My final 2012 Resolution!

It's nearly the end of the first month of 2012, and after givin it some thoughts.. I have just decided what my one real resolution and commitment for this new year is.. but first here's a quick intro to it before it's revealed!


"Be daring, be different, be impractical, be anything that will assert integrity of purpose and imaginative vision against the play-it-safers, the creatures of the commonplace, the slaves of the ordinary." C.Beaton
(Today's reflection from my partner in crime and soul sister, Gracias @PCSofia;)

So whatever way takes us away from the 'comorfot zone' or in my own words mediocrety.. will do! If it shakes us, brakes us, or changes us, let's just let it be! And whilst we are being pushed beyond our limits and resistant, let's allow ourselves to be taken to amazing places, experience breathtaking moments, live mind blowing adventures and build/maintain beautiful relationships! Only then, the real magic and *elixir of life can be experienced and everything else just makes sense somehow, everything else would had been worth it! If life gives you lemons, make lemoande.. or us we Latins say 'If life gives you lemons.. get some salt & tequila' its more like a practical metaphore too and even be taken literaly ;) Buckle up, always take deep breaths and simply try and enjoy the ride..!

Anyway so, it took me a entire month to realise what religion, mantra or philosphy could fit this year and age in just perfectly and this is what it will be for me, for the next 11 months and so on.. to just:

THINK BIG & KICK ASS!


*elixir of life: Liquid portion of the Master Work, the goal of all alchemists. The Elixir of Life heals diseases and grants long life when ingested. The Alchemist carries some in a flask through the desert. From my most read and fave book at the time still, 'The Alchemist' by my fave writer of all times, Paulo Coelho.


WWW.CLAUDIAPOLO.COM

Eco Fashion made Fair and Fabulous!

Happy New Year from CLAUDIA POLO 'Fairtrade Fashion & Accessories' / Feliz 2011 de CLAUDIA POLO 'Fairtrade Fashion & Accessories'

Hello dear readers and Fairtrade & Fashion Followers!

Hope everybody has absolutely enjoyed the Christmas and holiday season and made the most of those wonderful times, my favourite ones of the year!
Anyway I just wanted to share with you this link with some great images of our work just as an update of CLAUDIA POLO 'Fairtrade Fashion & Accessories' and a bit of our work and how our 2010 ended. I will be posting more news properly on our blog, twitter, Flickr,Linkedin and Facebook pages. So I hope you are following us on them! Otherwise I invite everybody to do so and to please suggest all of your contacts to follow our blog, Facebook page and social networking sites, and off course to do your ethical shopping at www.claudiapolo.com during 2011. And also to help us spread the word about how brilliant Fairtrade and Ethical practises are in general and to the fashion industry as well as the massive beautiful differences they make!

Only with your great support and every single purcahse, we can raise awareness, campaign, promote and preserve not just beautiful Ecuadorian handmade talent, cultural heritage and provide better livelihoods to vulnerable women, indigenous communities but protect the environment too! If I haven't sold our ideas to you just yet, well then just check out our stunning designs and products on this fab catwalk images! Off course gorgeous British models make them look even more beautiful! I'm sure you'll agree this high fashion garments and accessories are definitely worth it and should deserve a special place in you wardrobes! Our products just speak for themselves.

I'm so very proud, happy and greatful with our wonderful progress so far, considering we only started this year in the UK. Not only me but our fantastic team of artisans and staff in Ecuador! My whole beautiful family and friends, along with many organisations, charities and others in Ecuador, England and all over the world have participated and contributed in so many ways to help us establish ourselves in the UK! I coudn’t be more greatful and do really appreciate it!:)
It has been tough new start and nothing but everyday proper and pure hard work we have been doing! I’m working really hard on this social and fashion project and doing my very best despite barriers, budgets, disappointments and whatever difficulties! Because working in a team and with all the best energy, my little social enterprise dream is now an up and running world wide company! Hard work, determination and persistance do pay off, slowly but surely!
It’s a good start but there are massive amounts of work and new ideas and designs to develop and create that I can’t wait to get cracking on them! So many surprises, events and collections to prepare for the new year! For next year participating in many events in London and around the UK will be fantastic and the idea of expenading too! Switzerland has been an amazing market where we have achieved fantastic results and we are planning on exploring some others around Europe and beyond too!

