5 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on Win a copy of Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney in this week’s Fabulous book competition
WHEN Grady calls wife Abby to tell her the good news his book is a bestseller, he hears her slam the brakes, then she gets out of her car and disappears.
A year later, wracked with grief, he heads to a Scottish island to find his writing mojo.
But plagued by insomnia and drinking too much, he keeps “seeing” Abby.
Expect countless OMG moments!
10 lucky Fabulous readers will win a copy of this new novel in this week’s book competition.
To win a copy, enter using the form below by 11:59pm on February 8, 2025.
The way you take vague creative ideas and get them market- ready is one element of Mercury’s chart effect.
You also have a clear vision for a family, and how to make it grow in positive ways.
With Uranus power now positive in your transformation chart, acting on a design or fashion impulse can set brilliant changes in motion.
Cash and luck centre on a new team of six.
DESTINY DAYS Press send on a money message on Monday.
Thursday, fill in for someone older at work — or home.
Check schedules carefully on Saturday.
LUCKY LINKS An “S” friend who always gives the best gifts.
Competitions with a countdown element.
Something you made when you were a child.
U IS FOR…UNSTOPPABLE
All the positive presence of planet Uranus is felt in your transformation zone so you have the power to be anyone you want to be, and feel anything you want to feel.
Any obstacles that have stopped you before can simply be side-stepped or smashed.
Change is not always easy, and it can be a challenge for you to stick to just one plan.
But this is prime time to get started.
The new moon backs this process with a deep ability to pick up on atmospheres.
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DAMAGE DONE
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Fabulous is the home of horoscopes, with weekly updates on what’s in store for your star sign as well as daily predictions.
What a week for Aquarius – a bold new Mercury viewpoint that backs practical solutions rather than endless talking, plus a new moon of infinite possibilities.
The only mistake you can make this week, is to underestimate yourself and your abilities.
As for love, knowing who you are in private as well as public, unlocks new levels of passion.
Single? This can link you to a fellow Aquarius.
DESTINY DAYS Make sure you take all friends’ calls on Tuesday.
Wear an old favourite outfit for luck on Wednesday.
Choose the third of four options on Friday.
LUCKY LINKS Hearing someone sing your favourite song.
A place with a “West” name. The family member with the most musical voice.
U IS FOR…UNQUANTIFIABLE
If there’s one thing that can’t happen to you, now that Uranus is pursuing a forward path, it’s being put in a box.
From where you live to how you handle the big questions in life, you will do things your way, or not at all.
And no one can predict just what “your way” will be.
You may not be that sure yourself at the start, but the moment you see it, you will simply know.
The new moon backs this up with absolute Aquarius self-confidence.
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DAMAGE DONE
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Fabulous is the home of horoscopes, with weekly updates on what’s in store for your star sign as well as daily predictions.
5 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on Karren Brady on how to fix your career in 2025 – from nailing an interview to getting a pay rise and avoiding burnout
FROM nailing an interview to getting a pay rise, navigating the career ladder can be tricky.
Follow Karren Brady’s top tips to give your work life a makeover in 2025.
Nailing a job interview
Be prepared: It’s key to do your research on the company and the role. Being able to discuss the firm’s values and aims, as well as explaining clearly how you can contribute to those, shows you’re serious and can be an asset.
Have a strong handshake, smile and make eye contact: Small gestures make a big impact and set a positive tone.
Let your personality shine: Relax and be yourself! They want to know who they’ll be working with: your enthusiasm, creativity and energy will make a lasting impression.
Display confidence: Speak with assurance about your skills and experiences. Ahead of the interview, write down three key achievements you want to tell them about.
Be truthful, clear and concise: Stay focused, answer questions thoughtfully, but don’t ramble, and always be honest.
Changing careers
Gain experience: Look for new roles that bring you closer to your desired field. It’s a great way to learn, network and test out whether this is the right move for you.
Network with the right people: Attend events, join groups and connect with like-minded individuals for support. You never know where the right opportunity will come from.
Be resilient: Changing careers takes time. Don’t get discouraged – all your hard work will pay off.
