Sunday, December 22

Celebration

Monica Bradley: A Stellar Journey of Gratitude, Giving, and Leadership
21Dec By Martin KagweriNo Comments
Celebration, Christmas Issue, Cover Story, Issue 11

Monica Bradley: A Stellar Journey of Gratitude, Giving, and Leadership

Stella Olivia Kikoyo : Monica, welcome to the Stellar Woman Show! It’s such a pleasure to have you here as our featured guest for this Christmas issue. Can you start by telling us about yourself and the journey that brought you to where you are today? Monica Bradley: Thank you, Stella, and thank you for the invitation to be here. I am the founder and managing director of MB Associates, a company based in the UK. While we are headquartered in Surrey, our clients span across the globe, from Australia to New Zealand and America. At MB Associates, we specialize in mortgages and financial protection. When I say financial protection, I’m referring to services that help secure people’s financial futures in the face of unforeseen circumstances. Our ethos is centered around long-term value an...
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Monica Bradley Reflects on Family, Festive Traditions, and Business Growth This Christmas- Monica Bradley
21Dec By Martin KagweriNo Comments
Celebration, Christmas Issue, Issue 11, Slide one 2

Monica Bradley Reflects on Family, Festive Traditions, and Business Growth This Christmas- Monica Bradley

Monica Bradley, founder and managing director of Surrey-based mortgage broker MB Associates, shares her festive plans and how she celebrates with her loved ones and colleagues. Family Time Christmas is a special occasion for me as it’s an opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones. Family is very important to me, and I love spending time with my nearest and dearest. This year however, things will feel different, as we sadly said goodbye to our last remaining Aunt, our beloved Aunt Rosaleen, earlier this year. Rosaleen was in her early 90s and a feisty lady with a great sense of humor who often came to stay with me from Ireland. Many of my work colleagues met her and were impressed by how agile she was for her age. One house guest was once amazed to wake up early one morning...
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Gratitude, Giving and Celebrations- Ann Justi
21Dec By Martin KagweriNo Comments
Celebration, Christmas Issue, Issue 11, Slide one 1

Gratitude, Giving and Celebrations- Ann Justi

Be Mindful and Thoughtful to Reap the Benefits! Gratitude, giving, and celebration are universal human practices found across cultures worldwide. Let’s explore their importance and how to embrace them meaningfully. Examples of Gratitude and Celebrations in Cultures Thanksgiving:A time for families to come together, express gratitude, and enjoy a feast. While Thanksgiving is central to American culture, gratitude and thanksgiving are celebrated globally in various forms. Harvest Days in Ghana:A joyous time marked by dancing and singing to express gratitude for rain and harvests. Gratitude: The Foundation of Giving When you give from a place of gratitude, selfish ambitions are replaced by consideration for others. Grateful giving stems from love and compassion, not expe...
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How to Stay Fit Over the Festive Season- Christina Collison
21Dec By Martin KagweriNo Comments
Celebration, Christmas Issue, Issue 11, Slide one 2, Wellness

How to Stay Fit Over the Festive Season- Christina Collison

Keeping up your exercise routine over Christmas will help you stay calm, feel energized, and cope with any seasonal stresses that may come your way. Christina Collison explains how and why you should find time to keep working out. The Challenge of Staying Active If you’ve let your workouts lapse over Christmas in the past, you’re not alone. A fitness report released by PureGym last year showed that 30% of people are most likely to reduce or stop exercising in the lead-up to the festive season. Are you going to be one of them, or will you commit to staying active? It’s understandable that exercise may not be the first thing on your mind over Christmas, even if you normally work out regularly. Routines change at this time of year, and it’s not uncommon to wake up not knowing what da...
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From Struggle to Triumph: How Gratitude Led Me to Conquer the NYC Marathon- Theresa Russell
21Dec By Martin KagweriNo Comments
Celebration, Christmas Issue, Issue 11, Slide one 2, Thriving

From Struggle to Triumph: How Gratitude Led Me to Conquer the NYC Marathon- Theresa Russell

Life often presents us with challenges, but it’s in these moments that we realize the true power of gratitude, giving, and celebration. In reflecting on my own journey this past year, I found that even in the face of hardship, these elements provide the strength to grow, give, and celebrate what we overcome. A Routine Shattered: The Unexpected Struggle Spring brought with it what I thought would be another season of running—a routine I had followed for over two decades. But something was wrong. I felt sluggish, and my breath didn’t come as easily. My pace slowed significantly, and what was once a comfortable run became an effort. At first, I dismissed it as a passing issue, but when it didn’t improve, I realized it wasn’t just a bad day. Listening to My Body: The Wake-Up Call D...
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50+ Festive Christmas Ideas: Food, Movies, Games, and More!
21Dec By Martin KagweriNo Comments
Celebration, Christmas Issue, Issue 11, Slide one 1

50+ Festive Christmas Ideas: Food, Movies, Games, and More!

