Category Archives: Featured

Frost Loves Katherine Daniels Skincare | Mile High Heroes

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Whether it’s a short trip or a long-haul flight, flying can wreak havoc on our skin. With summer holidays fast approaching, it’s time to consider our in-flight skincare!

Katherine Daniels Co-Founder and Skin Specialist Kirsti Shuba says, “When cruising at 30,000 feet, your skin is exposed to recycled air, increased air pressure and decreased humidity. Plus, you’re never going to be closer to the sun than you are on a plane. All of these factors can be a skin recipe for disaster – think dull, dehydrated, puffy, parched, lined complexions…”

“These mile high heroes will tackle the three key in-flight skin saboteurs to ensure you arrive at your destination with a fresh, healthy, hydrated complexion.”

1. Air Pressure = Puffiness

“Low cabin pressure, along with a reduction in your circulation from inactivity and lack of muscle movement will cause puffiness – you’ll notice this in your feet, fingers, ankles and especially around the eyes. Apply our Katherine Daniels Instant Effect Eye Masks (£65 / 4 treatments) and leave on for at least 20 minutes! You’ll arrive looking like you’ve had a good 8 hours sleep. Plus, the handy packaging means you can take a single pack on board and activate it when you need to!”

activated right before use, these salon-strength eye masks work to intensely hydrate, firm, plump, revitalise and lift the skin around the delicate eye area.
Sea Kelp – a mega hydrator and antioxidant, packed with a mineral complex to stimulate your skin to act more youthfully.
Mineral Complex (Calcium and Sodium) – awaken the moisture channels in your skin to hydrate, increase cell energy and cell regeneration. Skin will become visibly denser, firmer and plumper.
Hyaluronic Acid – hydrates the upper layers of your skin and maintains optimal moisture levels.
2. Low humidity = Dehydration

“The amount of moisture present in air cabins is around 20% – in the UK it’s around 40-60%. Lack of humidity draws moisture out of your skin, leading to dehydration, which causes skin to appear dull, parched, lined and even greasy if you have an oilier skin type. Say goodbye to dehydration by applying a thick layer of our Katherine Daniels Rehydrating Cream (£49 / 50ml) and leave it to sink into your skin. After 10 minutes massage in any remaining cream.”

this intelligent, salon-strength moisturising cream delivers a serious hit of immediate and long-term hydration for smooth, plump skin with renewed density and radiance.
Intelligent Aqua Bio Complex – reduces water loss and improves distribution of hydration within the skin. Fortifies the skin’s natural barrier to maintain plumpness and improve skin density.
Turbo Moisturising Complex – to give your skin an advanced, rapid hit of hydration.
Hydranov – faster and 3x more efficient than Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate and restructure the skin.
Seaweed Extract (Rhodella Viollacea Complex) – a fast-acting, long-term hydrator to oxygenate your skin and restore radiance.
3. UV rays = Premature Ageing

“You’ll need your SPF when you arrive, but you also need it in-flight… Plane windows are designed to block out UVB (burning rays), but they don’t block out UVA (ageing rays), which are the main cause of premature ageing. After you’ve massaged in your Rehydrating Cream apply a thin layer of our Katherine Daniels Daily DNA Defence SPF30 (£55 / 50ml) to protect your skin from UVA rays and blue light pollution.”

an invisible veil of advanced photoaging technology to defend, repair and protect your skin from the damaging effects of UVA & UVB rays, blue light and pollution.
UVA & UVB Filters – both physical and chemical broad-spectrum SPF 30 to protect skin from UV rays.
Active DNA Defence and Repair Enzymes (from Micro Algae & Plankton)
These powerful anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-free radical enzymes block cell damage, protect against and repair DNA damage from UV, blue light and pollution exposure.
Chamomile Extract – calms and soothes the skin
katherinedanielscosmetics.com
@k_d_cosmetics

Travel-Sized Beauty – What you need to pack

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Whether you’re jetting off abroad or planning a spontaneous weekend away, your favourite beauty products make for essential packing. We all know that deciding which products will accompany you on your travels is no mean feat.

