Taurus babies born 19 April to 20 May 2012

Taurean babies come into this world adoring their cuddles and feeding time. If you’re (or someone special is) expecting a Taurus, what else might he or she be like?

Babies born from 19 April (in the US, UK but 20 April in Australia) to 30 April are delightful, witty charmers with Venus in Gemini smoothing any social interaction. They want sophisticated companions yet the Mars in Virgo planetary signature (of all children born from 11 November 2011!) indicates that a hard-working, honest character is necessary as well. Those born in this 10-day period are quick-witted and inventive yet also unbelievably impatient thanks to a Mercury-Uranus conjunction on 22 May. They also have quite the caustic tongue if crossed due to the Mercury-Pluto square on 25 May. Thankfully, this is softened by a kind-hearted Sun-Neptune sextile (22 May). Children born now have real leadership ability with the double Sun trines to Mars and Pluto on 23 May and 29 May. They can galvanise supporters – and actually, that includes you too! You may wonder who the parent actually is, here…

Babies born 1-9 May are outspoken with Mercury in Aries (until 9 May) but those born on 3 May have the magic trick of saying what you want to hear. These socially adept creatures are very popular and they may show quite the talent for talking you into giving them more pocket money! The Mercury-Saturn opposition on 5 May suggests some of them may fear others’ disapproval at best, and at worst, get down on themselves, feeling depressed and insecure, being quite serious little souls. The Full Moon on 6 May shows earthy passions rumble underneath – and quite the famous stubborn streak!

Little ones born from 9-15 May are blessed with a trifecta of amazing aspects on 10, 13 and 14 May involving Mercury, Neptune, the Sun, Jupiter, Mars and Pluto which gives them imagination, soulfulness and quite possibly some psychic ability, confidence, enthusiasm, big-heartedness, a strong work ethic, attention to detail, powerful insight, long-term planning and a a rather sexy sense of humour.

Baby Bull babies born from 15 May have retrograde Venus in Gemini. Gemini is quite a flirty sign so it’s not so bad for her to be less of a tease. Your little one will thrill to those with brains and wit,but may be slower to show his or her hand (or heart, as it were). Venus makes a wonderful trine to Saturn on 17 May (colouring the personality of all born during this period). Your child will take love (and heartbreak) seriously, and while a very good judge of character, an early hurt may delay or disincline him or her to take a chance again on being hurt. Older, established and conservative types may appeal – but they still need a dash of flair! A potent Mars-Pluto trine on 16 May makes your child a born executive , able to see the long-term consequences of any action. He or she will be making money (and saving it) at school and may well create his or her own business.

To find out much, much more about your baby and to understand him or her over the next 20 years of his or her life, order a 50-page BabyStars report now and it’ll arrive within a day or two! Or why not make your own with the brand-new BabyStars DIY Kits?

Read the monthly stars
for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

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12 great DIY kits as gift ideas for kids

If you’d like to develop your child’s artistic abilities rather than let them stay on the computer all day, are seeking an original “rainy-day” gift, a Christmas stocking-filler idea or you’d love to make something for them with your own hands, check out these DIY kit ideas for children!

1. Help kids make their own endlessly fascinating kaleidoscope with an eco-friendly kit suitable for children aged 8-12 years. Containing everything from the coloured objects to instructions on assembling the device, this kit is a project in creativity and a way to learn principles of optics.  Costs $38.95.

2. Let your budding fashionista make her own perfume.   The Perfume Factory kit provides everything needed to not only devise your own scent, but also colour and decorate the packaging. Perfect for for girls ages 8-12, it costs $30.

3.  Create a cloth doll from 70s vintage European fabrics for your (grand)daughter, or if she’s old enough, show her how to make one and give her a lifelong interest in sewing. The DIY Tilda doll is $30.

4. Tell them to go fly a kite – that they made themselves! Surprise your favourite little boy or girl with a kit to design his or her own kite  for just $29.95.

5. If you have a little Taurus, impress him with a piggy bank that he or she can paint – and save big bucks in! Paint My Own Piggy Bank costs $22.95. Cha-ching!

6. Take a family photo, perhaps of a special celebration or get out a snap of a favourite holiday, then get the kids to paint the photo frame. Just $34.

7. Let your girls learn how to make a gorgeous girl’s calico skirt in either cream or jet black with 5 different types of trim and tulle ruffles. The kits include the calico, pre-cut tulle strips, trim, elastic, label, care instructionds and detailed sewing instructions. $19.95.

8. Create your own unique paper puppet that will provide hours of entertainment and but that take just 10 minutes to make. ZZTotz has designed a range of 100% Australian-made  puppets from recyclable paper with characters including Pirates and Fairies. Suitable for  kids aged 3+ and costs just $8.95.

9. The Noble Box sells Kitty’s Peg Doll Box designed for girls (aged 3 to 8 approx) to make a unique doll. Made from recycled fabric and an old-fashioned clothes peg, they make great stocking fillers too at only $9.

10. Colour Me Art creates DIY card making kits for kids for $22 that contain eight cards to colour in and matching envelopes , a sheet of pretend postage stamps, a colouring suggestion booklet including useful gift card phrases, contained in a silver box. Suitable for 4-9-year-olds.

11. Create a professional-looking, fascinating BabyStars astrology report about your little child (aged 0-16 years), grandchild, niece, nephew or for your best friend’s child. The BabyStars DIY Astrology Report Kit contains 60 sheets of premium BabyStars paper, the BabyStars covers (in pink for girls or blue for boys), cover fasteners, a DIY Kit voucher to redeem online and simple, step-by-step illustrated instructions for just $59 including shipping.