Christmas is finally here—the season of twinkling lights, cozy family gatherings, and endless holiday cheer. Whether you’re planning a feast, a movie marathon, or fun-filled games, this guide is packed with over 50 ideas to make your Christmas truly magical. From delicious recipes to heartwarming movies and creative activities, there’s something for everyone here. So grab a cup of hot cocoa, and let’s dive in! 🎄 Section 1: Delicious Christmas Food Ideas 🍲 The holiday season isn’t complete without mouthwatering dishes to share. Here’s a roundup of festive foods to inspire your menu: Appetizers Mini Caprese Christmas Wreaths: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory and cheesy with a holiday twist. Cranberry Brie Bi...
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Welcome To Issue 7
15Dec By Hassan SsentongoNo Comments
Celebration

Welcome To Issue 7

Welcome to issue 7 which is our second x-mas issue! I am astounded by how far we have come and what has been achieved. This is the holiday season. It is time to relax, celebrate all that has been achieved and mostly celebrate YOU - your gift of LIFE.  Even if things don’t seemingly look or feel good at this point, nothing is bigger than your life. So put your attention to where it is due – revel life. At Stellar Woman magazine we celebrate your life. This is the moment for you to shine. We’re here to inspire you to transcend any element of darkness and disempowerment by bringing you light in form of stories and knowledge so that you can learn, be empowered, thrive and shine. Last time around this time we were just coming out of the pandemic and this year has been a year o...
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The Emotional Spectrum of the Christmas Season – Nicky Hassaballa
14Dec By Stellar Woman MagazineNo Comments
Celebration, Holiday 2023

The Emotional Spectrum of the Christmas Season – Nicky Hassaballa

It felt almost instantaneous that as soon as the calendar read September 23, time transported us to the Holiday Season.  Sure, we all had our Halloween candy and our Thanksgiving turkey dinner, but the holiday most people are enthusiastic about is Christmas.  We are inundated by the optimal gifts, the sweets, the nostalgia of what Santa meant to us as children and the child-like wonder and anticipation for this seemingly magical experience wrapped in ribbon and tinsel.  The t.v. commercials and the radio songs stir up a whirlwind of giddiness, joy, laughter, family and friends, as if to force us into a cheerful mood and strip us of our freedom to choose our emotions, at least up until New Year’s Eve. Whenever this time of year comes around for me, I am reminded of my mother taking my...
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Post-Pandemic Holiday Plans – Christy Whitman
12Dec By Hassan SsentongoNo Comments
Celebration

Post-Pandemic Holiday Plans – Christy Whitman

I love the holidays!  And this is in large part because I’m a firm believer that holiday celebrations are most satisfying when we reevaluate them from time to time, to make sure they reflect our present-day values and desires. I first learned this as a very little girl – maybe 6 or 7 at the most – when my Italian grandfather stood up from the dinner table one Christmas Eve and asked, “Why are we eating turkey? We’re Italian! My grandfather, who was born in Italy, then went on to tell us about his fondest holiday memories.  He described the anticipation of watching his mother, grandmother, and sister busy in the kitchen, telling stories and laughing as they prepared homemade ravioli and marinara sauce, then gathering together as a family on Christmas day to savor the nourish...
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8 Christmas Foods You Should Be Prepping Right Now
12Dec By Hassan SsentongoNo Comments
Celebration, Food, Holiday 2023