From skincare to haircare, each of the sets below features the same iconic formulations you know and love, while fitting neatly inside that trusty zip-lock bag. Whether you’re looking to smooth legs post sunbathe, or nourish strands post-swim, these kits make the perfect travel companions.

beauty, beauty review, travel, travel size,

AMELIORATE 3 Steps To Smooth Skin – RRP £21.00 (Worth £26.00)

The perfect holiday accessory! 3 Steps to Smooth Skin smooths away bumps and softens and moisturises rough, dry skin and Keratosis Pilaris. The simple, proven formula, Exfoliate + Cleanse + Transform, is designed so each step enhances the next, smoothing bumps and leaving your skin softer, renewed, and moisturised for 24 hours. Holiday ready!

Contents: Smoothing Body Exfoliant (50ml), Nourishing Body Wash (60ml), and Transforming Body Lotion (50ml).

 

Christophe Robin Travel Essentials – RRP £36.00

A three-step ritual for a fresh scalp and hydrated, lightweight hair from roots to tips, wherever you go! Deeply cleanse, hydrate, smooth, and volumise with this iconic trio, with concentrated yet gentle formulas and scents designed to ignite the senses.

Contents: Cleansing Purifying Scrub With Sea Salt (75ml), Hydrating Melting Mask With Aloe Vera (75ml), and Instant Volumising Leave-In Mist With Rose Water (50ml).

 

Coggles: Eve Lom Travel Essentials Set – RRP £38.00

Achieve a clean, fresh, and glowing complexion wherever you roam with the Eve Lom Travel Essentials Kit. This ultra-nourishing bundle of products makes for the perfect holiday companion, providing all the essential tools to cleanse, hydrate, and treat your skin. Arriving in a convenient zip-lock pouch, the cleanser, essence, and moisturiser are compact and travel-friendly in size, ensuring you never have to be without your preferred skincare saviours.

Contents: Cleanser (20ml), Time Retreat Radiance Essence (10ml), Moisture Cream (8ml), Muslin Cloth (Travel Size).

 

Grow Gorgeous Scalp Therapy Kit – RRP £55.00 (Worth £76.00)

Experience a scalp sensation and discover the secret to fuller, healthier-looking hair with Grow Gorgeous’ four-step Scalp therapy Kit.

Contents:  Defence Detoxifying Scalp Scrub (50ml), Intense Thickening Hair and Scalp Mask (50ml), a full-sized bottle of the bestselling Hair Growth Serum Intense (60ml), and the Stimulating Scalp Massager.

 

Perricone MD Vitamin C Brighter Together – RRP £72.00 (Worth £129.00)

A supercharged brightening and smoothing duo designed to work better together. Visibly brightens and minimizes the appearance of dark spots and discoloration for more even-looking skin. Features our proprietary Vitamin C Ester – a more potent, highly stable, and less abrasive form of vitamin C.

Contents: Vitamin C Ester CCC + Ferulic Brightening Complex 20% (30ml), and Vitamin C Ester Photo-Brightening Moisturiser Broad Spectrum SPF (30ml).

 

ESPA Tri-Active Regenerating Visible Results Skin Regime Set – RRP: £100.00 (Worth £169.00

Four beloved products to create the perfect daily skin regime for a rejuvenated complexion. Brighten and Bounce with this powerful resurfacing range that reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and signs of aging. Unique Tri-Active Formulation:

  • Plant Actives are carefully distilled to bring vibrant potency into our formulas
  • Marine Actives provide maximum hydration, fortified by the sea’s rich nutrients
  • Aromatherapy renews our senses for an elevated skincare experience

Contents: Cica Cleansing Balm (55ml), Phyto-Collagen Plumping Cream (55ml), Bio-Retinol Sleeping Serum (10ml), and Brighten & Resurface Mask (30ml).

 

Guylian Belgian chocolate – New look, new taste!

