiki and Energy Healers in London

Spiritual Mediums in London

Spiritual Explorers in London

Buddhists in London

Those who meditate in London

Tarot Readers in London

Big Hearted people in London

Spiritual Travellers

Interested in learning more about spirituality ?

About Us

I am a trained Reiki and Spiritual Healer, having followed a spiritual path for most of my life.

I have also sat in a few spiritual development and mediation circles.

I have been running several groups on Facebook to help connect people interested in Reiki and Energy Healing and Spiritual Development.

I originally started the Facebook groups as I was very aware that many people on a Spiritual Path did not have the support of their friends and/or family and are in desperate need for help on this journey. The internet is a great tool for connecting like-minded people via Social Networks such as Facebook.

I now realise that it is time to take the next step on this journey and that is to create a physical community of like-minded Spiritual Friends where we can support one another, laugh, play, share and learn together.

Our first Spiritual Social Gathering is in London on 14th July 2013. We are having a Spiritual Picnic. The event is completely FREE of charge and all you need to bring is yourself, a big smile of course and something to munch on (picnic).

Do come along to our picnic , enjoy great conversations and meet new friends Click here to RSVP for our Picnic

We are brand new and exciting Spiritual Group in London. It is our dream to create a real Authentic Heart Centred group where everyone is welcome, welcomed, valued and respected. We value your ideas and input to help us all create a special community.

For more information it is free to join us at http://www.meetup.com/London-Spiritual-Events/
where we will keep you informed on new events and gatherings. We also have a message board for discussions.

Love, Peace and Blessings

Odette

Griffin the Cocker Spaniel

2012-07-30T19:40:00.002+01:00

I have entered this photo that I took into a competition.

This is Griffin. He is a 13 month old Cocker Spaniel.

I have never known a dog to have so much energy.

Dorset days

2012-04-20T11:31:00.000+01:00

On my way to Dorset.

So looking forward to this weekend.

It's great to be living this wonderful life and I feel so lucky :-)

Let the good times roll.

Inspirational Writing

2012-02-27T09:21:00.002+00:00

Inspirational Writing

Definition of Inspiration ?

American Dictionary

1a. Stimulation of the mind or emotions to a high level of feeling or activity.

1b. The condition of being so stimulated.

2. An agency, such as a person or work of art, that moves the intellect or emotions or prompts action or invention.

3. Something, such as a sudden creative act or idea, that is inspired.

4. The quality of inspiring or exalting: a painting full of inspiration.

5. Divine guidance or influence exerted directly on the mind and soul of humankind.

6. The act of drawing in, especially the inhalation of air into the lungs.

Collins English

1. stimulation or arousal of the mind, feelings, etc., to special or unusual activity or creativity

2. the state or quality of being so stimulated or aroused

3. someone or something that causes this state

4. an idea or action resulting from such a state

5. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Physiology) the act or process of inhaling; breathing in

What is Inspirational Writing

Inspirational writing is information or writing that is channeled from spirit, guides, helpers and angels.

It can be philosophy , messages of wisdom or poetry. What matters is that it is inspirational.

The process of inspirational writing can be different for everyone, depending on whether they are clairvoyant or clairaudient etc:

In a way it is quite similar to a platform medium giving an inspirational speech but you will be writing the inspiration that comes to you.

Just make yourself comfortable and find yourself a quiet time, maybe meditate first and then open up ready to work with spirit. Get pen to paper and perhaps you will surprise yourself. I have been told that the more you do the stronger the link and the easier the flow. Don't forget as with all spiritual work to close down when you are finished.

I have also been taught that it is best if you keep to a similar time of day, and try make it a regular practice, be it daily, weekly etc: They will know that you are working with them in this way and be ready to work with you.

You may even find that you write about something that you have absolutely no or very little knowledge of. What is important is that you write it down, along with a date.

For me I just write and I have no idea what I am going to write and don't really know what I have written until I read it afterwards. The words just come, they flow although I don't actually hear the words spoken i just feel guided to write them or even type them, almost like dictation from my mind. I must add that I am a complete beginner in this subject but I do feel very drawn to it and on the few occasions that I have put pen to paper I have had some incredible results. I do feel that this is an area that I am meant to work in. Each time I have shared my writing, the people I have shared with have usually found something for them in what has been written !! So DO SHARE :-)

So to summarise if you want to give this a go.