Besides the Ladies, Men, Children, Babies and Pet ranges we offer at the moment we will incorporate another one soon! So please keep checking our website which is being updated regularly and thanks for prefereing Eco fashion made Fair and Fabulous!
Have a very happy and wonderful 2011!

Lots of Love,
Claudia x


Version en Espanol:

Querid@s Amig@s:

Espero estén disfrutando y aprovechado muchísimo las pasadas fiestas, la mejor época del año!
Aquí una pequeña actualización de nuestro final del 2010 en CLAUDIA POLO 'Fairtrade Fashion & Accessories'. Estaremos poniendo nuevas noticias en nuestra página de Facebook, blog y demás páginas de las redes sociales, las cuales espero estén siguiéndolas! y si no, les invito a seguirnos! y de favor especial sugieran a sus amigos y contactos que también os sigan en Facebook, Twitter,Flicker y todos los demás! Y por supuesto visiten www.claudiapolo.com! Y ayúdennos a difundir lo importante que son el Comercio Justo y las prácticas Éticas en la industria de la moda y todas en general y los excelentes cambios que con estas logramos!

Solamente con su gran apoyo y cada una de sus compras, podemos seguir difundiendo, promoviendo y preservando no solo el gran talento y cultura Ecuatorianos, sino también creando mejores condiciones y oportunidades a comunidades y grupos vulnerables y protegiendo nuestro medio ambiente! Y si todavía no se han convencen de nuestras ideas, solo chequeen nuestros diseños en estas espectaculares imágenes de nuestra pasarela! Por supuesto nuestras prendas lucen mejor incluso, en la guapísimas modelos Británicas. Pero estoy segura que estarán de acuerdo que estas preciosas piezas valen definitivamente la pena y merecen un lugar especial en sus guardarropas! Mejor dejaremos que nuestros productos hablen por si mismos!

Me siento orgullosísima, agradecidísima y contentísima con todos nuestros avances, considerando que todavía no cumplimos nuestro primer año en Inglaterra! Y no solo ha sido un esfuerzo individual, tanto nuestro excelente equipo de trabajo y productores en Ecuador como mi queridísima familia entera y amigos, mas varias organizaciones, instituciones y muchas otras en Ecuador, Inglaterra y demás partes del mundo han contribuido en mil maneras para colaborar con nuestro establecimiento en el Reino Unido! No puedo agradecerles lo suficiente y no saben cuánto significan cada uno de sus aportes, no tienen precio!
Este nuevo comienzo no ha sido tarea sencilla sino nada más que el más arduo trabajo diario! He estado trabajando muchísimo en este proyecto social y creativo y dando lo mejor de mí a pesar de un montón de barreras, decepciones, presupuestos y demás dificultades que se presenten! Pero trabajando en equipo y poniendo la mejor de las energías, lo que empezó siendo mi sueño lejano de una empresa social es ahora una compañía internacional! El trabajo duro con determinación y persistencia rinden sus frutos, en un proceso lento pero seguro!
Hemos hecho un buen comienzo y ahora solo nos queda demasiado por hacer! Y tenemos montones de ideas y diseños por desarrollar que estamos listos para seguir! Se vienen muchas sorpresas, eventos y colecciones que nos encontramos ya preparando para este nuevo año! Unos grandes en Londres como también ideas de expansión serán los nuevos retos! Como por ejemplo Suiza, que está siendo un mercado buenísimo, donde hemos alcanzado mucho éxito y buenos resultados por lo que estamos planeando seguir explorando muchos otros alrededor de Europa y más allá!
A nuestras líneas para Mujeres, Hombres, Niños, Bebes y Mascotas que ofrecemos al momento, estaremos sumando otras más muy pronto! Así que por favor sigan al tanto y no olviden revisar nuestra página web que está siendo actualizada constantemente y muchas gracias de nuevo por preferirnos!

Que tengan un muy Feliz y Prospero Año Nuevo!
Claudia x

Commemorating Remebrance Sunday

What a lovely idea from one of our favourite sites UK Handmade for a nice little act to commemorate this Remembrance Sunday.