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Guylian unveils brand new packaging and makes moves towards becoming a sustainability leader
chocolate

Guylian, the premium Belgian chocolatier, has announced a brand-new relaunch including beautifully designed green and copper packaging, which is also 100% recyclable; a new and improved recipe to make the chocolates even more delicious and is proud now to be 100% Fairtrade certified alongside many other sustainable changes.

CEO of Guylian, Tom Snick, said “This year will see many exciting changes in store for Guylian. From an improved flavour profile to our pioneering sustainability initiatives, and a fresh and luxurious new look design, we’re confident that these exciting changes will help us to continue as the world’s favourite Belgian chocolate brand.”

With consumers demanding more and more from their favourite brands, Guylian is delighted to be the biggest Belgian chocolate company to be 100% Fairtrade certified.

By working with Fairtrade, suppliers are guaranteed a fixed cocoa price, thereby improving their livelihoods, and positively impacting their communities. Fairtrade is supporting cocoa farming co-operatives in their push for living incomes and better terms of trade for their cocoa farmers. For companies, that includes paying a fair price for the produce, and for farmers, it includes workers’ rights and protection of the environment.

Mike Gidney, CEO of the Fairtrade Foundation, said “It’s great to see the distinctive Fairtrade logo now appear on Guylian packaging in stores nationwide, giving chocolate lovers another reason to enjoy an indulgent, ethically sourced treat that’s been produced with the planet in mind and where cocoa farmers have been treated fairly. Cocoa farmers and their families are struggling to make ends meet due to climate change, poor soil quality and long-term low prices. When you choose Fairtrade, you choose education, empowerment, fairer incomes and training to help farmers adapt to climate change.”

Renowned for its Sea Shells, which are a harmonious blend of dark, white, and milk chocolate filled with the signature praliné filling, Guylian has improved its time-honoured, traditional recipe using only the best hazelnuts, roasted in house in their shells to guarantee the best taste. The result is a more intense and less sweet hazelnut flavour, to make them even more irresistible. From relaunch, Guylian will offer a select range, focusing on Sea Shells and Sea Horses, as well as Temptations (individually wrapped seahorses), and its range of premium 100g bars.

Environmental responsibility is important to Guylian, which is why its new packaging is 100% recyclable. Two big steps have been the removal of the plastic windows from its gift boxes and the replacement its brown trays (which hold the chocolates) with clear trays which have had all dyes and carbon removed, making them easier for recycling centres to handle. Not content with just this, Guylian is also exploring ways of further reducing its use of paper and plastic. Consumers around the world will begin to see the gorgeous new, eco-friendly packaging on shelves from mid-May onwards.

Since the start of this year, the factory in Sint-Niklaas (the production home of Guylian’s delectable chocolates) is fully climate neutral, meaning that C02 emissions have been reduced to the lowest possible level and all other emissions are compensated. Guylian is proud that the 800 million chocolates they produce annually are now made entirely with a zero-carbon footprint, making their chocolates as planet friendly as they are delicious.

Guylian chocolates are available in all major retailers including Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Waitrose, Ocado and Sainsburys with 250g boxes of Sea Shells having a MRRSP £5.50.

Frost Loves Revlon’s Latest Styling Tool

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We were first in the UK to try the new Revlon One Step Volumiser Plus. It is a stylish and easy-to-use brush that makes your hair look amazing. Buy it now, you won’t regret it.

revlon one step styling brush

The sun is out, bank holidays are back, and we definitely have a spring in our step. So why not welcome the Spring season with the latest hair trend and go bold with layers.

This Spring, both hairstylists and the glitterati are loving layers and it’s perfect for this time of year as it removes some of the weight from your hair as the weather warms up. And for added plus, there’s a layered style to suit everyone. No matter your face shape, layers can help to create shape, give volume, movement and texture to any style.

Layers can create a dramatic change without the drama of a drastic haircut and if you want to recreate the layered looks of some of the most stunning celebs, then GET THE LOOK with Revlon’s NEW One-Step Volumiser Plus:

Short Layers – Kaia Gerber
This short layered look takes the weight out of the hair without losing the length and styling options. It’s also easy to maintain and allows you to add texture, bounce, volume and flow to suit your shape, suit your mood and to suit any occasion. You can look as effortlessly chic as Kaia Gerber whether you’re off to a wedding or just popping to the supermarket.

