Leo Horoscope for the week of May 22, 2011

This should be the beginning of a nice cycle for you, Leo. You will be in your element this week as there is an emphasis on the groups you are involved in, friends, and work – especially the people you work with. As you enjoy this social time, try to evaluate what the friends you socialize with and the groups you are involved in say about who you are. Regardless of how you feel about it, we really are judged by the company we keep, and we are a microcosm of the macrocosm of our environment. Take a look at what the groups we are a part of have accomplished since your last birthday. Do you believe in these groups and what they stand for? If you are not involved in any community groups or networks, maybe this is a good time to look at what you would enjoy doing and get involved. Right now, the opportunity to advance your career and improve your life really can be found with friends and good times. The beginning of the week will also encourage you to want to spend time with your partner, or if you are single, there may be an encounter with someone that stirs your passions because “opposites attract”. While this encounter may be passionate, it will most likely be fleeting. It is a great opportunity, in either case, to learn about yourself, and if you’re in a long term relationship, you will discover new things about them, too. By the end of the week you will be feeling more comfortable in your own skin and you may have a real urge to get out and meet new people and make new friends. All in all, this should be an enjoyable week for you, Leo. You might not want to get much work done right now, but if there is any way for you to arrange for socializing to be part of your job, you will be quite successful.

Cancer Horoscope for the week of May 22, 2011

This week starts an important time for reflection, Cancer. As your solar year comes to an end, you are given an opportunity to review what you have accomplished and consider any outdated or unconscious behaviors that may be standing in the way of greater success. You have a better sense of your subconscious right now and if you pay attention to your behaviors there is a good chance that you could become aware of actions that seem to confuse other people because they may not be consistent with what you are saying or what you tell people you want. There is a lot of energy at work right now, and it’s possible that colleagues and friends could help highlight some of the behaviors that are holding you back. If you are finding a lot of road blocks at work, or feeling a lot of resistance, you may want to think back to the original decision that brought you to this spot. Was this what you wanted to do, or was it someone else's idea that this would be a good fit for you. While you could have some fairly serious subjects on your mind, think of this time as an opportunity to grow and create a world more consistent with your ideal life. A good attitude will make this a very productive time; setting the groundwork and foundation for great success. There will be some calm time for contemplation during the beginning of the week, but by weeks’ end, there may be some disturbance to your daily routine that could force some change or give you a reason to rethink what you are doing. I would encourage you to listen to your body right now – you may not have the energy that you would like to have, and if you feel like you need to slow down, do it. You have a lot going on mentally and that can be exhausting, so if you don’t find the balance your body needs, you may be forced to slow down with a cold or other physical ailment.

Gemini Horoscope for the week of May 22, 2011

Happy Birthday Gemini – This month is all about you! As this week starts, you may begin to really think seriously about what you have been doing with your life – especially if your career doesn’t fulfill your needs and give you a higher purpose. You are beginning a long cycle of discovery where you will start questioning what you are doing with your life. If you over identify with your career this will be a particularly difficult transition for you, since sometimes a job is just a job. Try to use this week to start looking objectively at what you do for a living and whether it is a means to an end or who you think you are. There should be some degree of detachment from your career to maintain healthy balance in your life. That being said, a career that makes you feel as if you are giving your talent to the world and provides a platform for expressing your gifts will be the best of both worlds. The first couple days of this week may prove a good time to reflect on your discomfort with the status quo and discuss the confusion with friends. By midweek you will probably want to be alone with your own thoughts to try to sort things out but by the end of the week you will be back to your social self. As your birthday approaches, start thinking about what changes you would like to make in this year to create an environment in which you will thrive. Just be cautious not to try to change everything all this year (or this month), this is a long cycle. Don’t jump to change your career or job without serious thought about everything that the change will entail and make sure the change will really showcase all you have to give to the world; or maybe your gift doesn’t have anything to do with a job or career, and your job is just a vehicle to allow you the time to do what you love. You have the opportunity over the next few years to really examine these questions and create the life that will be in line with your destiny. I can’t wait to see what your talents bring to the world, Gemini!