1. Have everything at the ready paper, pen/pencil.

2. Prepare yourself to work with spirit. Maybe say a prayer, ground and protect yourself. (See our doc on opening, closing and protection)

3. Sit in a quite and comfortable space ready to meditate.

4. Now meditate as you would normally do. This may guided using a cd or you may just wish to sit in silence in preperation.

5. Now put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard.

6. Quietly listen. The words may be heard telepathically. Begin to write, do NOT edit or evaluate. Write the first words that come to mind. Keep writing until you feel you have finished.

7. Sit quietly afterwards and give thanks for the information you have received.

8. Most importantly. CLOSE DOWN. If you don't know how to do this then check our documents section in our Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/SDUK2011/ as there is some information on this.

9. You are now ready to read what you have written. You may surprise yourself with the results. Don't worry if none of it makes sense as it might do to someone else. It may be a message for someone.

10. Finally, keep a writing journal to keep track of your progress.

Finally Share what you have written.

A group for open and like minded people. For those on a spiritual journey, be it Mediumship , Healing , Tarot Readers , Pagans, Spiritists, Palmists, Spiritualists , Witches , Wiccans , Reincarnation , Past Life Regression, Alternative or Complimentary Health Therapists etc: etc . A welcoming place for discussion and friendship for those on a spiritual path.

Love , Light & Blessings

Flamenco Dancing Courses and Lessons in London Camden Chalk Farm area

2011-12-19T18:21:00.001+00:00

Forget Ceroc , Forget Zumba.

Be Different and be part of a new trend.

Flamenco has got Soul, Style and Passion.

Lose Weight, Get Fit , Meet new people and have Fun in the process.

Escuela de baile

Christmas Flamenco Course 2011 in Sadlers Wells with Juan de Los Reyes

Fill the days between Christmas and New Year with Flamenco! 27th-31st December 2011

Study flamenco dancing, castanets and rhythm with some of the best teachers from Spain. We have courses for complete beginners up to professionals. La Escuela de Baile is delighted to present Juan de Los Reyes as the special guest teacher at this year's Christmas Course.

For further information please contact www.ledb.co.uk or telephone Escuela de Baile on 07795166590

Photo: Juan Guerrero

More Glastonbury Photos

2011-11-15T15:56:00.006+00:00

Glastonbury Somerset

Here are some photos taken during one of my many visits to Glastonbury this year. Photos taken using my Canon EOS 400d Digital SLR camera. Note all photos are exactly as shot and not edited at all. I have not edited them for one of two reasons. Firstly, I like the photos as they are and secondly I have not mastered photo editing just yet. Photography is a new hobby and I am still learning to use my camera and indeed learning about photography.

I may take a course on the subject some time in the future but for now I am enjoying just playing around with and experimenting. You can click on any of the photos to enlarge them.

A Beautiful view of the Sunset from the top of Glastonbury High Street

The Skies over Glastonbury

Evening views of Glastonbury Tor

Spiritual Development UK SDUK Facebook Group

2011-09-11T10:47:00.003+01:00

Many Moons ago I used to be a member of a group on MSN Groups called Spiritual Development UK aka SDUK.

It was a very active group and it played an important part in my early spiritual development.

It was in the 'old days' of 56k modems , chat rooms and lets not forget the huge telephone bills !!!. The group was one I joined quite early on in my spiritual development, although I had been reading up on spiritual matters most of my life, from my teen years and indeed was luckily enough to be born into a family of believers. My mum being a trance medium and healer.

I realised that for other people the journey was very different to mine, more of a battle. It can be a challenge for them to be accepted or even for themselves to accept what is going on. The internet can be one of the most important places to support them on their journey. A path that can feel very lonely without the support of 'like minds'.

I recently found myself starting up a facebook group named after the original SDUK group that I had been a member of so many years ago. Weird really, my actions were not planned at all but I just found myself recreating a little of the past that was so important to me. I am a great believer that everything happens for a reason :-)

More strange though, it has become apparent that Janette who runs the circle I joined 8 weeks ago was a member of the original SDUK group all those years ago. This I did not know because we all used to have Nicknames and very rarely used our real names !! It was also quite a large group and members would come and go but a Small Small world indeed....

I realise that the past is the past but I feel that although this new group was inspired by one from so many years ago, that it is a new group and it will be very interesting to see where it goes and how it grows if indeed it is meant to. There are new faces and some old ones too. We have a lovely admin team, made up from different people from my new development groups. A wonderful team of people :-) Some very experienced and others quite new to this path. A wonderful mix.