The Layered Lob – Olivia Munn
The lob is back! Previously popular as a sleek longer version of the bob, the look became a bit flat and went out of fashion. As you can see from Olivia Munn’s bouncy style, layering keeps the essence of the bob’s clear outline but throws in a whole new dimension. This gives you a new range of movement and versatility so you can style it out in so many different ways. It’s the perfect style if you love to change your look at the drop of a hat.

Face-Shaping Layers – Elizabeth Olson
If you’re looking for a softer look that shapes the face but maintains that long and flexible style you’ve come to know and love then add some layers at the front. Wispy and light facing-shaping layers are an excellent way to add shape and style to longer hair. Elizabeth Olsen shows you why this ‘90s throwback style is making a comeback!

INTRODUCING THE NEW REVLON ONE-STEP VOLUMISER PLUS

The perfect, versality styling tool for all hair types, the NEW Revlon One-Step Volumiser Plus will have your layers looking luscious with extra volume, more shine and less damage.

Other Parents by Sarah Stovell Book Review

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Some books make you think not only while you are reading them, but also long after you have finished. Other Parents is such a book. Other Parents is a multi-layered book that delves deep into people and their motives. I felt every emotion while reading Other Parents. It is a book that opens your mind to how other people live and what might make them act the way they do.

I found myself both respecting Rachel, while being infuriated with her. I was equally infuriated with Laura, but also felt for her. We live in an unequal society and Sarah Stovell is an outstanding talent who has captured the class disparates in our society and laid them bare. Other Parents is a fascinating novel that I did not want to put down for a moment. It is clever and entertaining. With characters who are vivid and real, and a plot that doesn’t let you go. Loved it.

other parents, sarah stovell,

In a small town like West Burntridge, it should be impossible to keep a secret.

Rachel Saunders knows gossip is the price you pay for a rural lifestyle and outstanding schools. The latest town scandal is her divorce – and the fact that her new girlfriend has moved into the family home.

Laura Spence lives in a poky bedsit on the wrong side of town. She and her son Max don’t really belong, and his violent tantrums are threatening to expose the very thing she’s trying to hide.

When the local school introduces a new inclusive curriculum, Rachel and Laura find themselves on opposite sides of a fearsome debate.

But the problem with having your nose in everyone else’s business is that you often miss what is happening in your own home.

Other Parents is available here.

 

 

The 5 Books That Changed Me by Jane Lambert

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‘Rebecca’ by Daphne du Maurier: My mum gave me this book when I was about 15.

As a shy, gauche teenager I identified with the second Mrs de Winter. Her story taught me to not always take situations or people at face value, that being shy is not a sign of weakness, not to compare myself to others and to be true to myself.  

‘Bridget Jones’s Diary’ by Helen Fielding: Like Bridget, I used to want to be in a meaningful relationship, but would fall for the wrong guys. I eventually learned that I deserved better, to have self-respect and to stop putting up with bad behaviour – just as Bridget did. I too can be clumsy and say the wrong thing at the wrong time. Bridget taught me to laugh at myself and that I’m okay just as I am. 

‘The Understudy’ by David Nicholls: I was drawn to this book as I have been an understudy many (too many!) times. Though fiction, the authenticity of the narrative made me wonder if the writer was, or had been an actor. I was right, and it is his personal story which inspired me to take my writing more seriously and to aim high. As an actor you’re dependent on someone hiring you. You have no control. As a writer you produce your own work. It’s rewarding to be part of something you have created. I have ‘The Understudy’ to thank for leading me to David Nicholls, who set me on an alternative and more enriching creative path. 

‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time’ by Mark Haddon: This book had a huge effect on me. The story is told through the eyes of 15-year-old Christopher, whose inability to tell lies, social awkwardness and logical take on the world give you an insight into being on the autistic spectrum and the effect it has on those around you. I could identify with some of Christopher’s thoughts, such as: “I find people confusing” and “I want my name to mean me.” Christopher’s story gave me an appreciation of how being “different” brings its own special gifts and should be celebrated. I was lucky enough to be involved in the London stage production.  I was lucky enough to be involved in the London stage production.

