Winter Wonderland at Debenhams

Posted on October 14, 2014 by Sarah Bacchus

Christmas is fast approaching, I know you really don’t want to hear that at all but it is. I can hear you shout ‘Lets get Halloween out of the way first’ But hear me out as its a good idea to start searching for all those lovely gifts right now as it will take the stress out of the December rush. Even online shopping has to be thought of. Debenhams invited us to take a wander about the Winter Wonderland press event recently and to take a look at all the lovely beauty items that will be on offer for all the girls. Let me know if you would like me to do a Christmas gift guide to help take the stress out of it even more?

We totally loved this little gadget as its a skin rejuvenator. Perfect for those fine lines and wrinkles.

With all the latest perfumes to try we rather loved the CKReveal as it was so delightfully fresh, vibrant and wears so very well. This is a delicious scent featuring raw salt and an erotic array of sandalwood and glorious orris. Its slightly oriental with its warmth, perfect for the winter months.

Makeup galore and a girls dream. The new Urban Decay Naked pallet is out soon and it had us in its spell. Its a stunning matt collection thats just perfect for the handbag, holidays and little touchups throughout the day. Defiantly a big hint for you guys out there. One of those unwrapped on Christmas morning will get you extra brownie points and lashings of extra helpings we promise!

Manicures where available showcasing the latest OPI winter range.

Stunning box sets from ModelsOwn, with colours so indulgent you will need to pick up a separate one for yourself. Isn’t that the rule when Christmas shopping anyway….Self gifting is what makes this time of year so wonderful and no one needs to know!

Now for the giddy fun bit…Debenhams are doing their very own calendar again this year after the success of last year. Its set to be even better. Here is a tiny sneak peak. Im not going to tell you anymore as you will just have to put one of these on your December pre Christmas wish list won’t you!

Follow Debenhams on Twitter @Debenhams

Find me on Twitter @sarahbacchus and come say Hello. For Personal Styling advice or to book a session go to www.slbstyle.com

For Photography work check out www.sarahbacchus.com

Frost Writer Helen Takes The Stoptober Challenge

Posted on October 3, 2014 by Frostie

As challenges go, stopping smoking is a pretty huge one. Not only is smoking addictive but it eases stress for those who do it. But the benefits of giving up are vast: smoking is terrible for your health and takes years off your life, giving up is one of the best things you can do for your health, it saves money: cigarettes are now over £9 per pack and it stops your clothes smelling bad. Smoking even makes the walls in your house yellow so giving up would be life-changing.

I want to give up to improve my health and save money. I will be stopping by keeping my hands busy, distracting myself, thinking of the reasons why I will be quitting. I also knit and that really helps by keeping both my mind and my hands busy. I also have an occasional snack. I also think about all of the things I could buy with the money I will save. I am finding a lot of help from Boots, who can help you with their Smoke Less Plan and their NikAssist range is great too.

This is no easy challenge however, I have been smoking for decades and have given up a few times. I think Stoptober is amazing. A sense of community always helps when trying something. Smoking is a huge burden on the NHS, never mind the personal damage to health and finances. Most people love a challenge and this 28-day national stop smoking challenge is a brilliant one. I will be taking part in a Twitter Party with Beautyandthedirt and Sexinlondoncity. I hope you can join in too. This is happening between 1-2pm on October 16th. We can all do this together.

This is just my first post and I will update you with how I get on later in the month. I have been set a number of challenges and challenge number one is preparation. So I am preparing myself with the top tips from Boots UK Stop Smoking.

Boots UK pharmacist Angela Chalmers knows that the key to any form of success is often preparation and has prepared these top tips to help you embark on the first week of your smoke free journey. I have found them really helpful. If you want to ask Angela a question you can do so via our comments section.

Tip 1: Quit your own way

When you begin your smoke free journey, it is important that you know your smoking habits and chose a time to quit that is right for you. Many people find that starting their quit journey on a Wednesday is easier than starting on a Monday. Luckily the first day of Stoptober falls on a Wednesday this year!

