Overcoming Anxiety: Reassuring ways to break free from stress and worry and lead a calmer life By Gill Hasson

Overcoming Anxiety- Reassuring ways to break free from stress and worry and lead a calmer life By Gill Hasson

Anxiety is on the rise and even those lucky enough not to have anxiety will tend to worry. This book is great. It is all inclusive, it covers the aspects of anxiety to help you understand your own anxiety and anxiety in general. Part two then allows you to manage your anxiety. It gives you the tools to change the way you think, use mindfulness to help, use solution-based problem solving and boost your confidence. It even gives advice on finding help and support from other people. I found this book fascinating. I liked how it tells you to write down your anxieties and find recurring anxieties and then tackle them head on. I also loved the advice of surrounding yourself with ‘radiators’, people who spread warmth and positivity. Rather than drains who only take away energy and resources. There are brilliant tools and advice that really works.  In my opinion, this book is essential for anyone with anxiety.

 

New book explains how to identify and manage anxiety

 

Anxiety is recognised as one of the most prevalent mental health problems in the UK, with financial issues, welfare of family members, work stress and fear of unemployment some of the most common contributing factors.

 

For those who experience occasional anxiety or have a diagnosable disorder, Overcoming Anxiety is a new book that provides practical strategies and techniques to help manage or overcome worries and concerns.

 

Written by bestselling personal development author Gill Hasson, the book begins by explaining what anxiety is and how it can present itself, including panic attacks, phobias, OCD & IBS. It goes on to explain how readers can manage both the cognitive and physical aspects of anxiety and identify activities they can do to help them switch off from worrying.

 

Overcoming Anxiety highlights the importance of reaching out and connecting with other people, outlining what family and friends can do to help. Hasson stresses the significance of having positive people around,  explaining that “how other people respond to you can make quite a difference to how you feel about yourself- to your confidence, self-esteem and your ability to manage anxious thoughts and feelings.”

 

Throughout the book, there are quotes and examples from people who have experienced anxiety. Plus, exercises, activities, tips, strategies and techniques for readers to try.

 

What is crucial is that you learn and develop a range of techniques and strategies that work for you” writes Hasson“and keep at it.”

 

About the author:

Gill Hasson is the author of the international bestsellers Mindfulness: Be mindful. Live in the moment , How To Deal With Difficult People: Smart Tactics for Overcoming the Problem People in Your Life and Emotional Intelligence: Managing emotions to make a positive impact on your life and career.

 

She is a teacher, trainer and writer. She has 20 years’ experience in the area of personal development. Her expertise is in the areas of confidence and self-esteem, communication skills, assertiveness and resilience.

 

Gill delivers teaching and training for educational organisations, voluntary and business organisations and the public sector.

 

Gill’s particular interest and motivation is in helping people to realize their potential, to live their best life!

 

Overcoming Anxiety: Reassuring Ways to Break Free from Stress and Worry and Lead a Calmer Life

 

 

British Singer-songwriter Lily Lambert Releases Merry Christmas, With Love

lilylambertchristmas

Want to get your jingle on? Then check out part-Irish, part-Welsh British singer-songwriter Lily Lambert whose has released a new cover album, Merry Christmas, With Love. Lambert premiered her cover of the classic Christmas song “Carol Of The Bells” on Stubby’s who noted the track stays “pretty faithful to its roots, but is dressed in rural garlands rather than big city tinsel.”

Hair : From Desk to Disco

katehudson viviscal hairAndrew Jose  : Award winning celebrity hairdresser and brand ambassador for SALON SCIENCE® haircare says . . .

  • Grown up party hair on the go is the perfect balance of polished, effortless yet timeless hair that is elegant and fun.
  • Do bear in mind that less is more. If you have a statement dress, then keep the hair simple, if you have a simple dress then the hair can become more of a statement!
  • Do take into consideration head shape and the balance of your facial features when choosing a party hair up. A style that is soft and flattering on most face shape is the low chignon or bun.
  • Always tease hair at the crown to give volume and leave soft tendrils around the face
  • Soft waves and a side parting can take your style to the next level – a vintage take on a modern style looks timeless and chic.
  • Always wash hair the day before putting it up to combat hair being too slippery.
  • Teasing (back combing) and dry shampoo is a must have for volume and staying power.
  • Great hair takes time DON’T rush it!  If you are creating the style yourself, practise your look as some techniques can be challenging. Trial your style the day before to get it right on the night.
  • Always carry an emergency fix kit, a couple of bobby pins, a small backcombing brush and a handbag sized hairspray is essential!
  • Whether it’s a simple braid for decoration or a halo dutch braid for on-trend and current looking statement hair, simply adding a plait can give a contemporary twist to a simple classic style.