‘Big Magic’ by Elizabeth Gilbert: “The universe buries strange jewels deep within us all, and then stands back to see if we can find them.” When I was writing my first novel there was an annoying voice whispering in my ear that it was a waste of time. Who did I think I was? JK Rowling? ‘Big Magic’ taught me to believe in myself and not let fear stand in my way. Thanks to this book, I have learned to live alongside fear so I may strive to be better, but not let it control my mind. This has helped me in my acting career too. I still suffer occasionally from ‘Imposter Syndrome’, but dipping into this book gives me a dose of self-belief and puts me back on the right track. 

♥

How I Got Published by Jane Lambert

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Isn’t it strange how sometimes you have to hit rock bottom to make a change for the better?

When I discovered that my husband had been having an affair my world fell apart. I could feel myself being dragged down a black hole, but instead of therapy, I turned to writing and began the first draft of a story I had been carrying around in my head for years.

It’s a romantic comedy, inspired by my rollercoaster journey from globe-trotting cabin crew to struggling actress.

It was my escape from all the sadness and drama of my divorce, giving me something positive and fun to focus on.

I self-published ‘Learning To Fly’ through Amazon, and I’ll never forget the feeling of holding my book in my hand. I felt like a cloud had lifted and that I was on a new and better path. The book got some great reviews and I was invited to speak about my writing journey at Blackwell’s Writers at the Edinburgh Fringe and on BBC Radio London.

I sent a copy to HQ HarperCollins, and much to my amazement, they offered me a contract!

I was asked to make some major changes to the story and they re-designed the cover, changing the title to ‘The Start of Something Wonderful.’  

I narrated the audio version for HarperCollins Audio and am now working on adapting it into a 6-part comedy drama for TV.

I’m also writing my second novel, ‘Marriage, Mafia & Mozzarella’, which was inspired by my rollercoaster marriage to my Italian ex-husband. So you see, life can have a funny way of working out, can’t it?

♥

 

Breast cancer survivor shares her “life-saving” 5 stone, 10-pound weight loss

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Sandra Dalton-Goldspink, 49, from Hull had a series of health problems, including breast cancer and fibromyalgia. Her health issues kick started Sandra’s determination to change her life, inspired by her dream wedding vow renewal. Sandra lost 5 stone 10 pounds following the Fast 800 programme, transforming her health.

“I used to eat mindlessly”, explains Sandra. “I loved takeaways on a Friday night, and I ate a lot of processed foods. I would have a slice of pizza or a pasty, snack on my son’s leftovers, followed by dinner and then crisps or a toastie in the evening. I didn’t realise how much food I was eating. You think you’re doing no harm, but realistically you are. I was a size 24, and weighed 18 stone 12 pounds at my heaviest.”

Sandra’s weight impacted her overall health. “I had no energy, I couldn’t walk very far without getting out of breath. My joints were so painful from carrying the excess weight that my husband had to rub cream on them in the evenings. I have fibromyalgia, and the doctor said I was severely obese and needed to lose weight to improve my health. I also have IBS, which of course was connected to what I was eating. I didn’t realise that the processed foods I was eating were amongst the worst things I could eat for my IBS until a nutritionist told me. Even a family member said I should lose weight. But I didn’t listen to anyone until I got breast cancer.”

In late December 2020, Sandra started to experience pain in her chest, and was diagnosed with breast cancer. “I have had a full mastectomy, and I wear my scar with pride. I am now cancer free, but this was the wakeup call I needed. My breast cancer was caused by exposure to oestrogen, and the doctor said I needed to eat more healthily to improve my recovery. I am vegetarian and liked to eat soya and tofu. I didn’t know that these two foods were connected to oestrogen production. I became terrified to eat anything, I thought with every mouthful I was putting oestrogen in my body. Then I discovered the Fast 800 – a science based programmewhich was developed Dr Michael Mosley – and my life changed.”