I am very active with my spiritual development at the moment and participate in several groups including Meditation, Healing and a Mediumship circle.

I feel blessed that my life is so enriched with so many wonderful people around me and so many interests and avenues to explore.

I do intend to do more with my Healing and I am currently exploring different ideas for getting more involved with that side of things.

Oh if only I had more free time for everything.

Here is the link to the new Facebook Group for anyone interested in joining....

https://www.facebook.com/groups/SDUK2011/

You need to be a member of Facebook to join.....

Thames Festival London UK

2011-09-11T09:24:00.004+01:00

Yesterday I went to the Thames Festival.

It is a wonderful annual festival that runs for the weekend. The best day is usually the Sunday as that includes the grand finale of a spectacular firework display and night Carnival.

Mr Weatherman I feel like kicking your butt, big time..... Saturday, 20% chance of Rain, Sunday 60% chance of rain.... Not no more !!! All that seems to have changed, Mr Weatherman LIED !!! It looks like today is glorious and the odds on Rain have been washed out by the rain. I am happy that the weather will not spoil the day for those that go today but I chose the wrong day based on the forecast YESTERDAY.... Okay, I am angry but I will get over it. I am truly happy that the Night Carnival and Fireworks should be rain free today. :-)

Despite all my moaning , I had a wonderful day.

The day was full of colour , entertainment and food galore. It was a feast for all my senses.

Certainly my idea of a good day out. Thankfully it turned out to be a mostly beautiful day with less rain than I expected.

They are running a photography competition this year and I will be entering so fingers crossed, I may be the proud owner of a shiny new Nikon D7000 camera, If only.....

Mind you when I was trudging around with my Canon EOS 400d plus lenses yesterday, back breaking stuff, I may have said Stuff the Nikon D7000 , this photography thing is not much fun.

Weird really life behind the camera is a little less exciting at an event such as that. It is great to take photos but it sort of removes you from what is going on around you and although you may be enjoying taking the photos, you can be missing out on the pure enjoyment of the day. It can also be a little frustrating and very difficult to get the perfect shot with so many thousands of people around. Okay, I am probably waffling on now and not making much sense. :-)

There came a point in the day where I said, 'Okay camera in rucksack now'. All I need next time is someone to carry my rucksack :-) Wouldn't that be great.

Now I need to choose 5 photos for the competition. Lots to choose from :-)

The Healing thing, Reiki , Seichem and Spiritual Healing

2011-08-26T10:58:00.003+01:00

I am a second generation Healer within my family.

I have been aware of healing since I was a very young child as my Mother is a healer.

It was a normal and regular occurrence for my mum to lay her HOT hands on me for tummy aches, headaches in fact any aches and pains.

As a very young child, I was surprised that other kids got medicine and not Hot hands !!!

I always felt drawn to healing but I ignored the calling possibly even resisted it and got on with other things in life. Perhaps the timing was not right then or that was just my rebelious nature !!

In 2000 I completed Reiki Seichem 1 Certification at my local college.

I then moved out of the area so did not continue with the second attunements, although I would occasionaly heal friends and family with some surprising results at times.

In September 2010 I came back to healing, almost by chance and that is another story in itself !!!

I started a course in Spiritual Healing at my local spiritualist church. For one reason or another, life has taken me in a slightly different direction and I have completed my Healing as a Reiki Practitioner.

Personally I believe that Healing is Healing, and all comes from the Source. All we are as healers is channels for that energy from the source as it needs a channel to make contact with the patient.

I am now a Reiki Practitioner and plan on taking my Masters very soon.

I believe that Healing should be available to everyone, regardless of income and it is my wish to balance my healing activities between those who can and those who can't afford a Healing Treatment.

Right now I am looking for places where I can donate my Healing to those in need.

Really looking forward to tonight as I will be in central London at a Healing event with London College of Spirituality.

Healing and Meditation have changed me and my life.

More on that soon.

London Thames Southbank August 2011

2011-08-21T12:13:00.001+01:00

Yesterday I had a wonderful day out at the Thames Southbank in London.

A great opportunity to take my camera out and carry on getting to grips with DSLR photography.

The more photos, I take, the more tempted I am to take a course and learn more.

Finding the time is going to be difficult because I have so many hobbies and interests.

I feel truly privileged to live in this wonderful city with so much to do and experience, often free of charge.

The day started with a fantastic dance troupe followed by a photographic performance called Stilled, involving dance,light,music and pinhole photography to make a meditative cross-artform event exploring perception.