12. Another fun DIY Kit is by Carddies, a craft set that can be coloured in and created by kids with themes such as fairies, cavemen, families, football, knights and school. The sets contain 12 double-sided, hand-drawn characters on white card, a hand-drawn card scene, 12 coloured pencils and 12 plastic stands to create a story. They cost £8.99 with free delivery in the UK via Amazon.

Read the monthly stars
for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

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Why 14 March is wonderful for getting engaged, married and loved up

There are some deeply romantic planetary line-ups which are too wonderful not to share with those who are keen to propose or set a wedding date – or at least have the first date of their dreams.

And I want you circle Wednesday 14 March 2012. Coming a month after Valentine’s Day, THIS is the day when Cupid runs riot, getting people to fall in love with each other, find Mr or Ms Right or to put a ring on it.

First off, Venus (the planet of love and beauty) is in Taurus, one of the two signs (the other is Libra) she rules. She’s at home here, feeling sensual, cuddly, and warmly all-woman, indulging you with good food, wine, music, sex, fragrance, candles and total utter five-sense enjoyment.

She’s joined here today by Jupiter, also in Taurus, who expands everything he touches. This is a forget-the-diet day for sure, as you feed each other chocolate-dipped strawberries, drink fine French champagne and listen to soft romantic background music. Your pleasure is guaranteed.

She also teams up with her zodiac lover, Action Man Mars in perfectionistic Virgo. He’s  keen to get everything just perfect to make you feel comfortable.

Mars trines Jupiter, ensuring that whatever plans you make together are well-thought-out, concrete and have the sturdy foundation to survive the toughest moments.

Mars also trines powerful Pluto in pillar-of-society Capricorn which will give both of you drive, ambiton, intensity and endurance – you two can move mountains together!

The day prior on 13 March, Venus trines Pluto, giving you intense desire for each other, and an unswerving ability to make great wealth in business and/or via investments.

And one day before that on 12 March, in an aspect which will make its impact on dates at least a week either side, Jupiter trines Pluto, rewarding you with taking challenging yet carefully considered risks to grow your resources. You may well travel together for work – but you’ll definitely love getting away for holidays together, with dirty weekends a favourite!

And lastly you have Moon in Sagittarius. There’s never a dull moment at your home, with a stream of interstate and overseas guests to entertain and by entertained by.

Read the monthly stars
for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

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Christmas gift guide by the 12 Sun signs

Not sure what to give them? This handy guide to the 12 Sun signs’ interests, hobbies and personality types could give you a clue or two.

Aries
They love being number one so personalized gifts are ideal. Favourite colour: red. Impatient types, they’ll rip off the wrapping in microseconds. For that reason, they’re happy with a gift sent via email they can use straightaway. They fancy themselves as James Bond – or a Bond girl – so give something cool, even gadgety. Do not – under any circumstances – give them anything that’s been regifted. They’ll know, and they’ll hate it. It’s one of the reasons personalised gifts do so well – unless you’ve recycled it from another Michael, Christine or John, that is.

Taurus
They adore anything that feels, smells, tastes, looks and sounds good. You could give them a topiary tree, a herb garden, indulgently expensive cooking equipment, music, cashmere throws, Egyptian cotton sheets or scented candles. They like stuff that doesn’t date. They are sweetly sentimental about their friends. No money to buy them something luxe? Make them something you’ve crafted with your bare hands.

Gemini
Multi-faceted Geminis are insatiable about reading and disseminating what’s going on. So they really would love a gift certificate to Amazon, a Kindle or a magazine subscription. Why not create a book for them via the internet. Geminis bore easily and, unlike say, Leo, prefer a range of cheap-ish items so they have many little presents to open, rather than one big-ticket item. Look for something fun and inexpensive that’s also wildly trendy. Accessories – both electronic and clothing – are great choices.

Cancer
Write a lovely Christmas card: they’ll keep it along with the wrapping paper to re-use next year. Give them cash, a gift card or gift certificate so they can buy themselves something when it’s on sale, saving some of it for later. Incredibly house-proud, anything hardware, DIY, homewares or decor-related is fine. Famously keen on family, what about children’s furniture, tickets to a show, museum, or theme park to create some memories, a heraldic name plaque, a guestbook, a leather photo album or a cool collage of family photos. Antiques are great. Help them work from home – a phone/fax/answering machine, laptop, scanner or home printer might be possible gift ideas.

Leo
Team up on a group gift for that one amazing thing. These guys need to boast what amazing, wonderful, generous goodies they received to feel better about themselves. Spoil them with a spa gift certificate or a weekend away at an impressive resort. Mirrors are a weakness: give one of those small mirrored jewellery/cufflink boxes. Leos LOVE personalised gifts. Give them a Warholesque photo, a customised blanket, something that features them etc. Amuse them with concert tickets, movie vouchers, a theatre, art gallery opening night or sporting season tickets. Think of them as rock chicks/gods. Glamour wins. Please do not donate a pet goat on their behalf to a Third World country.

Virgo
When Virgos are overwhelmed they clean, polish, sweep, vacuum, scrub, and wash etc to get some order. Spoil them with a gift certificate for cleaner, a closet organiser, or storage accessories. Let a professional stylist suggest more flattering clothes, a haircut or better make-up choices. They just lurrve makeovers! Books are good, especially how-to tomes and self-help/inspirational books. Treat these workaholics to a new desk, chair or attractive office accessories, or, with their interest in health, spring for a personal trainer, gym gear, a new wok, or herb seedlings from the nursery?