Taurus Horoscope for the week of May 22, 2011

Ego driven communication, especially through art or love, or to a loved one, is very pressing for you right now, Taurus. Your mind may be overly active, causing you to be unable to focus clearly on work, especially since your thoughts may be preoccupied with romance and ideas of a more spiritual or abstract nature. This week could provide an excellent opportunity to tell someone you have been in a relationship with exactly how you feel about them, or if you are looking for a new relationship, you are particularly magnetic to the opposite sex right now. Any relationship you start or are already involved in will most likely be passionate and feel as if you are connecting on a deeper level. Be careful to keep in touch with what you truly value and don’t compromise your true self. Because there is the potential for arguments with these transits, pick your battles. If you need to stand up for yourself or what you believe in, make sure that it is an important issue, but don’t back down if you would feel compromised by keeping quiet. Try to make some time this week for art, music or just enjoying the beauty around you in nature. If you are inclined to be creative in any way, go with it – even if you are not usually an artistic person. The outlet will be enjoyable and possibly therapeutic.

Aries Horoscope for the week of May 22, 2011

Aries, you have had your focus on issues of self and values and now your attention will include your family, neighbors and colleagues. This is a good time to consider how you communicate with the people around you, consider how you really feel about things and clear up any misunderstandings. It is also important to remember that an important part of communicating is listening – it’s not all about expressing your views! You may also be experiencing your usual spring fever. Even if the daily grind won’t allow you to leave everything behind and escape for a real vacation, try to work in a hike exploring a new location or break the monotony with a weekend get-away; it will really help refresh you right now. These little escapes will be a good time to evaluate how far you have gotten on the goals you set for yourself at your birthday. You won’t feel pressured to drive toward your goals, but you will be glad in the long run if you spend some time making sure you’re on track over the next few weeks. The last year may have been emotionally draining as you spent a lot of time learning more about who you are and becoming more comfortable with your true self but the road blocks to growth may have felt overwhelming. Things should start shaking loose and moving in a more positive direction and life in general should ease up over the next few months.

Pisces Horoscope for the month of March, 2011

This is the time to get back in touch with who you are, Pisces. Your egocentric approach to life is actually quite productive right now. Sometimes being self-centered can be a negative, but right now it is important to recharge and reconnect with who you really are. If you use this time wisely to center and reconnect with self, you will have the opportunity to make very positive impressions on others as they can see clearly who you are. Sometimes Pisces’ can be so sensitive to others and their needs that you can lose yourself and forget who you are, so this time can be particularly important for you. You may have a tendency to be more forceful and assertive than people are used to right now and that might take people by surprise, and supervisors or those in authority may see you in a new light. A couple of words of caution – it’s one thing to stand up for yourself and your ideas, it’s another to try to ram them down someone’s throat! Just because you want to defend your ideas and support your theories, doesn’t mean that there isn’t room for other people to express themselves as well. Sometimes accepting the fact that there is more than one way to look at something or arrive at the same place is the best way to win the battle. There may be times throughout March when you are feeling like you have more energy than you know what to do with; don’t try to bottle it up or suppress it because that may cause arguments or even clumsy behavior resulting in accidents. This is probably not the best time to work on group projects either. You might even feel like you are not getting much accomplished as you are so focused on yourself and what you need that other projects may seem to take a back seat. As long as you are focused on the work of you, you are doing what needs to be done. You can only give to others if you take care of yourself!

Aquarius Horoscope for the month of March, 2011

Now is the time for Aquarians to dig deep into their subconscious and ask themselves what they really value. Honestly look at what you work for and whether these things are worth the amount of effort you put into them. If you feel your values are no longer valid for the person you have become, now is the time to start aligning them. You are feeling quite optimistic and willing to share what you have with others. What good is it to have things of value or beauty that are locked away and not shared? If the things you value are not material in nature, this is a good time to make the most of your values and talents. This is not a time for abstract daydreaming – you are entering a longer cycle of achievement and the more clear you are about how everything in your life works together, the better chance you will have of capitalizing on the opportunities available. You may feel especially creative and affectionate this month. Relationships, communication and creative expression all flow pretty easy this month even though mid-month you may find yourself mulling over fairly deep, serious subjects such as who you are and what you are really doing. That’s OK, Aquarius, you like the deep questions and chances are it will make for interesting conversation with friends. As long as the conversation doesn’t get too philosophical or depressing the conversations will be quite enlightening and offer a lot to the phase you are going through right now. You will start feeling more pressure toward the end of the month to put things in order, but for right now, just make sure that you have a solid perspective of what you are going to start building on and that your ethics, values and priorities are in perspective for a solid foundation on which to begin new projects.