Speedy tricks for styling hair on the go. 

Hair ups are a great option for when you are short on time but need a high impact style for the day. If the thought of doing a hair up at home without expert help feels daunting, then help is at hand.

Salon Science Brand Ambassador and award winning hairdresser Andrew Jose has created three simple, yet stunning  styles for chic hair at home (without getting your fingers in a twist)

Any trends?

Hair jewellery is a big trend for winter – glam up a pony tail with gold cuff detail around a low slung pony for on trend metallic glamour

Your get-good-hair-quick kit! 

  • Salon Science Swiss Apple Cellumax volumising Foam (£17.00 Boots)
  • Swiss Grape Reglosse Smoothing Serum (£18.00 Boots)
  • A soft bristled brush (Mason and Pearson)
  • Pin tail comb
  • Kirby grips
  • Dry shampoo
  • Velcro rollers
  • Hair spray

The Plait Bun

Easy AND elegant, the plait bun can be sleek and polished or made to be looser and slightly messed up for daytime.

Flip hair upside down, apply Salon Science Swiss Apple Cellumax Volumising Mousse (£17.00) at the root

  • Back comb at the crown to create volume and ensure the style will stay in place.
  • Leave two sections at each side of your parting at the front
  • Back comb the hair in the ponytail, and twist hair around the base of the pony tail creating a bun and pin in to place
  • Create two braids with the sections left out at the front of the hair, secure the ends with thin loom bands,  pull back and pin around the bun

The half up twist

One of this season’s biggest hair trends, the half up style is a sneaky way of making a lazy day hairstyle seem cool – the top half of your hair is up, and the rest is down.

  • Spritz Swiss Grape Salon Science Reprotectant Thermal Crème (£16.00) over damp hair

Using a big barrelled brush – give hair a smooth blow dry. Then using irons or tongs, create a loose lazy wave

  • Add dry shampoo at the root for texture and backcomb at the crown  – the  Lee Stafford Dry Shampoo is great. Adjust height to your own preference and pin top hair piece into place.
  • Using thumbs and palms, pull the top half of your hair back into a half ponytail from about an inch above the ears, leaving most of your lengths free. pull the hair out at the crown a little to create more volume.
  • Make a hole right above the hairband by using your finger, splitting the hair in two and flip the ponytail through. Tighten the pony
  • Pull out strands at the front to mess up the style a little

Variation of this look is the ‘Hun’ or the ‘half bun’

  • Instead of flipping hair through the pony – simply back comb the half pony tail and wrap it around the base of the hairband – and pin into place
  • wear it high and sleek or low and undone –  depending on your mood

Tips on using dry shampoo if you haven’t time to wash it

  • A great tip for dry shampoo application is to section hair off with clips, spray a line of dry shampoo and repeat throughout oily areas. Wait for a couple of minutes then brush through with soft bristled brush to evenly distribute the oil absorbing powder. For best results do this in the evening before you go to bed and then again in the morning  to counteract oil build up overnight

STOCKISTS

Salon Science available exclusively at Boots Nationwide and Boots.com
www.salonscience.com

Andrew Jose Hair Salon
http://www.andrewjose.com/
1 Charlotte street, London W1

 

 

Last Minute Christmas Gift Guide for Mums: Chambord & Licor 43

chambordchambordandlicor43Panicking about what to get mum for Christmas? These two make great stocking fillers or proper presents for mum: Licor 43 (the premium, Spanish liqueur) and Chambord (the premium French Black Raspberry liqueur). The Chambord 20cl bottle is available in a beautiful gold box, and is the perfect stocking filler. It retails at all major supermarkets throughout the UK for just £7.50. Licor 43 70cl (700ml) bottle is available from ASDA stores and asda.com nationwide as well as through www.drinksupermarket.com with an RRP of £17.50-£17.99.

 

Cocktail recipe ideas below. 

Licor 43 winter serves for 2015

 

Mulled Wine 43

  • 50 ml Licor 43
  • 125 ml shiraz
  • 15 ml lemon juice
  • 1x sugar cube
  • 4 dashes of angostura bitters
  • 4 dashes of orange bitters
  • 1x cinnamon stick

Soak sugar cube in both bitters, place soaked cube, lemon juice and wine into a pan and place on the hob until hot. Add Licor 43 and pour into a balon glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

 

Spiced Cider

  • 50ml Licor 43
  • 125ml cider (apple or pear)
  • 15ml lemon juice
  • 2x barspoons of honey
  • 4 dashes of angostura bitters
  • 4x dashes of orange bitters

Place all the ingredients, except the Licor 43 into a pan and heat on the hob until warm. Add the Licor 43 and pour into a balon glass.