Libra
Hmmm. Imagine a charming and well-mannered beauty queen and you’re getting close! Think about the type of upkeep it takes to be a beauty queen. Facial? Mani/pedi? Perma-tan? And that’s just the men. Since Libra rules relationships and marriage, you can’t go wrong with something couple-y, whether that’s tickets for two to something stylish, or something lovely featuring them. Symmetry is vital so please give decor in matching pairs – candlesticks, lamps, vases, garden accessories, for example. They lurrrve clothes, jewellery, shoes and accessories – but it’s gotta be in InStyle at least.

Scorpio
Scorpios are fascinated by knowing how people tick, via astrology, numerology, psychology, even witchcraft in some cases but while they give nothing away about themselves, they will analyse what the gift you gave them really means! Both sexes have an interest they’re completely passionate about… They like  things that are contraband or hard to get. Think books/DVDs with raunchy sex, unauthorised biographies on powerful VIPs, billionaires, criminals, politicians and rock stars, items which highlight their sex appeal eg a sultry new perfume, candelabras, expensive sheets, killer heels or some shocking underwear. Anything adults-only is just about right…

Sagittarius
Travel junkies, surprise them with a flight, accommodation, hot air ballooning, scuba dives, whitewater rafting, jet ski hire, golf days etc. No homey stuff, though! Outdoorsy, they may love a deluxe camping chair, bed, outdoor shower unit or gas-powered refrigerator, or maybe roofracks for their surfboard, skis or bike. They delight in other cultures and philosophy so what about a coffee table book on Africa, an amazing Asian souvenir, The God Delusion, a book on the Dalai Lama, Amelia Earheart, Jacques Costeau, Joy Adamson, or Ernest Hemingway? And you can give them gag gifts, too.

Capricorn
These ambitious, classy, elegant types want just the very best, but no bling, thanks. They prefer classics to fads and natural fibres to sweaty polyester. Help them feel like an old-fashioned millionaire: smoking jackets, velvet slippers, cashmere coats, real ivory jewellery, vintage accessories, green glass reading lamps and Monopoly! They just adore craftsmanship and beauty. Antique objet d’art, jewellery, homewares or industrial items could appeal. These workaholics need a break but will go if they have a good chance of a meeting a VIP businessperson!

Aquarius
Most Aquarians have a strange, rare or alternative hobby. Go cutting-edge technology: they already have an iPhone, iPod, iPad etc. They love nonconformity, unpredictability and scorn convention. Friends are family: help them entertain all their acquaintances. This is a no-chintz zone. Kitsch things like egg chairs, lava lamps or those fibre optic lamps (like Dr Evil in Austen Powers) are a hit. Let these humanitarians make the world a better place. Regifting is fine with these guys! Many adore astronomy, astrology, science and metaphysics. A telescope, a star or an acre of the moon could appeal.

Pisces
Pisces are sweet when you give them anything, really. Shoe fetishes may apply here, think cool trainers, shapers, Perspex shoe boxes or a gift certificate for customised heels for your favourite Cinderella. Give them magic! They love tinkly windchimes, terrariums, crystal ornaments that create rainbows and crushed velvet throws. Treat them to a clairvoyant, psychic, numerologist, astrologer, tarot card reader or feng shui consultation. Some goldfish in a bowl, plus a castle, treasure chest, diver and plants could work.  They adore glamour. Transport them to an otherworldly, special place. It could even be a silk palm tree even if they’re snowbound. Music is an escape, as is the movies.

Read the monthly stars for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

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The pros and cons of marrying on 11 November 2011

We are just days away from 11 November and this year of course, we will have the sextuplet date of 11/11/11 which, unusually, falls only 10 months after the last one of 1 January 2011 (1/1/11).

Not surprisingly, many couples choose to marry on dates like these. The last few marital phenomenon dates include 1 January 2011, 10 October 2010 (10/10/10), 9 September 1999 (9/9/99), 8 August 1988 (8/8/88 – a winner with the Chinese), 7 July 1977 (7/7/77), 6 June 1966 (6/6/66 – well, not sure how popular THAT date turned out to be for the Christian fraternity), 5 May 1955 (5/5/55) and so on.

So what are the advantages and disadvantages?

Advantages
1. It can be cheaper
You’re not necessarily marrying on Saturday and generally, weekday or at least off-peak day weddings are cheaper for venue hire, caterers, florists, you name it. 11 November 2011 is a Friday.

2. It’s easy to remember
There’s no way Mr Right is going to forget your wedding anniversary.

3.  It makes your wedding a real event for the guests
It’s special being part of a wedding on a particular date which comes around so rarely.

4. A 11/11/11 wedding becomes part of the holiday season
A wedding on 11 November joins Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year festivities in the US while in the southern hemisphere, the late spring weather is perfect for weddings and it’s just 6 weeks before Christmas, by which time you and your partner have returned from your honeymoon in time to share your experiences with friends and relatives.

Disadvantages
1. Venues can be booked out
You may not be the only one with the idea of getting married on a sextuplet date so it may not be as easy as you thought.

2. Not everyone can be number one
In numerology, a predominance of a particular number gives it emphasis. The number one is literally, all about oneself – looking for out for number one and so on. Selfishness and self-absorption are risks with so many ones.