Capricorn Horoscope for the month of March, 2011

Life is starting to pick up and so is your social life. You have a strong desire to communicate throughout the month and your mind is sharp, focused, and active, especially at the beginning of March. At this time it is especially important to be clear with yourself as to what you want to accomplish this year. You have had a couple of months to evaluate your life and the changes you would like to make; now is the time to really start formulating the plans to make it happen. If you have been spending some time last month and this first week of March preoccupied with thoughts of what you value and what your priorities are, you will be in a great position to actually start visualizing and talking about the plans you are making. With all the social support you will get this month, you will have colleagues and friends to not only have a good time with, but to discuss your plans with as well. The more concrete your plans for change right now the better your situation will be down the road when your ideas are challenged. Lately, you may have had an experience of expanded conscience and this has given you a better idea of all you could offer the world. There is a lot of opportunity for Capricorns to see how they can move themselves forward this month and there will be enough energy for you to start putting things in place, as long as you don’t get frustrated or irritated with the progress. This isn’t the month for everything coming together; it is time for laying a solid plan and getting ready to lay the foundation to build on. Take some time this month to enjoy yourself and your company. Your natural tendency to want to succeed in all you do and your serious turn of mind will push you forward.

Sagittarius Horoscope for the month of March, 2011

Home, Family and intimate relationships are the back drop for growth, challenge and change right now, Sagittarius. You are feeling the need to seek the comfort of home and familiar surroundings. You may also feel a need to think back over your childhood, your parents and how you grew up. If you have any childish behaviors that no longer serve their purpose or hold you back, now is the time to resolve them. Reflecting on who you are now and everything that helped you become this person will help you continue on your path. If you have been doing the work, this can be a very positive time for you, when the things that you have been striving for the last 6 months can finally start taking shape and you will really see life, especially within your own home and family, take shape. If not, you may see a crisis of identity and pressure that may cause you to want to retreat and hide at home. The situation will only continue to get worse if you don’t face it head on, Sagittarius, so take a deep breath, don’t let negative thoughts or depression set in and do what you do best – see the possibilities and the bright side of the situation! If you have been working on becoming a better you, especially if you have been striving to create an outer-life that the world sees, that better reflects your inner-life, you will be challenged and tested as you try to accomplish this. This isn’t because it isn’t a good idea, sometimes for a change to really take effect it must be tested and proven. Fortunately, you have all the energy and tools you need at this time to accomplish what you have been working on but they are subtle energies, so don’t relax to the point of forgetting your overall goals.

Scorpio Horoscope for the month of March, 2011

Scorpio’s will be feeling particularly lighthearted and social right now. You have a tendency to be so serious with yourself that this is a good time to take a look at who you are and how you perceive yourself, since you won’t be as critical as usual. If you have children, or play a role in a child’s life, this is a good time to get out and play, get physical trying to keep up with them, and connect with your own inner child. You are comfortable in your own skin right now and life has been moving along without a lot of drama. This will give you the time and mental clarity to look at things you have been working on; what’s been working well and what has not. Have you been making the necessary adjustments to keep your projects moving forward? Are the other elements in your life balanced? If so, watch for work projects to start taking on a life of their own and be propelled forward to a climax of energy and momentum in the next few months. If not, you may need to look at what isn’t working and you may be tempted to ignore your job and just play. Be careful to keep working through this time and don’t drop the ball completely on responsibilities. It’s Ok to stop and socialize, enjoy yourself and get in touch with what makes you happy, but draw on the energy you have right now to keep on top of the demands of work as well.

