Jo Thornton - My Blog - Breast Enhancing Advice, Product Updates and Chat

 

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  1. Completely Random Christmas Facts!

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    Happy bit after Christmas! I hope you all have been having a wonderful time.

    I spent this Christmas listening to Bill Bryson's book about Christmas on Audible, so I am going to share a few here. I just love knowledge and history (yes, I know I say that a lot!) and Google do like me to update my site with content, so here are some Christmas facts! 

    1. Ancient Origins: The roots of Christmas celebrations can be traced back to ancient pagan festivals that celebrated the winter solstice, such as the Roman Saturnalia and the Germanic Yule.

    2. Christian Adaptation: Christmas as we know it today was adapted by early Christians to coincide with these pagan festivals, with December 25th chosen as the date to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.

    3. Oliver Cromwell's Ban: In the 17th century, Christmas celebrations were banned in England by Oliver Cromwell and the Puritans, who viewed the holiday as too frivolous and pagan in nature. They weren't a lot of fun, those Puritans!

    4. Dickensian Influence: Charles Dickens played a significant role in shaping modern Christmas traditions with his novella "A Christmas Carol," which popularized themes of charity, family, and redemption. It is a myth however that he "invented Christmas". It's true that it had been on the decline in the years before, but it was already seeing a resurgence of celebration and Dickens capitalised on that. 

    5. Royal Christmas Trees: The tradition of decorating Christmas trees in Britain can be traced back to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, who popularized the custom in the 19th century after they were depicted with a decorated tree in an illustration for the Illustrated London News. They wanted to promote family life, and what better than a happy family picture around a Christmas tree. 

    6. Mince Pies: Traditional British mince pies originally contained meat, such as beef or mutton, along with fruits and spices. It makes me think of the Friends episode with the Rachel and the meat trifle! Over time, the recipe evolved to exclude meat, becoming the sweet, fruit-filled treat that most of you enjoy today, just not me! 

    7. Boxing Day: December 26th, known as Boxing Day in the UK, has its origins in the practice of giving boxes of gifts or money to servants and tradespeople as a token of appreciation for their service throughout the year.

    8. Christmas Crackers: The tradition of pulling Christmas crackers, which contain paper hats, jokes, and small toys, originated in the mid-19th century by British confectioner Tom Smith, who was inspired by French bonbons wrapped in paper twists. 

    Fiction:

    1. Coca-Cola Santa: While Coca-Cola's advertising campaigns in the 20th century did contribute to popularizing the image of Santa Claus in a red suit, the character himself predates these advertisements by centuries, originating from the figure of Saint Nicholas.

    2. Christmas in Bethlehem: Despite popular belief, historical evidence suggests that Jesus was likely born in the spring or summer, rather than on December 25th. The choice of December 25th as the date for Christmas was influenced by the timing of pagan festivals celebrating the winter solstice.

    I'm sure there were a lot more, but I can't remember any more alas. That *may* be the mulled wine! 

  2. Guest Post - Alex's Story

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    Embracing Truth: A Journey of Self-Discovery

    In the heart of a bustling city, amidst the chaotic symphony of honking cars and hurried footsteps, there lived a soul named Alex. From the outside, Alex appeared like any other person, but inside, she harbored a secret—a truth waiting to be unveiled.

    Born into a body that didn't quite match her essence, Alex grappled with her identity for years. It wasn't until she stumbled upon the word "transgender" that a glimmer of understanding illuminated her path. With each step forward, she shed the weight of societal expectations and embraced her true self—a woman trapped in a man's body.

    The journey to self-acceptance was not without its challenges. Alex faced skepticism from those around her, including friends and family who struggled to comprehend her truth. Yet, amidst the doubts and uncertainties, she found solace in the unwavering support of a few cherished souls.

    One such beacon of light was Maya, a transgender woman who had traversed a similar path. Maya became Alex's mentor, guiding her through the complexities of transitioning and offering a shoulder to lean on during the darkest of days. With Maya's encouragement, Alex found the courage to embark on the journey of a lifetime—a journey toward authenticity and freedom.

    As Alex navigated the maze of medical appointments and legal paperwork, she discovered a newfound sense of empowerment coursing through her veins. Each hormone treatment and therapy session brought her one step closer to aligning her outer appearance with her inner truth. And with each passing day, Alex shed the layers of doubt and insecurity that had plagued her for so long.

    But the true test of her resilience came when she decided to publicly embrace her identity. With trembling hands and a heart pounding with anticipation, Alex stood before a crowd of strangers and declared, "My name is Alex, and I am a woman."

    The room fell silent as Alex's words hung in the air, but instead of scorn or ridicule, she was met with an outpouring of love and acceptance. Tears of joy streamed down her cheeks as she realized that she was not alone—that there were others who understood her journey and stood beside her, ready to lift her up in times of need.

    From that moment on, Alex lived her truth unabashedly, embracing every facet of her identity with pride and defiance. She refused to be confined by society's narrow definitions of gender, choosing instead to carve out her own path—a path paved with courage, compassion, and unwavering authenticity.