3. Numerology doesn’t have anything to do with astrology
What may be fine numerologically has nothing in commmon in astrology. You may find that marrying on such a date doesn’t give your marriage the support it needs. 11 November falls just after the Full Moon in Taurus so money could become an issue for couples marrying on this date.

4. It could create a dilemma for some guests
You may not be the only one of their friends, family members or colleagues to be invited to more than one 11 November wedding. Which to choose? And within the holiday period, it gets expensive too, so you may not receive as lavish wedding gifts!

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for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

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Scorpio babies born 24 October to 22 November 2011

Occasionally, kids are born during an astrological period when they are not typical of their sign, because they have many planets in other signs.

But not the bunch born between 24 October and 3 November! These youngsters have the Sun, Mercury and Venus in Scorpio, and if they’re born between 26-28 October, they’ll also have the New Moon in Scorpio. And if they’re born at sunrise (giving them an Ascendant there), well, you’ve got a child with five Scorpio placements… Those born until 11 November will have Mars in show-off Leo and Neptune in friendly Aquarius, squaring their planets, so you can expect lots of stormy drama at home, most likely over romances gone wrong, hotly-pursued romances and romances they thought had so much potential – you get the idea. But they also have the massive insight provided by the Sun sextiling Pluto in Capricorn on 29 October and the tremendous executive- and money-making ability of the once-in-four-years phenomenon, Jupiter in Midas touch Taurus trining Pluto on 28 October. Whatever happens love-wise, they will always be in demand in business – you could have yourself quite the little entrepreneur!

The impact of the Jupiter trine Pluto aspect will exist for all other little Scorpios (and Sagittarians too for that matter) born this year. Baby Scorpios born in the first week of November have a lighter air about them, with Mercury and Venus in sociable, free-wheeling Sagittarius on 3 November trining the Planetary Rebel, Uranus in Aries, and by sign, although not by degree, trining Mars in Leo until 11 November. Your kids will have plenty of energy, plenty of friends and plenty of half-started enthusiastic pursuits, and they will be verrrrry popular with the opposite sex, but unwilling to settle down until they’ve seen the world. Those born close to 1 November will be affected by the fantasy-making mischief of Mercury square Neptune so you will have to make Truth a priority in your household. First- and second-week November Scorpio babies are also affected by Mars opposite Neptune. This aspect waters down their energy and can make them easily exhausted, but also drained of vitality by types who sense their sensitivity and compassion. Take care with their choice of companions as alcohol and drugs are all-too-easy escape routes when life is going through a tough patch.

Babies born 11 November 2011 through to July 2012(!) have hard-working, perfectionistic Mars in Virgo, suggesting that after they gain the necessary skills, they will most likely work for themselves, crafting products and services of the highest standards. They will get upset with people not pulling their weight and even at a young age will be curiously persnickety on their “off” days. The wonderful Mars trine Jupiter aspect on 16 November makes these kids natural money-makers. You’ll never have to nag them to get a Saturday morning job and they know just how to get the best out of people to be great bosses. Kids born 7-14 November have Mercury and Venus in Sagittarius still loosely trine Uranus (although the planetary impact wanes considerably towards the end of that particular week), so they may be quite fussy about maintaining their freedom, so they can be with their friends, enjoying life, with some of them unwilling to marry until well into their 40s.

The kids born in the last week of Scorpio are also blessed by Mars in Jupiter as mentioned above, but they’ll be more serious about their relationships with Venus in Sagittarius sextiling Saturn in Libra. These little ones know how to make a commitment and look for a pal to spend their lives with. They are also business powerhouses, with Mars in hard-working Virgo, Jupiter in money-making Taurus and Pluto in capitalistic Capricorn. While the Sun moves into Sagittarius very late on 22 November, there is a incredibly potent Mars-Pluto trine happening on 23 November which will affect all kids born from mid-November through to mid-December. This is the aspect that moves mountains, makes for business visionaries and transforms lives. Watch this space.

Why not find out more about your child with a BabyStars astrology report? Order one now and you’ll be reading about him or her in a couple of days.

Read the monthly stars
for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

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Cancer babies born 22 June to 22 July

Cancer babies born between 22 June and 4 July will be shocking little flirts from an extraordinarily young age with witty Gemini in the planets of love and beauty (Venus) and energy and action (Mars) making passing notes in class, texting and naughty facebook come-ons their favourite methods of seduction.

Those with Mercury in Cancer from 22 June to 2 July will be sensitively attuned to criticism and will lock onto teachers and those in authority who show kindness and affection, while the Mercury in Leo bunch from 2 July through to the end of July will have incredible confidence in their own beliefs and are likely to dismiss those who don’t agree automatically with them!

Those born prior to 10 July when Uranus goes retrograde in Aries will also be highly individualist, daring and unbelievably confident while those born later in Cancer may second-guess their own goals and ambitions.

Baby Crabs born in the first week of July have an interesting blend of having incredible empire-building ability, dogged determination, immense creativity, romantic rose-coloured glasses syndrome and over-enthusiasm as well as a serious fear of rejection!

Those born in the second week may alternate between craving their personal space in relationships and being incredibly possessive and jealous while also being warm-hearted and generous, long-term thinkers and natural leaders.

All of them, thanks to Jupiter in Taurus will gravitate very early to the idea of living luxuriously, and no, their pocket money will never be enough. The phrase, “Can I have more?” springs to mind!

If you know someone having a baby soon, why not give them a BabyStars astrology report as a treasured baby gift keepsake!