Libra Horoscope for the month of March, 2011

The word for you lately, Libra, is work! You have been consumed with projects and tasks handed down from superiors or others that you answer to. You will need to keep your head down and get the job done now, and don’t expect a lot of appreciation. It is important to finish what’s already been put on your plate before accepting more to do. Communication and mental activity are highlighted right now and you have a fairly serious but broad view of the world and your place in it. You may be faced with the challenge of wanting to expand your horizons or opportunities, but feeling that the world or your surroundings are placing limitations on you. This feeling of being confined in some ways may be just what you need to keep your balance and not overextend yourself, Libra. Limitations aren’t always a bad thing, sometimes they allow you to grow slow enough to stay grounded; have patience and try to not get frustrated. Communication may not be smooth, but there is a favorable chance of both sides shedding light on their position and encouraging each other to see their point of view. Be careful that if you stand up for an idea that you aren’t just impressed with your ideas because they are your own. If you are going to go out on a limb and make a stand, make sure that it is because you have the best, most effective idea. Don’t let negative thoughts or obsessing on an idea drag you down. If you can continue to stay positive or look for silver linings, along with honestly looking inward to see what you are supposed to be learning (especially in work situations) you will get a lot accomplished this month. There is a good chance that personal and romantic relationships will go smother than work relationships this month and start taking on more importance as the month comes to an end.

Virgo Horoscope for the month of March, 2011

Relationships and partnerships are always important, but Virgo’s may be feeling like they are more important than usual right now. Close relationships can be our best learning opportunities; like a mirror showing us who we are and what we have to offer those around us. Pay attention to all your close relationships and partnerships; not just romantic, but close friends and business partners as well. A lot of the things you have been working on in your life are coming to a climax right now and things may seem a bit tense. It is important to remember that you do nothing in this world alone, no matter how self sufficient you are. If you have been working on something that seems to have not worked out the way you wanted, remember that in life there are no failures as much as learning opportunities. Now is the time for Virgo’s to use the great analytical skills they posses and see what can be learned from the experience so that you can use your new found skills and knowledge in your next project. If you have a project that is coming to fruition, don’t try to do everything yourself. Things are coming to a climax, but there is still a lot of work to do and you should ask for help from experts and people you know who can give you good advice and guidance. There is also a good possibility for arguments and strong disagreements with people close to you. Remember that when you are in a relationship or partnership, the two of you make up a third entity that must be nurtured, adjusted for and learned from, so if you are arguing with people close to you, take an analytical look at what the fight is really about because it may be just what you need right now to grow as a person and in the relationship. As the month comes to an end, communication and relationships will ease up and won’t be so intense.

Leo Horoscope for the month of March, 2011

At this time you may be preoccupied with personal introspection and transformation. You may have been noticing some old, out dated feelings or values that you are ready to let go of, Leo. If life and work keep you feeling too busy to spend the time needed for self growth and connecting to your feelings, you may actually get frustrated or depressed, so try to slow down and find the time for reflection. A vacation or retreat right now would be great, but if you aren’t able to do that, try getting outside and taking a hike. At this time you may have a very difficult time focusing on work and you will want to spend time daydreaming and having fun, but make sure that you don’t overindulge in food, alcohol and lazy behavior. You might even feel you need to shed yourself from a relationship but you may not want to do that impulsively now. Give it a little time if you can, because you will be thinking more clearly in a few weeks and you may regret it. You may want to consider discussing what has been on your mind and the relationship in question with someone you consider a role model or father-figure. If you take the time you need to relax, have fun and take time for self-reflection, you should be able to keep a clear enough head to plug away at work and lay the ground work for becoming an even better you! There are actually a lot of things working with you at this moment, even though you may not notice them. Your thoughts have been fairly serious and after the first week of March, you will be thinking quite clearly, but don’t get hung up obsessively thinking about something. If you find yourself going over the same thought or idea and it is distracting, try analyzing why you are unable to move on. Maybe the root of the obsession will help you with your current need for rebirth, but don’t let it keep you from moving forward. Generally speaking, if you listen to your instincts and add some common sense, take responsibility for yourself and your actions, you will come out of this month with a sense of identity that you are ready to work on and be proud of.

