Author Archives: Catherine Balavage

Secret Saviours Review: Does It Prevent Stretchmarks? UPDATED

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Secret Saviours range reviewThere are a lot of horrible things that come with pregnancy: nausea, sickness, rib pain, exhaustion, but most of these are not permanent. Unlike stretchmarks. These horrible little things take ages to fade and become silvery lines. You can get them for a few reasons and men get them too. To start off our new parenting section we started to review stretch mark products. We decided to review Secret Saviours after attending the launch at 34. Secret Saviours comprises of a Multitasking Support Band, which is used with a specially formulated Day Gel and Night Cream. Does it prevent stretchmarks? Let’s find out.

I start using Secret Saviours when I was 24 weeks pregnant. Everyday I apply the day cream, wear the band and then take if off and apply the night cream in the evening. It’s a bit of a fuss, let’s be honest. But if it stops stretchmarks then it is completely worth it. The band does not fit well to begin with. I measure my bump and I am a size small and the band is a large. It is not uncomfortable but ruins the silhouette of a lot of the clothes that I wear. The pattern is visible under most clothes, making me look like I have a spotty belly. As I said, it is quite cumbersome but if it works it will be worth it.

I am now 32 weeks pregnant and happy with the results so far. I have noticed two stretchmarks a couple of inches below my belly button. I was very annoyed and upset when I saw them but I don’t even think they would be visible if I was wearing bikini bottoms. Still annoying though. So apart from a few stretchmarks which are not very visible, so far so good. I can’t say the system completely works as I have obviously gotten a few stretchmarks but it is possible that it could have been a lot worse. I will update this post as I go along.

The band is not uncomfortable and can also work as a pregnancy band/belt. It is quite sticky when you take it off at night because the day cream you use is tacky to help the pads stick. There are times when I just want to put my clothes on and not bother with the whole thing but so far I feel the results have been more than worth the effort. I will update after the pregnancy to let you know the final results.

You can get the premium Secret Saviours pack here.

Update. 

I now have my baby, a son called Luke. Did diligently using the pregnancy band and creams work? I believe they made a difference. I did not come out of the experience with no stretchmarks. Small person + big baby is a recipe for lots of stretching, but the stretchmarks came late in the pregnancy. It is a bit annoying wearing the band everyday, but I actually think it helped my back. I think many people will get different results from Secret Saviours, even the makers said at the press launch that some women will get stretchmarks no matter what, but for most I think Secret Saviours pregnancy band and creams will make a difference.

 

British medics have designed a unique product which is scientifically proven to help prevent stretch marks during pregnancy.

The Secret Saviours Multitasking Support Band, which is used with a specially formulated Day Gel and Night Cream, reduces the risk of getting Striae gravidarum — the medical name for these unsightly scars – by 70 per cent.

Seven out of ten women who use this innovative under bump and lower back support will be spared these angry red marks which eventually fade to silvery pink, but stubbornly refuse to go away.

And if stretch marks do occur, the severity of them is reduced dramatically, a study presented at the American Academy of Dermatology has confirmed.

RIPPING YARNS: STRETCH MARKS – THE FACTS

Stretch marks are scars left by tearing below the surface of the skin and once you have them, without resorting to a tummy tuck, you have them for life.

TV doctor and GP Dr Chris Steele notes: “Stretch marks are very common in pregnancy, with some studies suggesting as many as nine out of ten mothers-to-be develop these unsightly streaks, but they can also spring from teenage growth spurts and rapid weight gain.

“It’s impossible to predict who will get them, although multiple pregnancies, ethnicity and family history all increase the odds of getting Striae gravidarum,, as doctors call them. And while many mums-to-be massage in moisturisers and oils in the hope of heading them off, there is very little evidence most potions and lotions will make any difference.,”

A BRITISH DISCOVERY
Secret Saviours was invented by leading vascular surgeon Mr Stephen Barker and an expert in tissue engineering at University College, London. It is the first product of its kind with clear scientific proof of effectiveness.

A trial, at the Institute of Maternity and Gynaecology at Tucuman in Argentina, recruited 159 women who were between 12 and 14 weeks pregnant. Half used the Secret Saviours system and the other half did not use any creams or devices to provide a control group for comparison.

Independent clinicians who saw the women at the end of their first trimester and around their due date assessed any stretch marks using a scale of zero to ten, with zero being no marks and ten being multiple, highly visible scars.