Read the monthly stars
for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

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Taurus babies born 20 April to 21 May 2011

There are two rather distinct groups of Taurean babies born in 2011. The first group are far more Arian in nature – ahem, that’s like an Aries, not like a Hitler youth ideal – with Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Uranus in Aries.

The traditional placid-natured, mellow little Bull will be far more like a bull in a china shop with all that Aries energy! Kids born before mid-May will think and talk quickly, love impulsively and get angry easily. They will be impatient, restless, high-spirited and surprisingly ambitious. I hope you have a large backyard for them to tear around in!

Expect to have some conversations about the need to share, to put others first and not to believe that the world revolves around them. They can achieve so much if their incredible energy is harnessed, and if you can refine their somewhat combative nature, can become leaders and pioneering businesspeople.

Those born from 16 May will be much easier to deal with, having the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars in Taurus. Late Taurus-born children will have an “earthier” energy, not wishing to be hurried. You can settle these kids (possibly upset over territorial disputes) with relaxing music, comfort food and a warm hug.

Many of them may have a favourite blanket or other object they clutch for reassurance (at first), and then out of habit. They might not be so good at sharing their toys as youngsters yet want to have others’ belongings (“what’s mine is mine and what’s yours is mine”) and they could have a rather materialistic streak. Later, they could well work in the beauty, banking, agricultural, real estate or building industries.

Find out what your baby will be like with a BabyStars report!

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for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

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Gorgeous non-chocolate Easter gift ideas to enjoy long after the holidays

It can be hard – but not impossible – to avoid the deluge of chocolate at Eastertime.

You might find something gorgeous here.

1. Give her a Faberge-style egg pendant, covered in pretty pink and mauve enamel on a silver necklace from Miabelle for $135.
2. If she’s a fan of Alice in Wonderland, this cool, limited edition White Rabbit locket from Leoni & Vonk for $150 could be just the charm.
3. As the weather gets colder, these navy duck-embroidered gloves from Polka Dot Rabbit are a fun way to warm up your mornings to work.
4. Crack open the white porous Eggling from Bristol and Brooks with a spoon, and watch your petunia, basil, lavender or wild strawberry plant grow – great fun for kids!
5. Take your plain boiled egg out of the ordinary by popping it in a rabbit- or bear-shaped egg mold. Kids will love eating breakfast again with one of these.
6. Ever thought of having a night-time Easter egg hunt? Now you can with these divine dove-shaped candles from Lilly and Lolly, packaged in their own nests which glow when lit and would be a fab hiding place for some mini Easter eggs.
7. No time to paint hard-boiled eggs? These fairtrade papier-mache eggs from Sankota are pretty enough to display all year-round.
8. Keep your googies warm with these sweetl little handmade Easter egg cosies from StitchyBritt on Etsy.
9. If your tot is too small to enjoy chocolate just yet, get him or her in the Easter theme with these cute bibs from Bibska.
10. Still on baby gifts, these wooden Easter bunny teething rings by Archie Woodworks are a thoughtful gift for only $12 and you can get them engraved with the baby’s name for an extra $20.
11. These old-school style chicken-stamped manila paper tags dress up any gift – but especially ones at Eastertime, for your mum, and for – dare I say it – a hen’s party…
12. Green products website Sustainababy has launched a great Japanese-designed duck-shaped wooden toy on wheels which babies can happily and safely chew on, roll and shake.
13. Again on babies, while this is probably stretching the theme a little, the trumpet-playing rabbit leggings from My Popppet are so cute!
14. Get your kids enthusiastic about cooking with these Easter baby bunny chocolate moulds (set of 4) from Mini Gourmet.
15.  Is your best friend, sister or daughter about to “hatch”?! Give her a gift-boxed BabyStars gift certificate to redeem for a luxury BabyStars astrology report about her newest “chick”! Free delivery worldwide.
16. They don’t just have to decorate eggs this Easter – cupcakes remain as popular as ever and this Moo Said The Cow cupcake pack will get them started.
17. Another Easter-themed craft kit which could keep older kids, even teens amused, is this Bouncing Bunnies Felt Kit from The Haby Goddess.
18. Fun for a picnic and great for kids’ lunches is the Meadow Munchler from Simply Gifts which is a green rabbit-shaped polypropylene, food-safe lunch box, perfect for Easter and beyond.
19. A great gift idea combining Easter and perhaps a housewarming gift for friends with a young child is this rabbit-shaped mirror from Blue Caravan.
20. A timeless Easter ornament which could appeal to those love glassware is a pale pink or pale blue glass rooster figurine from Villeroy & Boch.
21. Check out the charming handpainted personalised egg cups from Not On The High Street – great for Easter or a housewarming gift!
22. For little ones who are too young for chocolate, the Giggling Bunny Doll will provide hours of non-fattening fun!

Read the monthly stars
for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

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The best wedding date for Prince William & Kate Middleton

As most of the world knows now, Wills has finally proposed to his loooooong-time girl-friend, Kate Middleton.

Now that THAT guessing game has been won, we move onto the best date for them to marry, most likely in Westminster Abbey where Prince William’s poor mother, Lady Diana Spencer married Prince Charles, who really wanted to marry Camilla Parker-Bowles, and a couple of decades later, did so.

The talk is of a spring or summer wedding but when I look quickly at the dates, I think the most positive wedding date has to be Saturday 21 May 2011.