 

Spanish 43 Coffee 

• 25ml Licor 43
• Black coffee
• Whipped cream
• Cocoa powder

Warm the Licor 43 and pour into the coffee. Top carefully with the whipped cream and garnish with cocoa powder.

 

 

Chambord Royale

You take the fizz, you top with Chambord, and puff! Now watch the bubbles storm.

Ingredients 

  • Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur
  • Champagne, prosecco or cava

Method
Pour your favourite fizz into a flute glass and top with Chambord. Garnish with a raspberry.

 

French Martini

Christmas calls for a classic cocktail. Take pineapple juice and shake, shake, shake it with Chambord and vodka and voila! You have the French Martini.

Ingredients 

  • 15ml Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur
  • 50ml vodka
  • 60ml pineapple Juice

Method
Vigorously shake Chambord with vodka, pineapple juice and plenty of ice.

 

Chambord Very Berry

Brrr. When the snow is cold but the fire is burning, warm your hands with a Chambord Very Berry.

Ingredients 

  • 25ml Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur
  • 125ml red wine
  • 25ml fresh lemon juice
  • Spoonful of sugar
  • 3 raspberries
  • Slice of lemon studded with cloves

Method

Crush raspberries in a wine glass with sugar, then add Chambord, wine, and lemon juice. Top with hot water and garnish with a slice of lemon.

For more inspiration visit www.facebook.com/ChambordUK

The Christmas tree looks best when there are presents beneath it. Wish your friends and family Joyeux Noel with a 20cl bottle of Chambord packaged in a beautiful gold box. Available from all major supermarkets (asda.com, tesco.com, sainsburys.co.uk) throughout the UK. RRP: £7.50. Bon!

 

 

 

 

The Christmas gift with a conscience

The Christmas gift with a conscienceHIV:ADIS

Think HIV/AIDS isn’t a problem anymore? AIDS is the leading cause of death for teenagers in Africa and the second leading cause of death among teenagers globally. 

 Introducing the Christmas gift with a conscience: Styloko.com and the new Red Box Shop: http://redboxshop.styloko.com/  for Christmas in aid of MTV Staying Alive Foundation

The Styloko concept is simple; a pop up online store selling a plethora of fabulous Red Boxes perfect for anyone with a serious love of fashion and culture. Each box is filled with desirable products, including jewellery, make-up, watches and even beautiful books, kindly donated by leading brands such as Chanel, The Cambridge Satchel Company, Timex, Radley, Fake Bake, Swatch, Kendra Scott Jewelry and Dana Rebecca Designs.

All proceeds from The Red Box Shop are going to aids projects around the world, particularly in Africa.  HIV/AIDS is still a  devastating global disease and the second leading cause of death among teenagers globally. The store will run through the 20th of December.

Every single penny/cent from the sale of the red boxes will go straight to helping raising global awareness for HIV/AIDS.

@mtvstayingalive  @styloko

The mission of the MTV Staying Alive Foundation is to stop the spread of HIV before it starts. They provide funding and training to youth-led HIV-prevention projects around the world, helping them develop the skills to build innovative, culturally relevant and sustainable organisations that lead the fight against HIV on the ground.  Their relationship with MTV means that the ground-breaking content they produce reaches millions of young people globally.

 Since the international grants and training programme was established in 2005, they have given US $5.3 million to over 500 youth-led projects in 66 countries, directly educated 2.7 million young people on HIV, distributed 7 million condoms and tested 200,000 young people for HIV.

 

 

Real Easy Wonderoos Reusable Nappy Review

Real Easy - the washable nappy manufactured by Wonderoos

The words ‘reusable nappy’ can strike fear into a parents heart. We know it is better for the environment and the purse but in a sleep-deprived zombie state we tend to go for the easy option. That is until you try one and it isn’t as hard as you think. Especially with Real Easy – the washable nappy manufactured by Wonderoos. The all-in-one, one-size pocket nappy comes with lots of buttons to make sure it fits your baby well, the design is beautiful and gender neutral. The nappy even feels great. It feels silky-soft on the outside and the inserts also feel nice and are comfortable for baby. The soft micro fleece lining keeps baby feeling comfy and dry, while the thirsty soakers take care of the wetness.