Cancer Horoscope for the month of March, 2011

Cancer, have you recently had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and a need to look for answers to the big questions in life; or have you found a hobby or interest you want to explore? This is a great time for digging in deep and studying things you are interested in or traveling to expand your horizons. This trend will continue for the first half of March and there are a lot of energies in place right now helping you. Life has been moving pretty smoothly lately - fight the urge to be lulled into the idea that things will continue to be this easy. There is a feeling of being caught between wanting to take on more responsibility and wanting to let go of responsibilities that are weighing you down. Remember that with freedom comes responsibility, so don’t lose site of the things you have been working for. Discipline is being tested right now and part of that test is finding out if you can stick to the plan when the pressure is off. This is the time to buckle down and make sure that work is getting done and you are prepared for the unexpected. This is also an important time to evaluate what you have been doing and looking at how you can plan to push on to success. The first week or so of March will be favorable for communication, clear thinking and clearing your desk of those work projects that need to be completed. As the month progresses, you will get busier and communication and cooperation may become more difficult, so don‘t lose the opportunity to get as much done as possible. Also, make sure to pay attention if you seem to be obsessing over a thought or idea. Not only could this be distracting for accomplishing your goals, but you may try cramming the point down other people’s throats without realizing it. Instead, take a quiet moment to examine the thought or idea it’s self. Is your subconscious trying to tell you something? This is also a relaxing time for emotional cancers in a relationship since love seems to be balanced and stable and there is a realistic sense of the other person in your life. If you have wanted to discuss something with your significant other, now may be a good time; however try to be aware of any power struggles that may arise. You cannot force someone else to do what you want and you will not appreciate them trying to control you. If power plays arise, you will need to examine the root of the problem, and if it is a person of authority, be careful. Now is a good time to start an exercise routine like yoga – something that helps strengthen the mind-body-spirit connection because balance is key for you this month.

Gemini Horoscope for the month of March, 2011

This has been a time of pressure and for the last few weeks you have been dealing with some tensions that may be causing you to feel restless and ready for a change. A lot of this tension may be presenting at work or in your community, where it may feel like everyone and everything has been working against you lately. You may feel as if your brain has been working overtime, yet you can’t stay focused on anything productive, even though there has been a lot to do. You are accustom to a high level of mental activity, so maybe you haven’t noticed how irritable you seem, but your subconscious aggressions can cause you to have more disputes with others than usual if you are not in touch with your actions and why you are doing what you are doing. Picking your battles will make this month’s transits less stressful. Believe it or not, what you are facing right now can really help you in the long run if you can compromise on the small stuff and show those around you that you can be a leader in the work place and your community. Your natural ability to see both sides of a situation should help you to keep from being too attached to your own ideas. If you have a significant other, or start a relationship right now, you will find that things are easy going and you can find a lot of pleasure being together. There are many helpful influences right now and pressures at work and with others will start lightening up toward the end of the month when communication starts to flow more easily. There is a mercury retrograde that starts on the 30th of March, but that isn’t all bad; some time for mental reflection can be very useful after all the brain activity you have been faced with. Try to keep your balance this month so that you can start laying the ground work for any career advancements you may be dreaming of or working toward.

Taurus Horoscope for the month of March, 2011

You have been fairly social with friends and groups that you are involved with and this will continue for the first half of the month with a flurry of activity and lots of calls and communication. You will have an ability to cooperate and will learn a lot about yourself and how you fit in with others. Your mind is sharp and communication is favored allowing for a lot of positive outcomes with groups and friends. You may be asked to step up and lead at this time, don’t shy away since this may be an opportunity for you to really get something done. Be careful, however, not to overindulge in fattening or rich foods and try not to avoid responsibilities in favor of pleasure and daydreaming. It’s OK to enjoy yourself, surround yourself with beauty, and love affairs will be favored, but don’t let yourself slip into the illusion that if you ignore it, it will go away. You are feeling very generous now and love affairs started at this time may feel especially romantic and selfless, and as long as you can stay realistic, this is a wonderful time for relationships. As the month passes, you are feeling more introspective. This is a good time for evaluating the previous year and taking stalk of what you have accomplished. If you find you have childish or outdated behaviors that no longer serve their purpose, it is time to let them go. As the mood becomes a bit more serious at the end of the month, make sure to start buckling down to get the work done. As you prepare for your solar return, you have a lot of influences coming up that will allow you to lay the ground work for positive change in your life for the next few years. Don’t let this subtle energy pass you by without taking advantage of the opportunity to begin a new chapter of your life.