The Sun (one’s basic drive), Mercury (communication), Venus (love), Mars (energy) and Jupiter (abundance) are all in Taurus, which is a grounded, sensual, sensible and yet very loving sign. There is no better line-up for marital stability based on that alone.

Just a few days beforehand on 16 May is a lovely Venus in Taurus sextile Neptune in Pisces which suggests a beautiful, soft, heartfelt connection where they would do anything to make each other happy. Nice. On the day itself is a potent Mercury in Taurus trine Pluto in Capricorn which creates a marriage where their honesty and bravery with each other will transform them for the better. As well there is a Mercury conjunct Mars in Taurus which means they will never run out of things to say. Compare that to the frequent images of Diana and Charles sitting stonily next to each other.

The following day on 22 May is a sexy and profound Venus in Taurus trine Pluto in Capricorn which just screams soulmates, a deep sexual attraction to each other and the there-is-no-other-one-for-me type feeling. On 23 May is the enormously sexy Venus conjunct Mars in Taurus. These two will never stop fancying each other. And the final aspect polishing off the wedding weekend is on 25 May, being a Sun in Gemini sextile Uranus in Aries. They will delight in keeping each other on their toes, a wonderful balance to all the earthy Taurean groundedness which can sometimes get a little routine.

Please marry Kate on 21 May 2011, Prince William! You’ll be so happy you did!

Read the monthly stars for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

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Suddenly single? Cheering up a sad friend? Try Pink Kisses

Know someone who’s just gone through a relationship breakdown and is having trouble coping?

Well here’s the perfect gift to help get them on their feet again. PinkKisses.com is an online service specially designed to provide all kinds of goodies and special treats for heartbroken ladies.

Part of the site’s success is the fact that it’s so obviously been put together by someone who’s been there themselves.

The founder, Ellie, explains that when her ex failed to materialize with a huge bouquet of flowers, she decided to send a bunch to herself anyway, and was surprised at how good it made her feel.

“I went from feeling pathetic to feeling empowered,” she explains on a YouTube clip.

Clients are asked to “pick an attitude” (‘classy’, ‘sassy’, ‘feisty’ and ‘I want it all’), which then becomes the tone and context of their individualized service.

The gift pick-me-ups offered by PinkKisses include the old stand-bys, chocolates and flowers as well as glamour photo packages, but it also has such virtual gifts as cheer-up text messages and emails, which can boost anyone’s emotional wellbeing.

This is a great gift idea for someone who’s languishing in the throes of a relationship’s demise, or for yourself, especially for Taureans, Cancerians and Scorpios who find it hard to let go.

One hopes, of course, never to need this service, however…

Read the monthly stars for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

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7 reasons NOT to shop for Christmas gifts at a local market

Shopping for Christmas gifts at a local market can be great – but it’s not for everyone…Here’s my reasons why it can suck big-time*.

1. No ATMs – Omigoodness, I forgot to bring my bodyguard! Do YOU walk around with more than $100 in your wallet at any one time? Local markets (especially when they’re in a schoolyard) rarely seem to have a bank or ATM nearby. So if you don’t have the cash = bad luck. I’m unlikely to see something I like soooo much that I’ll drive to the nearest ATM to restock my wallet and head back. Which leads me to:

2. Cash only - These rotten hippies usually don’t have an EFTPOS machine so you have to pay cash. And get no receipt. Which proabably means they’re not declaring it to the tax office…

3. No guarantees – Stallholders don’t tend to have retail outlets because if they did you’d be seeing them in a shop. If they’re not there every weekend, it’s also unlikely they’ll give you a money-back guarantee. So if you never see them again, you won’t see your money back either if need be. (This won’t please a Taurus.)

4. Might have a website – but probably won’t. Again, bad luck if you’d like to buy it later.

5. Impossible to find them again. I am constantly amazed at the people who don’t even have a business card to hand out – let alone any way of hunting them down again if you liked their wares. (Unless you’re a determined Scorpio and then you’d better hope they’re looking for you for a good reason.)

6. Nothing matches. If it’s handmade, it won’t match. The colour, shape, texture, pattern or size won’t be the same – and some people hate things that don’t match (hello, Libra).

7. You have to deal with the stall-holder in person. Who wants that? Much easier buying online when you can shout, “Yuck, I hate that!” at the top of your voice without offending anyone. Or side-stepping those clever salespeople who know how to separate you from your money (I’m talking to you, Pisces). Online, you can just click elsewhere with no hard sell.

* I am joking, naturally.

Read the monthly stars for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

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Give them the gift of learning, somewhere wonderful

Not that I’m a travel agent, but if I was, there are some holidays I know certain Sun signs would love to take – or better yet, receive as an anniversary, birthday, Christmas or wedding gift!

So when I saw that Fairmont Hotels and Resorts had recently launched their Apprentice Trips program, which combines their globally famous luxury brand with a range of accommodation-based activities that relate directly to the culture or landscape of the locale, and, with hotels in 16 different countries, well, that’s a lot of “experiential” packages to choose from.

Talkative Geminis keen to parlez avec vous might enjoy booking the seven-night French Immersion Package at the historic Chateau in Quebec City while environmentally-aware Aquarians could rush for the Eco-Learning Package at the Faimont Kea Lani in Maui. They can choose from one of five eco-learning activities at the resort, which include organic farming in a rainforest, and helping to preserve Hawaii’s archaeological sites by planting native species, among others.

Cancerians may either thrill to Shop With Chef at local markets in Toronto while enjoying a two-night stay at the Fairmont Royal York, or harvesting and hands-on cooking of ingredients from the Secret Garden package in the Fairmont Singapore.