Each Wonderoos V3 Pocket Nappy is the equivalent to approximately 300 disposable nappies. One size fits 8-35lbs. You just adjust to fit from birth to potty. They even have unique girl/boy settings on inserts. The nappy is a little bulky so not all clothes will look streamlined on baby. However we can honestly say that we love this nappy. Great for baby, great for the environment and it saves money. What more could you want? This nappy has won many awards and rightly so. Very impressive. Frost loves.  Wonderoos One-Size Pocket Nappy can be bought here.

reusablenappyreviewReal Easy – the washable nappy manufactured by Wonderoos  – has won the coveted Consumer Choice Award in the Best Baby & Toddler Gear Awards 2015 in the reusable nappy category.

The Best Baby and Toddler Gear Awards allow companies from across the nursery industry to have their products assessed by experts along with a team of parents carefully selected for genuine and unbiased reviews.

Christine McRitchie Venus Award 250

Christine McRitchie, Brand Owner, comments, “Having acquired Real Easy nappies in October 2014, we re-launched the brand at Harrogate International Nursery Fair in March 2015.  To have now won the Consumer Choice Award, which is awarded to the product with the most online votes, is a demonstration of the amazing support and loyalty of our customers”.

 

Real Easy is a sized All-in-One reusable nappy, designed to be easy on, easy to change, easy to wash – really easy.  Real Easy nappies come in several sizes to give the best fit at each stage, and are constructed with a soft micro fleece lining to keep baby feeling comfy and dry, while the thirsty soakers take care of the wetness.

 

Earthwise Trading Ltd focuses on manufacturing, distributing and retailing reusable nappies and reusable menstrual products that reduce waste, save money, and work in harmony with nature.

 

About Christine McRitchie:

Earlier in 2015 Christine was crowned Britain’s Best Online Business as director of Earthwise Trading in the Venus Awards.

Christine lives in Long Wittenham, Oxfordshire with her husband and their four daughters (who have provided lots of nappy changing experience along the way).

The Earthwise Trading story began in Christine’s kitchen 10 years ago, and since then her business has kept over 7.5 million disposable nappies out of landfill.

 

In other news from the company…

 

Earthwise Trading Ltd, manufacturer of award-winning Wonderoos V3 nappies is proud to announce the launch of their new collection of delightful prints.

 

The four gender-neutral designs – entitled Elf Magic, Polar Life, Monsters and Dragons – have been created by an exciting young British designer. Elf Magic is a Limited Edition print, only 300 have been produced and demand is expected to be high, while the other three designs have been added to the long-term design portfolio.

 

Christine McRitchie, Director of Earthwise Trading, comments, “We’re so excited to be launching this new range of prints, they’re bold and bright and full of fun – and will appeal to children and parents alike.”

 

Wonderoos V3 are the original single-sized pocket nappy and have been awarded a gold Gentle Parenting award, Bronze Prima baby awards and Bronze Dad’s award in 2015. Wonderoos V3 has also achieved the 2015 Mumsnet Best Award for the second consecutive year and has recently been shortlisted for the 2016 Mother and Baby award.

 

 

 

Salon Science Hair Review Special

salonscience2 salonscience3 salonscienceas salonsciencehaircare salonsciencereviewSalon Science CELLULUXE Shampoo and Conditioner. For anti-ageing and restored volumne.

Really works to leave hair healthier, shinier and younger-looking. Restores volume.

A luxurious cleanser enriched with nourishing phytonutrients, CELLULUXE™ SHAMPOO contains powerful plant stem cell extracts of a rare Swiss Apple, to restore volume and rebuild fine, fragile and ageing hair.

Containing a youth replenishing formulation, CELLULUXE™ SHAMPOO protects and rejuvenates tired looking hair for optimum health, vitality and thickness. For anti-ageing and restored volume.

and

A luxurious light weight conditioner enriched with nourishing actives and shine enhancing components to repair and rebuild fine, fragile, ageing hair.

A youth replenishing formula using powerful plant stem cell extracts of a rare Swiss Apple, CELLULUXE™ CONDITIONER hydrates and nourishes from root to tip, leaving hair silky soft and shining with health.

Salon Science Cellutensive Masque

A great, indulgent masque that leaves hair looking gorgeous and your scalp happy. 

For Anti-Ageing and Restored Volume

A rejuvenating, anti-ageing treatment enriched with the advanced plant stem cells of a rare Swiss Apple to protect the longevity of hair cells whilst improving the hair’s health, strength and thickness. Formulated with Keratin and Wheat Protein, the CELLUTENSIVE™ MASQUE is a deeply nourishing treatment. Contains powerful repairing actives to prolong vibrancy and shine with lightweight, yet deep conditioning. CELLUTENSIVE™ MASQUE ensures hair is radiantly youthful and visibly replenished.