    In the years that followed, Alex became a beacon of hope for others struggling to find their place in a world that often seemed indifferent to their existence. She used her voice to advocate for transgender rights, speaking out against discrimination and inequality with a fierce determination that could not be silenced.

    But perhaps the most powerful lesson Alex learned on her journey was the importance of self-love. For it was in accepting herself fully and unconditionally that she found the strength to weather life's storms and emerge stronger than ever before.

    And so, dear reader, remember this: No matter who you are or where you come from, your truth is valid, and your journey is worthy of celebration. Embrace it with open arms, and know that you are never alone. For in the vast tapestry of humanity, there is a place for each and every one of us—a place where we can shine brightly and live our lives authentically, just like Alex.

  3. 5 Hidden Gems for Boosting Your Daily Mental Health

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    In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it's easy to overlook the little things that can have a big impact on our mental well-being. I certainly feel the strain of the shorter days, and try to pack a lot more into daylight than I do in the summer, and this takes a toll. While popular strategies like exercise and mindfulness meditation are undeniably beneficial, there are some lesser-known techniques that can work wonders for our mental health. Here are five hidden gems that I plan to try this winter that you might not have heard of:

    1. **Gratitude Visualization Sessions:**
    Take a few minutes each day to visualize three things you're grateful for. But here's the twist: imagine those things in vivid detail. Whether it's the warmth of sunlight streaming through your window, the aroma of your morning coffee, or the smile on a loved one's face, immerse yourself in the sensory experience of gratitude. This practice not only shifts your focus to the positive aspects of life but also trains your brain to notice and appreciate the little joys that often go unnoticed.

    2. **Sensory Grounding Exercises:**
    Engage your senses in simple yet powerful grounding exercises. For instance, carry a small vial of essential oil with you and inhale its calming scent whenever you feel stressed or anxious. Alternatively, keep a smooth stone in your pocket and rub it between your fingers to soothe frazzled nerves. By connecting with your senses in moments of distress, you can anchor yourself to the present moment and alleviate feelings of overwhelm.

    3. **Random Acts of Kindness Journaling:**
    Make it a daily habit to perform at least one random act of kindness and then journal about it in detail. It could be as small as complimenting a stranger or as significant as volunteering your time for a cause you believe in. Reflecting on your acts of kindness fosters a sense of purpose and connection with others, boosting your self-esteem and overall sense of well-being.

    4. **Nature Bathing Breaks:**
    Take regular "nature bathing" breaks throughout your day, even if it's just for a few minutes. Step outside and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and sensations of the natural world around you. Feel the grass beneath your feet, listen to the chirping of birds, and breathe in the fresh air deeply. Research suggests that spending time in nature can reduce stress, anxiety, and rumination, while enhancing mood and cognitive function.

    5. **Laughter Therapy Sessions:**
    Dedicate time each day to indulge in laughter therapy. Seek out humorous content that tickles your funny bone, whether it's a comedy podcast, a funny movie, or silly cat videos on the internet. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Plus, sharing a laugh with others strengthens social bonds and fosters a sense of camaraderie.

    I've read recently how incorporating these five hidden gems into your daily routine can work wonders for your mental health, helping you cultivate resilience, joy, and inner peace amidst life's ups and downs. So, why not give them a try with me this winter? I think anything is worth a try to help us find those little sparks that make us that little bit happier every day :) 

    sign-2014-8-20-15.2.46 xxxx

  4. Pride London 2023

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    For the first time I was able to go to Pride in London this year, and it was fabulous! I live near Brighton, so I've been to our Pride Parade many times, but this was a London first.

    It was so lovely to be around such a happy crowd of people, celebrating love and diversity.

    Here are some of my piccies from the day. 

     

    It went on for hours after this, but I was with my daughter and we were desperate for a drink and a sit down.  The start was delayed for an hour due to protestors, so we'd been there a loooong time! We watched again from another place later, but we too far back for pictures. 

    I'd absolutely recommend going to anyone, dressed up or not! 

  5. Why Don't You Show the Enhancer in a Bra, Jo?

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    When people make a purchase from my store, I send a little feedback email so people can let me know how they feel and how I can improve. 

    One thing that has been mentioned a few times is this: 

     

    "You really should include pictures of the enhancers on a someone so we can see the results" 

     

    I felt it's about time I responded to tell you I hear you! I need to explain my reasons for why I've not done that on my site.  

    It's something I explained a lot when I first started out (2007!) but not something I have chatted about recently, so I certainly feel it's time.  

    First of all, I fully understand the logic. We like to see a product in action in order to understand it.  I certainly do when I am buying things, like the jeans I am looking at getting myself at the moment. I like to see what size and height the model is, and work out roughly how they will work on me, based on that image. The problem is that enhancers don't quite work like that, and to put it simply, I don't want to mislead anyone. 

     

    Let me explain. 

    The problem we have is that what an enhancer looks like for one person, is not necessarily what it will look like for others.  I think this is a big issue as it can mislead. 