No need for Taureans to book in overnight for the four-hour-plus Sweet Designs package at the Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver – they can have their chocolate (or cake) – and eat it too.

Virgo golfing nuts might enjoy a Tees to Greens stay at the Fairmont Scottsdale where they receive helpful golfing techniques and a behind-the-scenes look at how golf courses are kept so pristine!

In the United Arab Emirates, the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr offers a four-night package for guests to master the regal skill of falconry (the falcon is the UAE’s national bird). I can see this appealing to Leos who think they’re a bit sheik.

In Monte Carlo, guests interested in perfume and exotic oils can broaden their knowledge with the Magic of Aromachology Package, which also includes a 60-minute aromachology massage for two. Wonderful for Pisces.

Librans can choose from taking their favourite best friend with them to Fairmont Turnberry Isle in Miami for the Gal Pal Experience, learning how to do proper back rubs, facials and foot massages, or to learn The Art of Buying Art at the Fairmont Dallas. Since they have a keen eye for art, this one might appeal.

Novice hikers and mountaineers can head to the Fairmont Yangcheng Lake resort in Kunshan, China for the Adventure Awaits package. Gotta-be-first Aries and explorer-mad Sagittarians would love to try this out!

Even politics gets a look-in, with the How to Pass a Bill in Washington Package at the Fairmont, Washington D.C., where a Federally registered lobbyist will advise participants on the crafting and promoting of an agenda. Constitutionally, a bill only requires three steps to become law in the US. Who would have thought that first step could take place while you were on holidays? This is just perfect for power-broking Scorpios and Capricorns.

Read the monthly stars for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

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Ke$ha is a #$%&* or um, really bad gift-giver

Hmmm, I really debated about including this info…

Anyway, you know how some people are well, “shit” gift-givers – well it seems that singer Ke$ha is, as well, literally.

Anyone who she considers to have wronged her in some way can expect a nicely gift-wrapped piece of dog poo in the mail for Christmas. These charming little stink bombs are courtesy of the singer’s dogs, although whether the gifts are sent with the dogs’ permission is not known.

Ke$ha had no qualms spilling the beans about this, so to speak, and she admitted that she sometimes uses her music as retaliation towards other wrongdoers. It’s hard to decide which would be worse – to receive a box of doggie doo in the privacy of your own letterbox or to have your transgression recorded for public posterity in a song.

Ke$ha is a Pisces, with Mercury (communication) and Jupiter (optimism, generosity) in Pisces. Normally this would make you rather forgiving, sweet and compassionate and highly aware of karma - especially against wrong-doers.

Unfortunately she has Mars (anger, energy) in Taurus (nature) opposite Pluto (power, taboos) in Scorpio (sex, death, destruction). When someone gets on her bad side she goes well, ape-shit, taking the particularly revengeful route of sending dog poo which would be an upsetting and disgusting gift for anyone.

Of course, there’s always a positive spin for everything, and perhaps we should be congratulating Ke$ha for switching to gifts that are environmentally-friendly, sustainable and green.

Or in this case, brown.

Read the monthly stars for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

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Lindsay Lohan’s Mother’s Day gift sorts out one mess

Lindsay Lohan reportedly gave her mother Dina the Mother’s Day gift of a closet makeover to sort out her parent’s enormous volcano of clothes waiting to erupt on some unfortunate visitor to her bedroom.

Apparently the celebrity organiser, Linda Koopersmith spent seven DAYS – not hours! – organising Dina’s clothes into some sort of structure, with labelled drawers (bet you could do it much cheaper with a Dymolabel).

Anyway, Dina is a Virgo, who are usually known for being neat and organised. Her birthday on 15 September 1962 reveals that on her 47th birthday in 2009, transiting Saturn (responsibility) in Virgo (precision) opposed Uranus (freedom) in Pisces (escapism). This is a tough aspect which will dog her until September 2010. She has already come under fire for being irresponsible, most notably for letting 16-year-old daughter Ali into clubs, and not insisting Lindsay complete rehab therapy, let alone stop drinking yada yada.

Like mother, like daugher, Lindsay is a famous hoarder herself and she’s pretty used to people pawing through her dirty laundry as well.

Lindsay is a Cancer and they’re well-known for being hugely sentimental, unable to throw anything away, attaching emotional significance to their possessions. Owning things in Cancer Land = security therefore decluttering can mean = insecurity! On top of this she has Moon (needs) in Taurus (money, possessions) which increases her tenacious, hoarding style plus a glamourous, look-at-moi Venus (beauty) in Leo (entertainment) which pressures her to look on-trend for the paparazzi.

One of the strongest aspects in Lindsay’s chart is Sun opposite Neptune. The Sun rules your self and your identity while Neptune rules, among other things, glamour, cinema and photography, but also delusions, illusions, escapism and addictions of all kinds.

Lindsay has has a highly publicised battle with alcohol and drugs and it would also seem, with the mall. Shopping is really an escape for her.

If only someone could help her sort her her own mess…

Read the monthly stars for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

Read the monthly stars for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

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Wedding couples can dine out on this for years

As we all know, most couples getting married these days have already been living together, they may have already been married; they certainly have all the kitchen accoutrements you can poke a meat thermometer at, but you can never have enough date nights once you’re married!

One very clever Chicago couple who lurrrves to eat out realised that they too, didn’t want any more traditional department store registry “stuff”, but were busting (hopefully not out of their pants) to try some of the latest and greatest restaurants to hit Oprah’s hometown city.