Reglosse Smoothing Serum. For repair and radiance.

Great at controlling frizzy hair. Great stuff. 

For Repair and Radiance

REGLOSSE™ is a rich, smoothing serum containing tocopherol and grape seed extract to tame and instantly nourish dry, frizzy, uncontrollable hair. Like a glossing top coat for hair, the REGLOSSE™ SMOOTHING SERUM repairs split ends and smoothes unruly flyaways for a radiant, silky soft finish.

Proaccelerant Treatment 3. For targeting Hair loss.

Targets hair loss, giving you thicker hair. 

An intensive scalp treatment formulated with AnaGain™, an Organic Pea Sprout extract that is rich in restorative proteins, starch and fibres. These rebalancing, organic phytonutrients combined with stimulating caffeine agents work to prolong the life cycle of hair and encourage growth at the root.

Continuous use of PROACCELERANT™ 3 TREATMENT gives denser, thicker, fuller hair in 3 months*.

Recorrect Leave In Treatment.

Very nourishing. Great for dry hair, leaves it hydrated and looking fab. 

For Repair and Radiance

A deeply nourishing corrective treatment containing agents to immediately saturate, restore and retexturise porous and damaged hair. Formulated with GSP-T which combines Swiss Grape seed procyanidins and natural tocopherol to help prevent colour fade, leaving hair vibrant and radiating health.

Hydrafoliant Scalp Scrub

A great scalp scrub that is powerful, leaving your scalp cleansed, smoother and clearer. Helps with scalp problems and leaves hair radiant. 

For Hydration and Scalp Relief

A luxurious pre-shampoo scalp treatment containing powerful exfoliants to lift and remove skin cells for a visibly smoother and clearer scalp.

Formulated with the water-binding compounds of a rare Organic Cactus to hydrate and to soothe irritated itchy scalps. HYDRAFOLIANT™ nourishes and nurtures whilst clearing the way for healthy, radiant hair and helping with scalp problems.

 

 

 

Borderfields British Infusions Gift Packs for Christmas

rapeseed oil, gift pack, christmasWant a healthy choice for cooking? Here it is: Borderfields Original Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil. It retains its health properties, even at a high temperature and they taste delicious. These are the perfect gift for foodies.

 

With the festive season drawing ever closer, Borderfields – the expert in premium cold pressed rapeseed oil – is calling on foodies to infuse some flavour into their Christmas cooking this year with the launch of an inspiring range of tempting infusion gift packs. 

 

Fusing cold pressed rapeseed oil with a first-class selection of flavours – including aromatic garlic, fresh basil, fiery chilli and zesty lemon – Borderfields British Infusions Gift Packs are the perfect match for Christmas; offering the ideal way to spoil a loved one, impress at a dinner party or simply add a little zing to all manner of festive favourites. 

 

Boasting all of the benefits of Borderfields Original Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil – including a high ‘smoke point’ which, unlike olive oil, means it maintains its natural benefits at high temperatures – the gift packs make a deliciously healthy, versatile and delightfully simple option for roasting, frying, drizzling, sizzling and basting.

 

What’s more, it contains half the saturated fat of olive oil, as well as near perfect blend of omegas 3, 6 and 9, and is made using a unique five-times filtration process. This sees each carefully selected batch of rapeseed gently pressed, filtered five times and bottled to ensure a pure, simple and top-quality product with a subtle, buttery flavour.

 

To continue the festivities after the big day, why not try inspiring your Christmas leftovers with Borderfields’ British Infusions? The perfect match for a turkey soup or creamy curry, mouth-watering gammon sandwich or hearty pie infused with flavour. 

 

The Borderfields Infusions Gift Pack range includes: 

·         Borderfields British Infusions Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil Gift Pack (3x125ml)

o    Including Garlic, Chilli and Lemon Infusions made with 100% British cold pressed rapeseed oil – RRP £7.99

o    Available exclusively online from www.amazon.co.uk

·         Borderfields British Infusions Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil Gift Pack (4x125ml)

o    Basil, Garlic, Chilli and Lemon Infusions made with 100% British cold pressed rapeseed oil – RRP £9.99

o    Available exclusively online from Amazon.

Share your festive cold pressed rapeseed oil creations with Borderfields on Twitter, @Borderfields, Facebook, and Instagram, @borderfieldsoil. For more information on Borderfields and delicious recipe inspiration, please visit: www.borderfields.co.uk