In line with studies examining the incidence of stretch marks, 66 per cent of women in the control group developed Striae gravidarum, with most scoring a seven for severity. But two out of three women who used Secret Saviours had no sign of stretch marks and those which did were very minor in appearance, with most scoring just four.

Commenting on Secret Saviours, mum of two and women’s health expert, Dr Catherine Hood, notes: “The secret of the Secret Saviours system is its Multitasking Support Band lined with pads arranged in a random pattern which gently grip the stomach and literally redirect stretch marks.”

“Secret Saviours works by equalising pressure points within the skin and helping to prevent any tiny tissue tears from forming within the dermis, the inner layer of skin which contains blood and lymph vessels.

“But if they do, the Support Band provides a gentle barrier of bumps which block the path of any minor tears which could spread along straight lines of stress and turn into full blown stretch marks.”

Dr Catherine Hood adds: “The skin-saving support provided by the Multitasking Support Band is enhanced by the addition of Secret Saviours’ Day Gel and Secret Saviours Night Cream. Both are formulated using ingredients such as Centella asiatica and vitamin E, which have been shown to support skin healing.

“There are no parabens, PABA, animal ingredients, synthetic colours, mineral oils petroleum or paraffin in either the Day Gel or Night Cream.”

Vascular surgeon Mr Barker promises: “We cannot guarantee Secret Saviours will stop all stretch marks, but we can guarantee that it will significantly reduce the risk of developing them and minimise the appearance of any which do appear.”

As an added bonus, the Secret Saviours Multitasking Support Band also provides some welcome under-bump support, which has the added bonus of reducing lower back ache — a common problem in pregnancy.

 

 

 

The Glass Girl By Sandy Hogarth Book Review

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6.SandyThe Glass Girl is a deeply moving novel. A stunning debut that is well written and evocative. The plot is smart, drawing you in and not letting you go. The main character, Ruth, is a wonderful narrator. Interesting and intelligent. The book tracks her life along with the main historical events of the time. Her life is thrown onto a certain path after a traumatic event. She flees to Australia for the solitude of the outback, taking her secrets with her. Only her mother’s death brings her back and she must then confront her sister.

The Glass Girl goes deep into the pain a sibling can cause. How family can tear us apart and that the past can always haunt. The Glass Girl is a brilliant novel, I could hardly put it down. Beautifully written and deeply engaging, The Glass Girl is a highly recommended read. Brilliant stuff.

 

Say thank you to your sister for me.

His parting words cause sixteen year old Ruth to flee to Australia in shame and fear, telling her mother, it’s just a year mum, then I’ll be home. But even there her secret drives her to the isolation of the outback.

Seven years later the death of her mother brings Ruth home to England. Now she must confront her sister, Alexis. But there are darker secrets that threaten to tear apart the family she thought she knew and Alexis’ betrayals are not over.

Sometimes you can’t keep running. In a world of lies and betrayal by the people she loved, is Ruth strong enough?

 

The Glass Girl is available here.

Sandy Hogarth’s Day in The Life is here.

 

 

 

Joan Collins Timeless Beauty Helene Red Lipstick & Nail Lacquer Review

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joancollinsmakeupreview

I have always thought that glamour was underrated. I don’t like that a lot of people don’t tend to make much of an effort when it comes to glamour anymore, or being well dressed. Men and women alike. In the spirit of full disclosure, I can count myself amongst them sometimes. Too often in fact. Joan Collins has always been glamourous and while leaving the house everyday with a full face of makeup is too much of an effort, she really does inspire me to try harder.

She has launched a new beauty range, Timeless Beauty. It is all very impressive. The range has a lot of gorgeous stuff in it. The PR person sent us Lipstick & Nail lacquer in Helene to review. This is what Joan says:

“Lipstick is, to me, the Queen of cosmetics. It brings a hit of distinctive colour that lifts the face even when wearing no other make up. Lip colour itself can be a statement, can say something about the wearer and how the world sees them. I named my lipsticks after characters I have played as they reflect some aspect of the character’s persona.”

The lipstick is gorgeous, great packaging which just screams glamour. The colour is a luscious red cream with a hint of blue undertones. I never usually wear red lipstick. My lips are too big and don’t need anymore attention drawn to them, but this is beautiful. It is long lasting and also hydrates. In fact, it was tested and shown to improve hydration levels in the lips after 30 days.

Joan’s Tip: Look perfectly groomed by matching up lip and nail colour.