Today is Remembrance Sunday, a day on which we, as a nation, remember all those who have given their lives for the peace and freedoms we enjoy today, yet so often take for granted. As a tiny act of rememberance, I looked to the austere years of rationing during the Second World War for inspiration for this week's recipe.

In order to stem Britain's reliance on imported foods, and to stop our cargo ships from becoming targets from enemy fire, the Government-led Ministry of Food created the movement, 'Dig for Victory'. People were encouraged to dig up their gardens and swap their flowerbeds for fruit and vegetable growing. Advice on healthy living was shared to help keep the nation fit and healthy as well as to help them get the most out of their weekly rations. Some ideas worked better than others: for example, when nutritionists proposed a basal diet (potatoes, bread, vegetables, oatmeal, fat, milk and no meat), Winston Churchill told the then Minister of Food, Lord Woolton:


"The way to lose the war is to try to force the British public into a diet of milk, oatmeal, potatoes etc washed down on gala occasions with a little lime juice."


Back then, mum's would save up their egg and butter ration if a special birthday cake needed baking (2oz butter per adult, 1 shell egg a week, if available). Sadly, they didn't have Harry Eastwood to provide inspiration, whose recipes feature the use of vegetables in place of butter. In this recipe (not a Ms Eastwood one but actually my own), I used a mixture of potato and carrot, vegetables that would have been readily available from the kitchen garden. As a nod to the well-meaning Lord Woolton, I've added oats, giving a welcoming texture as well as that damn useful slow release energy. These cakes are firm, not too sweet (need to think of that sugar ration: 8oz a week!) and moist, thanks to the syrup anointing, which gives a little welcome sweetness. In a nod to Nigella's infamous 'Rosemary Rememberance Cake', the syrup (based on a recipe by Harry Eastwood) is infused with a sprig of rosemary, an easy to grow, hardy perennial, which gives a subtle flavour to the simple syrup; feel free to omit it if you'd rather.

I apologise for the lack of authenticity by not using powdered egg, but from what I gather, no one should use the stuff unless they absolutely have to.


Remembrance Muffins
(makes 12)


60g oats
250ml milk (I used semi-skimmed)
1 free range egg
120g caster sugar
100g finely grated carrot
100g finely grated potato (I used Maris Piper)
150g plain flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
pinch of salt


Syrup
3 tbsp granulated sugar
75ml water
fresh rosemary (I used approx 12" worth)
•In a smallish bowl, mix together the oats and milk: let them soak whilst you crack on with other shenanigans
•Preheat the oven to 180oC / 350oF / Gas 4
•Line a 12 cup muffin tray with paper cases
•In a large bowl, whisk together the egg and sugar until creamy
•Add the grated carrot and potato and stir in thoroughly
•Pour in the oaty milk and stir in well
•Onto this cacophany of mangled produce, sift the flour, baking powder, bicarb and salt
•Stir gently but firmly until just combined but not lump-free
•Pour into the naked cases and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and firm
•Whilst the cakes are baking, make the syrup. Pop all the ingredients into a small pan and bring to the boil until the foamy sugary water froths over the confused herbs: remove from the heat and allow to cool
•Cold-heartedly pierce the muffins a few times with a skewer while still warm and pour a desertspoonful of infused syrup onto each one
•Best served with a cup of tea and a grateful heart

Source:www.ukhandmade.co.uk







For further info, see 'The Ministry of Food' by Jane Fearnley-Whittingstall
'The Ration Book Diet' by Mike Brown, Carol Harris and C.J. Jackson
The Wartime Memories Project

Q&A - Claudia Polo Fair Trade Fashion and Accessories Party Organiser / Consultant

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Do I require any qualifications to become a party organiser/consultant? How do I know if this is the right job for me?

There are no qualifications needed to take advantage of this exciting opportunity! Whether you are a people's person, have excellent communication skills, or ever dreamed of working in the fashion industry, this role will definitely be suitable for you.

Would I have to buy my own samples?

No. CLAUDIA POLO will rent you a samples kit valued at £300, which you will have to return when you leave.

How much is the Samples Kit Rental?

£3.00 per week, until you either earn £1500 or you'll work for us, paying weekly for 32 weeks - which ever comes first. After that period, the Samples Kit still remains the property of CLAUDIA POLO, but you will have it on free rental.

How many hours do I have to work?