Be open to starting small: Entry-level positions can lead to bigger opportunities and will give you the chance to gain experience in a lower-pressure environment.
Learn constantly: Always be willing to pick up new skills. The more knowledge you gain, the better prepared you’ll be.
Getting a promotion
Know your worth: It’s important to own your achievements and the value you bring – don’t downplay your impact. Throughout the year, write down your professional achievements so that you have a list when it comes to review and promotion time.
Don’t fear being assertive: It’s natural to want to be liked, but speak up about your ambitions, otherwise how is anyone supposed to know you would like more responsibility? Asking for what you deserve is about standing up for your future.
Believe in your abilities: Confidence is everything. Trust that you’re ready for growth and recognition, and be ready to convince your boss of it, too.
Don’t wait for perfection: If you’re ready, go for it! Don’t hold back just because you don’t tick every box. You can grow on the job. After all, if you could do a new job standing on your head, it probably won’t be challenging enough for you.
Be your own advocate: Once you realise you’re your own biggest supporter, everything changes. Embrace your power and claim the recognition you deserve. Share your professional achievements on LinkedIn, and tell your friends and wider network. If you can’t shout about yourself, who will?
Asking for a pay rise
Choose the right moment: Timing is key. Ask for a raise after you’ve achieved a big win or when your value is fresh in your boss’ mind.
Back up your request with results: Use concrete examples of your success: targets met, projects delivered and positive feedback received. Numbers speak volumes when you’re trying to negotiate for more money.
Frame it positively: Position your request as a discussion, not a demand. Use phrases like: “I’d like to talk about my growth and contribution to the team.” Remember that your boss doesn’t have to give you a pay rise, so it’s up to you to try to influence them into making that decision, and being courteous will go a long way.
Practise the conversation: Rehearse your pitch with a trusted friend or family member. Be concise and confident, anticipate questions and practise calm, clear responses.
Don’t be afraid of no: Rejection isn’t personal. If it’s a no, ask for feedback and what you need to do for it to be a yes next time, so that you have something to work towards.
Dealing with work politics
Address conflicts head-on: Tackle issues with open, face-to-face discussions that start with: “I have noticed that. . .” or: “When this happens, I feel. . .” so the other person doesn’t feel attacked.
Don’t take it personally: Office politics often stem from others’ insecurities. Remove emotion from the issue and focus on the actual problem.
Clarify roles and responsibilities: Many conflicts arise from unclear expectations. Define everyone’s role to prevent misunderstandings. Set boundaries Be firm and let people know that disruptive behaviour isn’t acceptable.
Be patient: Building trust and resolving issues takes time. Stay consistent and true to yourself.
Avoiding burnout
Break down your goals: Instead of focusing on the long-term, take one step at a time with smaller, more manageable tasks.
Share the load: Divvy up responsibilities among the rest of your team to create space for balance and, if possible, free you up to explore projects that bring you energy.
Prioritise yourself: Take a step back and focus on what brings you joy. Your mental wellbeing should always come first.
Consider a change: Explore new job opportunities. A shift in environment and fresh challenges can reignite your motivation.
Juggling parenting and work
Make space for your home life: Define work hours and family time to maintain balance.
Prioritise tasks: Focus on what’s important, and what’s time-sensitive. Use lists or apps to keep track and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Remove the guilt: Not able to do school pick-up every day? It’s OK! You’re doing your best and can’t do everything all the time.
Ask for help: Don’t hesitate to lean on others, – you don’t have to do it all alone. And offer to return the favour when you can, so you build a network of people you can turn to without guilt.
Be flexible: Things won’t always go according to plan. Be prepared to adapt and adjust when needed, whether it’s at work or home.
5 days agoLatest NewsComments Off on My son has a chance to get into acting, but I am worried about how he’ll react to rejection
APPRENTICE star and West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady answers your careers questions.
Here, Karren gives advice to a reader who is worried about how her son might react to rejection in the world of showbusiness – and how it could impact his school work.
Q) My 14-year-old son has attended a theatre class for the past three years, and it has recently brought on board a talent agency to professionally represent those who successfully audition.