Next up was the nail lacquer, also in Helene. A matching red. Joan said:

“I don’t feel dressed without nail lacquer. It’s as essential to me as lipstick. I love the style of this bottle, elegant and practical with a long tapered cap that’s easy to hold, and, helps balance the brush when applying. The ribbing improves grip and ease of opening and closing.The colours are my personal favourites and I wear them all switching one to the other to reflect my mood, the effect I want to make, or simply to compliment my outfit.”

This is the same beautiful colour. The packaging is just gloriously stunning and glamorous. The nail lacquer is easy to apply. It is a smooth, self levelling colour that covers imperfections and leaves nails looking sleek and chic.

I love these and Joan’s Timeless beauty range. It brings a rather wonderful touch of glamour to life. Which makes it worth making that extra effort for after all. I may become more like Joan yet.

 

 

New Beauty Launch: What Skin Needs Skincare Range Review

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New Beauty Launch: What Skin Needs Skincare Range ReviewAll the way from Australia is a new skincare range: What Skin Needs.

What Skin Needs is a range of natural products that provide effective solutions to certain skin problems. This range is good for those with sensitive and problem skin. The active ingredient they use in the range is Plantolin, a patent-protected active plant extract. It is scientifically proven to sooth, protect and renew. The products work for the following problems: psoriasis,, eczema, dermatitis and dry or cracked skin. The key ingredient, Plantolin, is derived from the Australian indigenous plant, centipede cunninghamii. I have always had sensitive skin so I was happy to review and hoping for good results

We got sent the following to review: Cracked Skin Cream, Skin Balm and Soothing Skin Gel.

Cracked Skin Cream

Does the job and works well. Heals cracked skin. 

An intensive skin care solution designed to address difficult problem skin including:
Rough and damaged skin
Feet and Heels
Knees and elbows
Skin Cell renewal

Contains the patented active ingredient Phyoxolin® to soothe, rehydrate and repair rough, dry and damaged skin. It is safe and gentle on sensitive skin.

Supported by a blend of natural extracts and essential oils including:
Aloe Vera: May alleviate dry skin, and inhibit inflammation, May also temporarily improve the appearance of the skin and stimulate the regeneration of skin cells.
Calendula: May help to reduce inflammation, alleviate the inflammation and pain associated with insect bites and assist with relieving itching.
Olive oil: May reduce skin inflammation and accelerate the healing of calluses, reduce bruising and help to prevent wrinkles.
Pomegranate: May help to prevent liver spots, and may thicken the epidermis, may help to diminish wrinkles and stimulate the production of collagen.
Silica: Premature wrinkles including stretch marks after pregnancy may occur as a result of silica deficiency. Supplementation of silica may cause a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and help maintain the elasticity, firmness and strength of the skin.
Green Tea: Possesses potent antioxidant properties stronger that vitamin E. May assist in alleviating rosacea, and reduce the damage to the skin caused by exposure to the ultra-violet radiation component of sunlight.
Myrrh: An antiseptic and has antimicrobial activity.
Vitamin E: May alleviate dry skin and inhibit scarring and early onset of wrinkles. Helps regulate skin cell proliferation and repair and protect the skin from oxidative damage.
Lavender Oil: An effective skin cleanser that is reported to inhibit some types of detrimental fungi. It may also alleviate the pain associated with sunburn.
Geranium Oil: Is used for many skin disorders as a tonic and antiseptic.
Lemon Oil: May kill some types of detrimental fungi. Helps improve circulation.

Skin Balm

Smells good, is light and melts into the skin. Leaves a visible difference. Was very impressed. 

A potent formulation designed to tackle a range of skin problems including dry and damaged skin, rashes and skin irritations. Incredible for:
Reducing irritation
Dry and damaged skin
Reviving stressed skin
Skin Cell renewal
Contains the patented active ingredient Phyoxolin® to soothe, rehydrate and repair rough, dry and damaged skin. It is safe and gentle on sensitive skin.

Supported by a blend of natural extracts and essential oils including:
Aloe Vera:May alleviate dry skin, and inhibit inflammation, May also temporarily improve the appearance of the skin and stimulate the regeneration of skin cells.
Olive oil: May reduce skin inflammation and accelerate the healing of calluses, reduce bruising and help to prevent wrinkles.
Myrrh: An antiseptic and has antimicrobial activity..
Lavender Oil: An effective skin cleanser that is reported to inhibit some types of detrimental fungi. It may also alleviate the pain associated with sunburn.
Tea Tree Oil: Contains over 48 different compounds including the principal active ingredient, Terpineol. Commonly used to reduce skin inflammation.
Geranium Oil: Is used for many skin disorders as a tonic and antiseptic.