As many as you like. Being CLAUDIA POLO House Party Organiser / Consultant means you work on a freelance basis and decide about your hours. The more parties you do, the more money you will make – simple!

How would I find my party hosts and hostesses?

Most people start by having a party at their own home, or at friend’s, neighbour’s, colleague's, houses. Anywhere you go you should spread the word about our Fair Trade, Ethical fashion and eco-chic products, in other words CLAUDIA POLO 'Fair Trade Fashion & Accessories'! Remember that people do like and want the parties! And because our products basically sell themselves, combining their quality and exclusiveness with your sales skills, you will get more bookings at the parties you hold.

Is there a minimum sales quantity I have to place?

Yes, you have to make sales of a minimum of £100 per month to keep your account open. It doesn't matter how many orders you place, as long as monthly total is not less than £100.

What happens if I am on holiday?

Besides parties, you can always sell CLAUDIA POLO products and put additional orders, so if you're not able to organise any party in a particular month, you have to make sure you'll sell our items in a different way. If you plan it well, the catalogue will work for you whilst you are away.

Is there a minimum order value?

No, our prices start from £10 plus a small shipping and handling fee. But there's free delivery on all orders above £100.

How much will I be able to earn?

A lot depends on you and your sales skills. You get 20% on all party orders e.g. if the party sales are £200 you receive £40.00 profit (remember that this applies to sales above £100).

How much discount would I get off my personal orders?

There's always 25% discount on anything you want to buy, and you get free shipping. Whether it is for yourself or for your Samples Kit.

What if I'm not always available full time or even part time?

CLAUDIA POLO party organiser doesn't have to be a full time job (though it certainly can become one if you're good enough!). It is an ideal job whether you are a student or have a family, you can do it if you already have another part time or even full time job! Evenings and weekends are actually the perfect time for you to organise the parties.

Are there any other advantages?

Besides earning some extra cash, getting great discounts and deciding about your own working hours, you will also contribute to raising awareness, promoting and campaigning on Fair Trade and eco-friendly CLAUDIA POLO products that will make a great difference to the environment and our producer's communities in the rural Andes.

How can I keep in contact with you?

There will be one meeting every month to discuss progress, exchange feedback and find out about anything new that may help you to make your parties even better! The dates and times of the meetings are going to be arranged so they suit everybody's timetable. Besides, you can also contact us by e-mail or phone whenever you need.

OK, so how can I start?

Contact us on info@claudiapolo.com or 07812051394 and we will arrange a meeting to give you all the information you need. Then you will complete all the necessary documents, such as Consultant Application Form and Samples Kit Rental Form, and give us some form of identification (copy of driving licence or passport will do). After a short induction meeting you will be ready to start advertising the parties and get as many bookings as possible before your Samples Kit arrives.

Become Claudia Polo Party Organiser / Consultant!

We're looking for outgoing, confident individuals with interest in fashion, sales and... parties! You don't need much experience or qualifications – just some sense of humour, initiative and ability to organise your own working hours.

This is a great business opportunity ideal for students, graduates, professionals, mothers with kids or anyone working part time or even full time. We're looking for individuals with excellent communication skills, the desire to work in the fashion industry or develop a career in sales. Whatever your motivation is, becoming a CLAUDIA POLO Consultant can be a great way to earn some extra cash! Whether you want to start earning straight away, want a job that fits around the kids, would like to meet new friends or simply love the products, this opportunity is perfect for you.

The more parties you do the more money you will make – simple! Besides having another income, getting great discounts and deciding about your own working hours, you will also contribute to raising awareness, promoting and campaigning on Fair Trade and eco-friendly products that will make a great difference to the environment and our producer's communities in the rural Andes.

To Find Out More Visit Q&A

For more details about Claudia Polo Fair Trade Fashion & Accessories visit www.claudiapolo.com or drop us an e-mail on info@claudiapolo.com

Photo Shoot!

Photos: Tom Sochacki www.tsphotograpy.org
Models: Anastasia Kozoderova, Adam Kosinski, Quentin Bromley, Lynsey Ridgeon, Keely Gordon
Make-up: Paige Small

Collages by Mazhyx

Mazhyx Blog: http://www.mazhyx.blogspot.com/

Pictures by Diego Toral