The financial gains that could come from him getting industry work are very attractive, and it would look good on his CV (he’s keen to pursue acting as a career), but I’m worried about the rejection he may face, as well as trying to balance auditions with school.
How do I know if it’s right for him?
I worry by not putting him forward, he’ll be at a disadvantage in a competitive industry. Laura, via email
A) First, try not to focus too much on the potential financial gains, as tempting as that may be.
While this opportunity could set your son up for the future, it’s important to prioritise his wellbeing and development at his young age.
Start by having a conversation with him about how he feels. As parents, it’s natural for us to want to encourage our kids to pursue opportunities, but it’s equally important that we ensure it’s something they truly want.
Rejection is a natural part of the acting world and something he will need to grow comfortable with.
Talk to your son about how he might handle it to gauge his resilience, while reassuring him that he has a strong support system in you and your family.
Speak to the drama class teacher to see what support they offer students, plus keep his school informed – they may be able to provide help, such as homework extensions.
Balancing auditions with schoolwork will be a challenge, but it can be managed with planning.
Remember that you know your son best, so keep a conversation open with him so he knows he can confide in you.
Got a careers question for Karren? Email bossingit@fabulousmag.co.uk.
With Venus so settled in your transformation zone, plus the new relationship light of the new moon, this is your week to go all out for the love you want.
Changing your own approach, in turn can alter how others relate to you.
This time, you can set a date, or deadline, and trust it will be kept.
Single? The person who’s always the group peace-maker can heal your heart.
DESTINY DAYS
Monday until Wednesday, split a daunting task into smaller parts, and get started!
Review a relationship choice (again) on Friday.
Reach out to “F” on Saturday.
LUCKY LINKS
Your second-favourite supermarket.
A message linked to an “N” workmate.
The third time in one day you hear a piece of music.
Horoscope traits
What does your star sign mean for you?
Aries – The best and worst characteristics of the head of the zodiac Aquarius – The traits you need to know for the air sign Capricorn – What does this star sign mean for your personality? Cancer – The key traits for the sign include a keen love of food Gemini – The traits to be aware of for the sign with a symbol of twins Leo – The best and worst characteristics of the fire sign Libra – What does the seventh star sign mean for your personality? Pisces – The key traits for the sign include an interest in the arts Sagittarius – The traits you need to know for the fire sign Scorpio – What does this star sign mean for your personality? Taurus – The best and worst characteristics of the earth sign Virgo – The key traits for the sign include loyalty and kindness
U IS FOR…UNAPOLOGETIC
As your success sector starts to look so positive again, you can leave behind any sense of apologising because your ambitions or ideas were not up to some imagined standard.
The only level you need to set, and meet, from now on is your own.
So instead o playing safe, you get back to pushing yourself, testing yourself, checking in with yourself, all the way to the top.
The new moon backs this with enhanced team-building ability.
Fabulous is the home of horoscopes, with weekly updates on what’s in store for your star sign as well as daily predictions.
The way you use words, is unique to you, now Uranus boosts this further.
So sharing something you write, even in its roughest form, can unseal a creative success door.
In love, too, you’re in control, able to get your face into a special mind-space, your name topping an elite list.
A health dream you may have sensed slipping away lately is back in sharp Mercury focus.
DESTINY DAYS Channel Monday’s good energy – extend your To Do List.
Wednesday is negotiations day and on Saturday, you ‘re smart at organising love journeys.
LUCKY LINKS A man wearing his hair tied back. A mobile coffee seller.
The last name in your mind as you fall asleep.
U IS FOR…UNFILTERED
You know you have toned down what you want to say or do lately – to spare feelings, or avoid conflict.
All that ends now with Uranus powering forward and encouraging you to stick to absolute truth, and total openness, even when it might seem easier to stay silent.
In love, unfiltered honesty is what a partner longs for.
At work, you may rock the boat a bit but you will swim, not sink.
The new moon backs this process with Pisces ability to share secrets with sensitivity.
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DAMAGE DONE
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Fabulous is the home of horoscopes, with weekly updates on what’s in store for your star sign as well as daily predictions.