Soothing Skin Gel

Smells great, absorbs well and soothes skin. 

Relieves the effects of sun damage, windburn and skin irritation caused by exposure. Soothes, desensitises and protects chapped skin.
Sun Damage
Windburn
Itchy Skin
Skin Cell renewal
Contains the patented active ingredient Phyoxolin® to soothe, rehydrate and repair rough, dry and damaged skin. It is safe and gentle on sensitive skin.

Supported by a blend of natural extracts and essential oils including:
Aloe Vera:May alleviate dry skin, and inhibit inflammation, May also temporarily improve the appearance of the skin and stimulate the regeneration of skin cells.
Myrrh: An antiseptic and has antimicrobial activity.
Lavender Oil: An effective skin cleanser that is reported to inhibit some types of detrimental fungi. It may also alleviate the pain associated with sunburn.
Tea Tree Oil: Contains over 48 different compounds including the principal active ingredient, Terpineol. Commonly used to reduce skin inflammation.
Geranium Oil: Is used for many skin disorders as a tonic and antiseptic.

 

 

Where To Go For Valentine’s Day

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where to go for Valentine's day, London, restaurants, Valentine's day, romantic, food,
Hakkasan

Romantic and stylish. You can’t go wrong with Hakkasan. It is decadent and romantic.

Read our Hakkasan review. 

 

Gaucho Sloane

Argentinean and with a reputation that precedes it. The steak is amazing and the waiters really know there stuff. The Mojito mocktail tastes just like the real thing.

Read our Gaucho review. 

 

Yauatcha

Their food is out of this world. I would eat here everyday not just for the food, but also the atmosphere. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, and they also have an amazing patisserie. Buy up everything for the one you love.

Read our Yauatcha review. 

 

Charlotte’s Bistro

Just brilliant food. Their gin soaked salmon was one of the best starters I have ever had in my life. They also do amazing cocktails and have a Gin School. Yes, a Gin School. Sign me up.

Read our Charlotte’s Bistro review.

 

Cinnamon Soho

Quite possibly the best Indian food in London. Reasonably priced and the food looks great too. Their house white is superb.

Read our Cinnamon Soho review. 

 

Bob Bob Ricard

Deserves a mention for their ‘Press here for champagne’ button alone. Incredibly stylish and the waiters look great in their pink waistcoats. Their sea bass is just brilliant.

 

Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar

It has a wonderful location on the South Bank. Great view, amazing steak and brilliant cocktails. You couldn’t ask for much more.

Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar review

 

Don’t know what to buy your love for Valentine’s Day? Check out our Valentine’s Day gift guide.

 

 

 

Is It Really ‘Cause For Concern’ When a Supermodel Loses Her Baby Weight In 2 Months?

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I don’t think it really has to be said that supermodels aren’t like normal people. They are taller for one. While the vast majority of the women in the world are under 5.6′, that is considered short in supermodel terms. Then they are generally thin and beautiful. The very top of the gene pool. So should we compare ourselves to them? In some ways, yes. Controversial I know, but the training regime of the Victoria Secret Models would put some athletes to shame. I never thought there was anything wrong with aspiration. It is a models job to be thin and fit. Which is why I don’t get the controversy surrounding Russian supermodel Elena Perminova who stripped off for Vogue Russia two months after giving birth to reveal a stunning post-pregnancy figure.

Supermodel-Elena-Perminova-before-andafterpregnancy, pregnancy, post birth body,

In the first image, Elena is eight months pregnant. The second image is two months later. (Credit: Russian Vogue)

I am seven-months pregnant at the moment. I didn’t look like Elena before I was pregnant, and I won’t look like her after being pregnant. The truth is, genes play a role, but I will exercise and eat well. I have lost weight before, for my wedding last year. I had put two stone on after a back injury and despite having a full-time job and writing a book amongst a million other things, I exercised five days a week for at least an hour and lost all of the weight within months. I didn’t diet or deprive myself but I put the work in and pretty much hated every second. But is Elena being irresponsible? A debate started online with some people saying that she was promoting a lifestyle that was unrealistic for new mothers. The 28-year-old model is married to Russian millionaire businessman Alexander Lebedev and this was her third child. She started a hardcore 7-days-a-week exercise regime a mere two weeks after having her baby by caesarian last year. The article also featured advice to Russian women on how to get their figure back after pregnancy. Elena said in Russian Vogue, ‘Normally doctors say “yes” to sport only three months after giving birth. ‘But I started earlier, just two weeks afterwards, even though I had a caesarian. The doctor allowed me to do it because I felt very well. Naturally, at first I was not exercising a lot, or there was a risk to breastfeeding. And the main thing – I did not exercise my stomach. It is dangerous to do it right after birth.’