If quitting on the first day of Stoptober is not right for you, then choose a time or day in the first week that best suits your lifestyle. If you tend to be a social smoker, then choose a time to quit that doesn’t clash with a social gathering – for example quitting a day before your best friend’s big birthday or a close family celebration might not be the best time for you! Remember that Boots pharmacists are available to provide advice and support at any time and stage of your smoke free journey.

Tip 2: Know your smoking triggers

Breaking a smoking habit is difficult as it’s often a part of your daily routine and something you may tend to do without even thinking about it. However, more often than not there are factors that can trigger these habits or make you want to smoke. For some people it goes hand in hand with a night out, for others it may be part of their morning coffee routine. It is important to know what your triggers are so you can put a strong plan of action in place to help you avoid them while you are on your smoke free journey.

Replacing your triggers with a different healthy habit can also help. For example, if you usually smoke after meals then maybe think about replacing that cigarette with a brisk walk to the end of your road or drinking a glass of water.

Many people worry about weight gain as they often confuse their cravings for hunger and increase their food and snack intake. If you’re worried about weight gain talk to a stop smoking advisor who can give you tips on eating right and exercising so that weight gain is minimal. Things that could help:

Drink an extra glass of water after meals to keep you feeling full
Snack on as many fruits and veggies as you want – something crunchy like baby carrots or an apple, can sometimes be very satisfying
Keep your hands busy with something besides food!

Tip 3: Swap smoking for a new hobby

It is normal to get a little irritable when you quit smoking. Why not distract yourself by taking up a new hobby such as learning a new language, trying a new recipe or playing sport? By keeping yourself busy you are more likely to reach your smoke free goal as well as learning something new. Or you could simply get round to doing something you’ve been meaning to do for a while – clearing out your wardrobe, putting up a new shelf, even cleaning the windows?! Creating a list of all the things you want to do and then ticking something off that list (even the smallest thing) can you give you a great sense of achievement!

It’s also important to think positively (it’s easier said than done, we know!). However, rather than seeing quitting smoking as giving up something you love, taking up a new hobby or activity can help you to associate it with a new fresh start and a much more positive way of thinking that will help you to stay motivated.

Tip 4: Don’t give up giving up

Many smokers try on more than one occasion to give up cigarettes. If you have a smoking relapse, try not to be disheartened. Instead, examine what caused you to smoke again, so that you can look out for the signs and find a way to overcome this on your next attempt. Remember that giving up smoking is not easy and celebrate each day that you remain smoke free. Sometimes a visual tracker can help. Why not buy a wall planner or calendar on which you can cross off each smoke free day so you can see how well you are doing and increase your confidence in yourself?

Tip 5: Reward yourself

Don’t be too hard on yourself! Giving up smoking is a huge challenge and each day that you stay smoke free is an achievement – something many people strive to achieve. In fact, 61% of smokers say quitting smoking is one of their lifetime’s ambitions so make sure your celebrate, perhaps by setting yourself small targets and treating yourself when you reach them.

Remember – one of the best benefits of stopping smoking (aside of course from the health improvements) is all of the money you will save! Use this to reward yourself with a treat or something fun. This could be a pampering new make-over to show of how great you look now that you are smoke free, a new wardrobe or even a weekend trip away.

#bootsukstoptober

Sponsored Post.

Kate Nash & Leona Lewis Donate Bunny Selfies to #BeCrueltyFree Campaign

Posted on September 30, 2014 by Frostie

Stars’ bunnies, Fluffy and Melrose, get active for #InternationalRabbitDay

Award-winning British singer-songwriters Kate Nash and Leona Lewis have joined with bunny lovers from all over the world to say, ‘Bunnies are for cuddling, not cosmetics testing” on International Rabbit Day (Sept 27). The stars donated bunny selfies in support of Humane Society International’s #BeCrueltyFreecampaign for a worldwide end to cosmetics testing on rabbits, guinea pigs, mice and other animals.

Kate tweeted a photo of herself with Fluffy: “My bunny Fluffy is my best friend. I love her so much, and I’d never let anyone hurt her. It’s so sad to think that there are thousands of rabbits just as lovely as Fluffy, trembling in laboratories as chemicals are dripped in their eyes to test cosmetics. Bunnies are for cuddling, not cruel cosmetics testing. That’s why Fluffy and I support HSI’s #BeCrueltyFree campaign. Let’s end testing cosmetics on animals once and for all!”