8 Christmas Foods You Should Be Prepping Right Now

Christmas dinner must be one of life’s most stressful meals to prepare. Starting the process a few months, weeks or even days in advance can certainly take the pressure off. Here are the Christmas foods you should be prepping right now. Gravy Christmas dinner just wouldn’t be Christmas dinner without a good gravy. A decent stock can be the saviour of dry turkey and soggy sprouts and it’s easy to freeze and reheat on the day Stuffing The beauty of preparing stuffing early, is that you can even freeze it directly in an oven dish and put it straight in the oven on Christmas day. To really save on time and space, cook the stuffing before freezing and all it will need is warming up. Roast potatoes Perhaps the most surprising entry on our list, it’s definitely po...
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10 Must-watch Classic Movies to Watch This Christmas
12Dec By Hassan SsentongoNo Comments
Celebration

10 Must-watch Classic Movies to Watch This Christmas

Here are classic Christmas movies that the whole family will love. It's a Wonderful Life (1946) Frank Capra's iconic film isn't just one of the best Christmas movies of all time — it's one of the best movies ever made, period. It's a Wonderful Life was nominated for six Academy Awards and ranks #11 on the American Film Institute's original list of the 100 Greatest American Films of All Time. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) Rudolph embarks on a new adventure in this animated classic. He teams up with a band of misfit toys to stop the nefarious Toy Taker from ruining Christmas. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) Do you dread having your in-laws visit for the holidays? Watching this Chevy Chase movie will make anything your family does at Christma...
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9 HOLIDAY WELLNESSS TIPS – Dr. Catherine Jackson
12Dec By Stellar Woman MagazineNo Comments
Celebration, Wellness

9 HOLIDAY WELLNESSS TIPS – Dr. Catherine Jackson

The holiday season can be filled with excitement. For many of us we look forward to spending time with family and friends, traveling or putting together wonderful holiday gatherings and parties. One of my favorite and fondest memories around this time of year is gathering with my family at my Aunt’s home where I see all of my aunts, uncles and cousins. Everyone brings a homemade dish or two, we open with prayer and thanks for blessings, break bread together, play games and talk into the wee hours of the night. However, with all of the hustle and bustle, the most wonderful time of the year can also be the most chaotic time leading to stress, anxiety and feelings of depression. With a little mindfulness everyone can fully enjoy the holiday season’s fun times and traditions, new and old. Thes...
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These 7 African Dishes Are So Tasty, You’ll Want to Try Them During Christmas
12Dec By Stellar Woman MagazineNo Comments
Celebration, Food

These 7 African Dishes Are So Tasty, You’ll Want to Try Them During Christmas

African dishes are woefully under-represented on the world culinary scene. But that doesn't mean you can't try them, especially when the recipes and tutorials are all here for you try. These dishes are all from Uganda, an African country. As shared, they are so tasty you'll want to try them this Christmas. Ugandan Beef Kebab https://youtu.be/GiKIFg564RU Ugandan Pancakes https://youtu.be/DTuL8Td0DJ8 Swahili-style Beef Pilau https://youtu.be/NB_wQ43iZ5s Chicken Luwombo https://youtu.be/ni5icnmCZFg Dry Beans Stew https://youtu.be/MWApf2l-sKo Party Goat Pilau https://youtu.be/JLD3N-MUZYg Ground nut Paste Luwombo https://youtu.be/nGz9g1uUqgY
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What Christmas Means To Me – Monique Duell
11Dec By Stellar Woman MagazineNo Comments
Celebration

What Christmas Means To Me – Monique Duell

Thanksgiving is over, the leftovers are goneRadio stations playing our favorite Temptations Christmas songChristmas lists are made and children of all ages are excitedWhile santa and his elves work overtime to fulfill their hearts desiresFor those less fortunate, we work together to be a blessingMaking sure that they're warm, fed and have enough clothes for dressingWith gratitude we wrap gifts, put up trees and ornaments, making our homes merry and brightAnticipating what's under the tree at the first morning's lightIt's the most loving time of the yearAs we appreciate those we hold so dearGiving all praises to God for His ultimate gift and sacrificeMerry Christmas to all, and to all, a good night 
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What’s Your Christmas Wish or Gift?
1Dec By Martin KagweriNo Comments
Celebration

What’s Your Christmas Wish or Gift?