Elena did simple repetitive exercises while her daughter Arina slept, and jogged for two hours a day with her husband while on a holiday in Cyprus. He mother-in-law looked after the baby. She said the jogging got rid of her baby weight and the water in her body by helping her ‘dry out’. She ate ‘simple homemade fare, for example, steamed fish with lemon juice.’ Many Vogue readers praised her hard work but many others said she was promoting an unrealistic example. But does a supermodel have to set realistic examples? Is there anything wrong with being aspirational or losing weight quickly, especially when it is part of your job? The truth is: the average new mum doesn’t need to lose weight quickly as our career does not depend on it. We get to eat cake and be tired. We get to sleep and just watch TV when we have time. So is it irresponsible? Let us know your thoughts below.

 

 

Some People Actually Have a Problem With The All-Female Ghostbuster Cast

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all female cast, ghostbusters, sexism, film, Upon hearing a piece of modern music my Grandfather always used the line, ‘You kids today, you don’t even know you’re born.’ Well if you are a young thing and you have not seen Ghostbusters then let me tell you: you don’t even know you are born. The same goes for most 80s & 90s films. The 80s and 90s were great decades for film. Fact. Which is super exciting because not only are they doing a remake of Ghostbusters, but it has an all-female cast. Yes people, you heard it right: an all-female cast. Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones will star in the 2016 remake. Problem is, even though it is 2015, some people actually have a problem with this.

Director Paul Feig tweeted the news of the new cast and confirmed the new Ghostbuster film release date: July 22, 2016.

 

Paul said: “It’s official, I’m making a new Ghostbusters & writing it with @katiedippold & yes, it will star hilarious women. That’s who I’m gonna call.” Not everyone is as enlightened as Paul however. Social media was awash with sexist comments about the all-female cast. Funnily enough, no one had a problem with the all-male cast. Some Tweets were funny:

 

 

The most depressing thing is that in 2015, the new Ghostbuster film having an all-female cast is actually a thing. While I won’t be giving any trolls publicity here there was one important person who gave it the thumbs up: the original Ghostbuster himself, Dan Aykroyd. A statement read:

 

“The Aykroyd family is delighted by this inheritance of the Ghostbusters torch by these most magnificent women in comedy. My great grandfather, Dr. Sam Aykroyd, the original Ghostbuster, was a man who empowered women in his day and this is a beautiful development in the legacy of our family business.” 

 Dan Aykroyd is obviously a very awesome and evolved man. As is (@JohnRossBowie) 

 

 

Bill Murray hasn’t said anything about the project but the other surviving member of the original, Ernie Hudson, doesn’t seem happy about it; he doesn’t think it should carry on the Ghostbusters name as it will have  “nothing to do with the other two movies.” and while he said he was not against the idea of an all-female cast his first reaction to the casting news on Facebook was  “No comment”. There are more brilliant reactions in this excellent Radio Times article.

 

Ghostbusters all-female cast: good or bad idea? Have your say.

 

 

 

Benedict Cumberbatch Sends Wedding Invites By Email

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Benedict_Cumberbatch_SDCC_2014Would you send your wedding invitations by email? He announced his engagement in The Times in November but it seems in other areas Benedict Cumberbatch is less traditional. In fact, he sent his wedding invitations by email. The actor is expecting his first child with fiancé Sophie Hunter, a theatre director. It seems they are in a rush to marry and friends say they will marry “within months”. The couple got engaged after dating for a year. Benedict is up for an Academy Award for his work in The Imitation Game.

A friend told The Mirroer “The invitations have gone out already which is very quick, It’s shocked a few people but they want their special day to happen before they have the baby. The details have been sent out in an email rather than a paper invitation as time is of the essence.”

The wedding is top secret but the source also said “They’re planning the perfect day, Life couldn’t be much better for them at the moment.”

When my (now) husband and I got engaged we send out our save the date cards by email but posted out wedding invitations. I wrote about finding good but inexpensive wedding invitations here. Sending wedding invites by email is much more environmental friendly and we did think about it, in the end we thought our older relatives would like a memento that they could keep.

What do you think? Is it okay to send wedding invitations via email?

If you are getting married then check out my book The Wedding Survival Guide: How To Plan Your Big Day Without Losing Your Sanity, it has everything you need to know about planning your dream wedding.