Aries Horoscope for the month of March, 2011

Spring is always a time of rebirth for you, Aries, but this spring is going to be particularly full of energy and a desire for change. Your mind will be buzzing with thoughts and inspiration for a new you in this upcoming year and you may be considering ways to improve yourself or your situation. Although you will want to talk about all your exciting ideas with friends, also make sure you take time to sit quietly with your thoughts for contemplation. I know that this isn’t your strong suite, so maybe some moving meditation such as Yoga or Tai chi will help you collect your thoughts. If you have been having any tensions with friends or associates, there may be an opportunity this month to smooth things over, as you will have moments of positive energy and the ability to impress others at the beginning of the month. Just make sure to be honest with others and try not to put on a show. Let your natural enthusiasm for your new venture shine through; you never know when a friend may be able to lend a hand or have a good suggestion. Try not to get overwhelmed when you think of all the work that may be ahead to accomplish all you want to do. Work at trying to keep a positive attitude and balancing your current responsibilities with your desire to socialize and daydream about the future. As long as you are getting your work done, make sure to find some time to play; especially if your recreation involves something physical that can help to expend some of the energy that will be building up right now. You have a real need to shake up your routine and break away from the norm. This may help you with this personal change you want to make, but make sure that you are taking risks and making changes that will be positive and healthy, not risky just for the thrill of it. Also, try to get any technical work or contracts completed and signed before the 30th, as Mercury goes retrograde on this day and things could get a bit muddled after that.

February 6, 2011

Although we will continue to feel the influence of Saturn in retrograde until June, the trine to the Sun that has been making the Saturn influence particularly uncomfortable, is finally starting to separate today. Any projects or changes that you began on Wednesday’s new moon should have plenty of energy to carry it through.

As a general rule, I find that most projects should be started on or as close to the full moon as possible, but this full moon was especially useful because of the Sun-Mars conjunct that has been forming and lending its energy. There is also a great deal of help with Mars trine Saturn helping to push you forward at a steady pace instead of the sporadic, hard to handle energy that can sometimes be associated with Mars.

One of the good things about this long Saturn retrograde is the opportunity for reflection and self evaluation. There is not any Neptune influence causing you to daydream about what might be; no rose colored glasses to cloud your outlook. This is a good time to honestly listen to any gut feelings about what you need to clean up or finish in your life that will allow you to go forward in June when Saturn goes direct again.

February 2, 2011

I had a great talk last night with a dear friend of mine about the pressure that Saturn has been applying in her life lately. She has been dealing with career, relationships and priorities for months and she said she was beginning to feel like it was never going to end! As I have been looking through daily transits, I had to admit that everything seems to have been setting off Saturn lately, which unfortunately has been in retrograde, just in case things haven’t been difficult enough.

Now, I know that different people have varying degrees of difficulty with transiting Saturn, but one thing that I wanted to remind her of, and anyone else that seems to feel as if the universe has been handing them one difficult situation after another, is that this is a time for reflection. Take a good look at what can be let go of and how your life can be simplified. Sometimes the universe (and especially Saturn) puts just the tests and blocks in our way that we need in order to remind us of what is important and what we need (or don’t need) to truly create the lives that will make us happy.

If you have been sad, depressed or full of self doubt, thinking that maybe you have headed down the wrong path or are not accomplishing what you wanted to in life, remember that you are always exactly where you need to be in order to learn the lessons you must and move forward. Pick yourself up and remember that this too shall pass. Try to listen to what your inner voice is telling you and start letting go of what is not necessary. Once things are more simplified, your Saturn transit will be more constructive and less destructive – the harder you fight this change, the more obstacles will be put in your path so figure out what the flow is and go with it.

February 1, 2011

For the next few days there may be a lot of inner reflection riddled with self-doubt. Excess energy can make it difficult to concentrate, but this could be a good time to do some dredge work that needs to get done. Sometimes busy work that keeps your hands occupied and cleans out your space can give you both time for reflection and a more organized space to get your real work done when the time comes.

While this might not be a great time for starting a new project, you have probably been thinking about the possibilities and this will be a time for looking at all the challenges you’ll be facing with a project you are considering. Don’t let negative feelings get you down, they may be fleeting; but do use this time to contemplate the reality of the project. You might find yourself wanting to escape from reality a bit and indulge in a bit of fantasy, possibly of the romantic nature. That’s OK, sometimes you need a little escape- especially with so much on your mind.

I wouldn’t count on following your “regular” routine, and you may need to find a way of working alone and giving yourself an excuse for being a bit more physical than normal. You may be prone to sudden bursts of energy and, if not used in a productive way, could cause you to be a bit clumsy or subject to accidents.

When it is time for a break, being in the company of good friends, with light conversation can provide the relaxation you need, as long as you remember not to over indulge. Try to avoid excess food, drink, sweets and spending.