 

Sandra followed TV presenter and Fast 800 ambassador Saira Khan on Instagram, and started to join in with her daily exercise sessions on social media. When Saira talked about the Fast 800, which follows the ethos of the Mediterranean diet, Sandra thought the diet could help her.

 

“I was already trying to be a bit healthier”, says Sandra. “But I was still having takeaways every week – I thought that because it was a vegetarian meal it would be fine. When Saira shared the plan, I felt that as it’s only a 12-week programme, it was achievable. I started the Fast 800 in July 2021, and lost nearly two stone in the first two weeks. At first, I felt a bit hungry as I was getting used to the quantities of food. But after a few days, I felt full! I was so used to eating so much food, it was a shock to the system, but this new plan showed me the amount of food my body actually needed.”

 

A new way of life

“I had never eaten half of the stuff I eat now, but it’s so tasty”, says Sandra. “This is my lifestyle for the rest of my life now. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”

Sandra’s health, and confidence, has transformed following her new lifestyle. “I can walk a lot more easily now and can bend my body properly. I don’t get out of breath in the way I used to. And I am so much more confident. People used to make cruel remarks to me in the street, which only made me comfort eat more. Now, I feel like the person I used to be years ago, before the weight crept on – which was about 15 years ago.”

Sandra and her husband Andrew’s families were friends, and the pair have known each other since childhood. Andrew has wanted to renew their wedding vows for years, but Sandra has resisted due to her weight. Now, it is intended to happen next year. “I had a crush on my husband since I was eight. We wanted renew our vows as we didn’t get married in a church. Andrew always wanted to do it, but I wouldn’t agree as I felt too big. Now I want to celebrate our marriage, and I’m going to treat myself to a new dress to wear on the day. I never liked having my photo taken, but I’m excited to see photos from my big day.”

 

As Sandra invested in her health, she started exercising more too. “I follow Saira’s exercise sessions on Instagram, and the Fast 800 have a brilliant exercise portion of their programme too. I never dreamed I would be able to wear leggings like other women, but now I do. It’s the little things that help me understand how much my life has changed.”

Sandra realised how much weight she had lost when her extended family got together for her dad’s birthday. “Due to Covid-19, I hadn’t seen everyone i n a while, and no-one could believe it was me! My cousin said I looked like a whole new person. My mum said I looked really nice in my outfit. It used to be so rare to get a comment like that, it was lovely to receive that compliment.”

 

Sandra’s experience following the Fast 800

“The Fast 800, and Saira, have saved my life, I really do believe that”, says Sandra. “If I can transform my health, anyone can. It is the best thing I have done in my life. I am so much happier and healthier now. I didn’t think I would have the willpower, and I feel so much better. I would tell anyone in my position to be positive, and try it for themselves.”

 

Sandra shares her favourite elements of the Fast 800:

“The food is lovely. The plan has such a variety of food to choose from, it cut the shopping time in half and stopped me worrying about what to eat”, Sandra says “And the exercise tips help. I like the meditation section, it’s a nice, soothing way to start and end my day. I also like thespecial shakes you can eat as part of the plan– the chocolate is my favourite.”

“The community is amazing. People share their stories and motivate each other. Someone said I was a true inspiration, and that meant so much to me. I’d love to help other people going through what I did.”

  • A 12-week programme on www.thefast800.com costs £99 and includes:
    • Meal plans for The Very Fast 800, The New 5:2 and Med-style diets, with vegetarian options
    • Three calorie-counted meals per day based on healthy, gut-friendly Mediterranean-style food
    • Over 400 tasty and easy-to-make recipes unique to the online programme
    • Shopping lists – just print and go, or use the list to help with your online grocery shop
    • Guided exercise plans – all suited to the home, no equipment necessary
    • Lots of tips and support on how to adapt your routine
    • Health Coaches on hand for advice, support and motivation
    • A lively and inspirational cohort of members, united by a common goal to improve health
    • Weekly motivational articles and videos, so you can make these changes for life!