    There are a few factors involved in this.  The first is that if I show say a style 6 enhancer in a 34B bra, the result will look different to the look and boost that a it would if I photographed a 36C person with the exact same style.  As a result, I would be showing a product giving a result that will not happen, and that wouldn’t be right.  I could of course show images of the product in each bra size, but that would be about 30-60 pictures for each product. 

    Then it's compounded by the second factor, breast shape. 

    There are many different breast shapes out there, which all respond differently. This is in bras, but even more so with breast enhancers, especially when breast density is varies. They can be full on top, full on bottom, rounded, triangular, tubular etc.  

    To add to it, breasts can come in different densities and change over time, through age, breast feeding and weight loss. This really affects how much silicone we need, as breasts that are not so dense need more to push and shape. Someone with style 6 who hasn't breastfed may get a different amount of boost to someone who has.  

    Then it's the simple factor of the bra it's in. As I'm sure you know, bras are not equal, and all fit and work differently, from brands to different bra shapes.  The bra used in the image would not match the bra the customer uses.  

    With all those factors, you can see how if I put a model in a 34C bra with style 6, they could give a different visual image than the customer may get, even if they were a 34C. It's not something I feel comfortable about doing.  

    I did wonder about having the images labelled, so like the jeans say the model is this and that, for sizing reference, but at the end of the day there are so many factors that would mean the customer would get a different result. A jeans company only has to take a picture of say 10 sizes, and can show it for each, so it's quite accurate. My customers would vary so widely that it still wouldn't narrow it enough.  

    It's something that I hope to work around more in the future. I am a little store and I don't have the resources to do that now, and that's not really a bad thing. By keeping small I can't have all those images taken and sizing options expressed, but that does mean that it's just me running my shop, so I am here for you.  I like to keep it small and personal with you. 

    The main thing to remember is if you are not sure, use me! I try to give as much information as I can, but many of you have specific needs so use me as that's what I'm here for.  I have about 15 years of experience now, so pick my brains and we can work out it together. Tell me your size, goals, issues and we can go from there with finding you the perfect fitting breast enhancer ðŸ˜Š 

    sign-2014-8-20-15.2.46 XXX

     

  7. Feminist Icon - Hedy Lamarr - Actress and Inventor

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    Hedy Lamarr (2)

    Hedy Lamarr was an Austrian-born American film actress and inventor who was born on November 9, 1914 and died on January 19, 2000. She was a film star during Hollywood's "golden-age" and was often typecast as a provocative femme fatale.  She appeared in many films throughout her career, including "Ecstasy" (1933), "Algiers" (1938), "Boom Town" (1940), and "Samson and Delilah" (1949). She was married six times and had three children. 

     

    What interests me about her, however, is that she was also an inventor who pioneered the technology that would one day form the basis for today’s WiFi, GPS, and Bluetooth systems. Her achievements are a little geeky for me to fully understand, but she basically co-invented a technique for "spread spectrum communications" that paved the way for the tech in all our gadgets that we use today.  Lamarr's invention was originally intended to help the US Navy remotely control torpedoes during World War II.

    She also created a patented "Secret Communciation System" designed to keep the Nazis from intercepting Allied transmissions by jumping radio frequencies.

    Lamarr was also inspired to innovate in the world of aviation as Howard Hughes (a businessman and film director) wanted to create faster planes that could be sold to the US military. She bought a book of fish and a book of birds, and looked at the fastest of each kind. She combined the fins of the fastest fish, and the wings of the fastest bird, to sketch a new wing design for Hughes’ planes. The military ordered 100 of the planes in 1943, but only 2 prototypes and a mockup were ever completed. Still, this is quite an accomplishment for someone who is also a current Hollywood actress, I'm sure you'll agree. 

    Lamarr was rightly given an honorary award by the Electronic Frontier Foundation in 1997 for her contributions to the field of technology, and I feel she deserves more recognition. 

    I think she is a remarkable woman and I am so glad she received that award before she died and also was able to see some of the modern uses for the technology before she passed in 2000.  I would have loved to have met her for a cuppa and a chat. 

    To read more, see: 

    Hedy Lamarr | Biography, Movies, & Facts | Britannica

    How Hedy Lamarr and Her Inventions Changed the World (leaders.com)

    Hedy Lamarr (womenshistory.org)

    sign-2014-8-20-15.2.46  xxx

  9. Little Stocks Update

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    Just a quick little stock update for you:

    I've had some terrible issues with sourcing my raw materials for my products, so you may have noticed that some of my breast forms in particular have sold out.  I have to allow that to happen, starting production after that due to these logistics, and I am so sorry about that. It means I will do bigger production runs when I do. 

    The good news is that all the breast forms are currently in production, as well as breast enhancer styles 9 and 12. I am hoping for the following:

    • Styles 9 and 12 to finish first and be back in stock in around 3 weeks.
    • All breast forms to be finished and restocked by the end of April absolute latest, but hopefully closer to mid-April.

    All my other breast enhancers are just going into production now :)