We asked stellar women what gift they would want for Christmas and what their wishes were. Here is what they had to say: Lettuce Wonderland The best gift for me is a planned date. It could be from a picnic to a trip abroad. If the company is great, nothing else really matters. I always demand one thing from my partner. a Christmas card where we reflect on our year together. That is priceless!!! TK Gray Time with my loved ones. Mary Z Time. PJ Redden Spa day Chrissy Brunzy A new fuzzy/ cozy house coat. Lucille M To be able to afford rent this month to enjoy Christmas at home. Oh, it made me think...I don't have any wish list for any occasion because if I want something, I just manifest it anytime, any season of the year🥰 Angela Taylor A home ...
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Italian Heritage Celebration – Luisa Dolce
1Dec By Stellar Woman MagazineNo Comments
Celebration, Food

Italian Heritage Celebration – Luisa Dolce

In terms of table, we go from the traditional dinners to the informal picnic buffet . All have in common lots of family and friends.Top 10 dishes? First position a sicilian cake from a small village. called "sfoglio" from Polizzi. A recipe that goes back to the xvii century, invented bu nuns in a convent, with a filling made of grated cheese, chocolate, cinnamon. Sfoglio 'Arancini' a street food . Rice ball, the original is filled with ragù and deep fried in a round shape or alternatively the oval shape with ham and mozzarella. Now, there are many alternatives. Originated in sicily, they are now found throughout Italy and also made elsewhere…. In Palermo there is a place where they do only arancini and have tens of different fillings….. From Salmon, to goat cheese, to broccoli, to...
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Christmas Family Quiz by Hazel Kikoyo
28Nov By Stellar Woman MagazineNo Comments
Celebration

Christmas Family Quiz by Hazel Kikoyo

Complete the lyrics on the fifth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me ….What does the word “Advent” mean?How many different types of gifts did the wise man bring according to the Bible?In which town was Jesus born in?Can you name all of Santa’s reindeers?Santa Claus is also known as Saint …?Who appeared to tell Mary that she was with a child?Which direction did the wise men travel to, going to Jerusalem?What else did the wise men do apart from give him gifts?What does the name Immanuel mean?How many angels spoke to the shepherds?How did Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem?What day is it called when Santa delivers presents?Out of all the nine reindeers which one has a shinny nose?Who stole Christmas?Where does Santa Claus live?What is Santa Claus’s favourite food?Who helps Santa with a...
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A Holiday-inspired Playlist For You and Your Loved Ones
28Nov By Stellar Woman MagazineNo Comments
Celebration

A Holiday-inspired Playlist For You and Your Loved Ones

https://youtu.be/3tH195XLrWE https://youtu.be/AI6dYR_aQ4I https://youtu.be/BDt40LVlj_E https://youtu.be/gtFG6GfjTQ8 https://youtu.be/RLZnr-3U4-U https://youtu.be/mbsVxMXzJ8s Oh holy night by Mariah Carey https://youtu.be/bM9UGg1FINk Oh come you faithful https://youtu.be/j25wYtN1EIA Rocking around the Christmas tree https://youtu.be/1qYz7rfgLWE Ding Ding Merrily on High https://youtu.be/6J_2tKCwu7Q Merry Christmas everyone - Xmas hits collective https://youtu.be/N-PyWfVkjZc All I want for Christmas is you - Mariah Carey https://youtu.be/yXQViqx6GMY Driving home for Christmas https://youtu.be/DDt3u2Ev1cI Mistletoe - Justin Biebers https://youtu.be/LUjn3RpkcKY Another Rock and roll Christmas ...
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Stella’s Faves: London By Night During The Holiday Season
28Nov By Stellar Woman MagazineNo Comments
Celebration, Issue One 1

Stella’s Faves: London By Night During The Holiday Season

Are you planning to travel to London this holiday season? This is the perfect time to visit The City of London, especially at night, because it is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. When the sun goes down, the city lights up. When you’re exploring the city after the sun has gone down, be sure to visit some of these places! Harrods - Knightsbridge London Harrods - Knightsbridge London Mandarin Oriental - Hyde Park London Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London Harrods Knightsbridge Window Display Burberry in Knightsbridge London Harvey Nicols in Knightsbridge Harvey Nicols - Knightsbridge London Chinatown - London Harvey Nicols - Knightsbridge London Knightsbridge London ...
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Why we need to celebrate our Success – Monica Bradley
21Nov By Stellar Woman MagazineNo Comments
Celebration

Why we need to celebrate our Success – Monica Bradley

Monica Bradley is the founder and owner of award-winning mortgage broker, MB Associates, in Cheam, Surrey. She talks about the importance of celebrating success in business – even small daily victories. When was the last time you celebrated some good news? For me, it’s a ....... (more…)
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