The dance troupe were amazing and I have some photos here. I hope that they capture the movement.

Dance troupe, name to follow when I get my brain into gear.

A journalistic photographic exhibition which was very moving and some of the images were quite shocking at times. I guess they truly captured the moment !!

A time-lapse animation by an artist called Meghana Bisineer. Truly amazing and highly recommended. You will find this animation at the Saison Poetry Library , within the Southbank Centre. Wearing the Headphones is a MUST for this animation.

All of that and more, all free of charge and lets not forget the wonderful views of the Thames.

I feel so lucky to live in this incredible city.

Nature Friday Local Woods in North London

2011-08-15T21:12:00.004+01:00

Fridays are my Nature Days and I just love them.

It is the me time, the time that I can be completely free and de-stress from the hum drum of life in the office.

As part of my spiritual journey it is really important to be grounded and spending time with Nature is a wonderful and enjoyable way to do this. I have always had a great love and respect for nature, wildlife and the outdoors and now it is even more important to me.

I am currently exploring local woods and outdoor spaces near my home in North London and I keep being amazed at what I find.

I knew of the existence of Parakeets in some parts of London and I have seen one or two at a distance in Richmond park but I had no idea that they were so close to home.

A few weeks ago I discovered Coldfall Woods, a beautiful wood a short bus ride from where I live. Of course I knew of the very famous Highgate Woods which is larger, noisier and more crowded. I visited Highgate Woods a few weeks ago.

Cold Fall Wood is smaller but it has an incredible feel to it and the energy there is so powerful. You feel like you have been transported out of London, away from the hustle and bustle. It almost feels like the air is purer and that you are hundreds of miles away.

My neighbour mentioned to me that there were Parakeets in the wood which surprised me as I had been there the week before and hadn't seen or heard any.

I went for another visit to search for the Parakeets. I asked a man walking his dog where the Parakeets were and he almost looked at me as if I was crazy and said he had been walking his dog there for years and had never seen or heard Parakeets !!!

I carried on my walk to find them, my Canon DSLR in tow and a rough idea where they were. I was told by Nikki, my neighbour that I would be more likely to hear them before seeing them. Low and behold the foreign sound of Parrots squawking could be heard in the distance. It almost felt like I was in a far away Rain Forest. So not the sound or sights for East Finchley !

According to the RSPB website these are believed to be Ring Necked Parakeets and they actually originate from the foothills of the Himalayas, so they don't need it to be that warm to live comfortably and that is why they are thriving here in the UK.

I found a bit of information on the RSPB website about them.

The UK's only naturalised parrot it is large, long-tailed and green with a red beak and a pink and black ring around its face and neck. In flight it has pointed wings, a long tail and very steady, direct flight. Often found in flocks, numbering hundreds at a roost site, it can be very noisy.

Below are some of my photos taken with my Canon EOS 400D using a ES-F 55-250mm Lens.

I am still learning how to use the camera, my first DSLR so not all perfect shots but I am still very happy with them. They are so very well camouflaged in the green leaves of the trees, it was a small miracle that I managed to get any shots of them.

Some of these photos have been taken by my friend Natalie who usually joins me on the Friday Nature Days.

A Trip to Highgate Woods

2011-08-06T11:52:00.000+01:00

Had a wonderful 'Back to Nature' day at Highgate Woods.

So close to home but only my first visit there. I keep being amazed at the beauty on my doorstep and now I am going to make it my mission to get out and about, to enjoy all the wonderful open spaces that London has to offer.

Don't get me wrong, I love the outdoors and have been to many local spots but I am making the time to get out and about as much as I can now.

Next weeks plan is Hampstead Heath, I love the Heath.

A few pics I took Yesterday.

More to add soon.

Out and About with my DSLR Canon EOS 400D

2011-07-31T20:44:00.004+01:00

Took a day out to be with Nature and found a wonderful local Wood that backs on to St Pancras Cemetery.

I had absolutely no idea that we had a local wood of that size so close to home.

I was so pleased that I had my camera with me as I got a few really good photos.

I love this one of the row of trees.

What a beautiful Magpie.

Below I got a photo of what looks like a very old fox.

He didn't seem bothered by us at all and I was able to get quite close to take this shot.

South Bank London UK

2011-07-18T12:42:00.003+01:00

Took my camera out for its first proper shoot last week.

I particularly like this action shot of a skateboarder.

I will be uploading more soon.

Camera Canon EOS 400D