They’ve created Foodie Registry which allows couples to select restaurants they’d love to try, for their guests to give them a gift certificate towards dining there, and it’s a wonderful idea actually for anyone else who’d love a special night out for say, their anniversary or birthday.

It also makes it soooooo much easier for couples to have something to write about in their wedding gift thank you cards. They’re going to be much more genuinely excited about dining at say, French restaurant Marche, than say, a pair of white hand towels.

Foodie Registry plans to expand into other American cities, too. Expect a queue of Taureans, Leos, Librans and Capricorns…

Read the monthly stars for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

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Mothers Day gifts likely to be wrong size, colour or price

Have you ever bought something for yourself (or someone else) and then thought, “what was I thinking?!”

Mercury retrograde is renowned for making bad choices, such as not having enough information, or the wrong information.

Mercury retrograde, which happens three times a year for three weeks each time, is a high-risk time for buying birthday or Mother’s Day gifts (Sunday 9th May virtually everywhere) based on the wrong information.

It traditionally rules communication and transport so when you buy items that have some technical aspect to them, it’s more than likely you need to get them repaired or refunded. Mercury affects PDAs, Blackberries, Bluetooths, iPods, mobiles, laptops, desktops, hard drives, scanners, printers, fax machines – almost anything that has a chip in it.

Mercury goes retrograde from 18 April through to 11 May 2010. For this retrograde period, it will be in Taurus, which happens to rule beauty (ie cosmetics), decorations (which includes homewares, flowers, and of course clothing and jewellery) and art and it’s over this period that people will be buying Mother’s Day gifts. It’s quite likely that any gifts you buy during this time will have the wrong colour, texture, size or appearance – and probably the wrong price!

Why? Taurus rules the second house which correlates to gifts, money, possessions and income. You may over-pay for something now, or you think you’ve paid for the entire kit and then find, “but wait, there’s more” that you have to pay for.

Pleeeeeeeeease keep your receipts or buy them before 18 April!

Read the monthly stars for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

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What food you can put away now for Christmas hampers

When I was growing up, I used to think my mother was kind of embarrassing for buying certain foods on special and “putting them away for Christmas”.

Now I understand what she was doing! Food just gets more and more expensive and entertaining more so, but if you can buy things that will last for some time, it will be perfectly fine at Christmastime and it will spread your expenses, making it all much more affordable.

A lot of people enjoy giving and receiving a Christmas food hamper – and if you’re planning to give one to someone living in the same city, it will be cheaper and more fun to put it together yourself. So what goodies can you buy now – and give later?

There’s a terrific website called StillTasty.com which, while it is probably really aimed at people wanting to check what type of food they can eat well past its use-by date, gives you some great clues into what gourmet food items you can buy when they’re on special, to create your own Christmas hampers. (Or housewarming hampers, maybe?)

A solid, dark chocolate bar kept in the pantry, will last for up to two years (well, maybe not at my house). Fettucine = 3 years. You can buy beef jerky, bottled caviar and truffle oil up to a year ahead of time. Packaged vanilla beans last for up to 3-4 years. Fancy sea salt lasts indefinitely, as do most spirits. Ready-to-drink wine – not so much.

What food could you buy now to put away for a Christmas hamper (and hide it from a Taurus)?

Read the monthly stars for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

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Plan an Aries birthday party for 14 or 18 April 2010

Aries will be celebrating their birthdays between 20 March and 20 April this year but the best date for them to host their own Festival of Me is Wednesday 14 April or Sunday 18 April.

The 14th is the New Moon in Aries which is traditionally considered the time to make a fresh start. If you want to get your haircut, have your nails done, make up and buy some beautiful new clothes, there’s no better day! Then you can enjoy having everyone fuss over you afterwards.

The other best day this month for a party is Sunday 18 April. Today has a gorgeous Sun in Aries sextile Neptune in Aquarius aspect. It’s perfect for wining, dining and dancing with friends. The previous day (the 17th) has a wonderful Venus in Taurus sextile Jupiter in Pisces when everyone feels bountiful, luxurious and ready to splurge AND it’s the last day before Mercury turns retrograde for the next three weeks, requiring you to return to the store for a refund or exchange. So hopefully they buy your present then…

Read the monthly stars for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

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A wedding gift registry you can really bank on

It’s becoming increasingly common for couples to request cash, not gifts, for their wedding present.

But many guests feel a bit squeamish about handing over cash and many worry that it’s just going to be spent frivolously.

In 1996, the US Federal Housing Administration encourage lenders to offer bridal registry accounts where couples could stash away cash from family and friends towards a loan for their first home.

SunTrust Mortgage, a subsidiary of SunTrust Bank was one lender which created a wedding registry, where guests would make a deposit and the company would notify the bride and groom to let them know. It is such a practical way to help them get a loan together, that it’s surprising that more banks haven’t got in on the act.

A credit union in Los Angeles, Water and Power Community Credit Union (WPCCU) has just launched the MatriMoney wedding registry savings account to help couples get over the (deposit) threshold. They get gift instruction cards to include with their wedding invitations and gift-givers receive acknowledgement cards of their cash gifts once deposited.

Unlike any other wedding gift registry, WPCCU also offers free online financial webinars for newly engaged couples to learn how to budget and manage their money.

I think this could particularly appeal to couples where at least one of them is a security-conscious, long-term planner Taurus, Cancer, Virgo or Capricorn!

Read the monthly stars for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.

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