Leona tweeted a selfie of herself and Melrose sharing a kiss: “I want bunnies to #BeCrueltyFree with @HSIGlobal let’s end cosmetics cruelty!” The Glassheart singer also recently posted an article on her Lee-Loy Blog about her desire to see a global end to cosmetics animal testing.

Leona’s blog reads: “Ending animal testing is also about getting laws changed, Bills introduced, advancing cutting-edge science, lobbying politicians and grabbing some serious face time in the beauty brand board room to get things changed. And for that you need kick-ass campaigners who know what they’re talking about. Our favourite bunny-hugging beauty crusaders are the #BeCrueltyFree campaign from Humane Society International.”

Rabbits are commonly used to test cosmetics alongside smaller animals such as mice. In skin and eye irritation tests first developed in the 1940s, rabbits are held in full body restraints so that chemicals can be dripped in their eyes or spread on their shaved skin. These tests are notoriously unreliable as well as cruel.

The European Union, Norway, Israel and India have all banned animal testing for cosmetics, and bans are being considered in Australia, Brazil, New Zealand, Taiwan, and the United States. The #BeCrueltyFree campaign has been a driving force behind much of this global progress.

Hundreds of cruelty-free companies around the world such as LUSH, Lippy Girl and Barry M, produce safe products without animal testing. They do so by using existing ingredients combined with available state-of-the-art non-animal tests.

Say NO to cosmetics cruelty – sign the #BeCrueltyFree pledge.

5 Reasons To Give Up Alcohol

Posted on September 30, 2014 by Frostie

According to the latest statistics the average person in Britain spends £50,000 on alcohol in their lifetime. The shocking figures were compiled by Macmillan Caner Support who are currently asking people to sign up to Go Sober for October.

Nutritionist Elouise Bauskis from nutricentre.com gives her five simple reasons not to drink alcohol, or at least to reduce your intake:

We’ve been told that a little bit of alcohol is healthy for us, for example a glass of red wine will provide us with resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant. if you’re especially addicted to alcohol, it is not only important to cut down alcohol, it is also important to visit rehab near me for substance abuse treatment. There may be some health benefits, but there is increasing incidence of women especially, consuming beyond the recommended amount of alcohol, often binging at the weekends. It’s very easy for us to consume over the recommended 2-3 units per day – that one large glass of wine may equal this! How many of us consume way more than this in an evening out or at home?!

Women are more physiologically sensitive to alcohol than men, states experts from alcohol and drug rehab. This is because we have a lower body content of water and we have a higher fat content, therefore alcohol becomes more concentrated in our systems and is retained in our bodies longer. As a result women develop liver disease at lower levels of alcohol intake than men do, and are at increased risk of osteoporosis (due to reduced absorption of nutrients).

1. Protect your liver – The liver is an amazingly robust organ, and is the only organ that has the ability to regenerate itself after certain types of damage. Unfortunately alcohol is one of the toxins that the liver doesn’t handle as well as other toxins, and it cannot regenerate after being severely damaged by alcohol. The liver processes 95% of alcohol ingested. Alcohol is seen as a toxin and therefore the body will preferentially process it before anything else. As a result alcohol is absorbed and processed before nutrients and food; therefore it’s not a good idea to consume alcohol whilst eating!

2. Optimise your nutrient absorption and prevent excess aging – Repeated consumption of alcohol inhibits the liver’s production of digestive enzymes, which then majorly reduces the body’s ability to absorb proteins, fats and the fat-soluble vitamins (vitamin A, D, E and K), as well as the B complex vitamins especially B1 (thiamine) and folic acid. Many essential nutrients are not retained by the body and are ‘washed out’ rapidly through the urine. This means that alcohol consumption causes a major loss of valuable nutrients and antioxidants. Without these vital elements, we may not have the adequate ingredients to make collagen, meaning we may produce wrinkles more easily. With the loss of antioxidants, we may age much more quickly, losing our vitality and looks.

3. Avoid excess weight gain, especially around the middle – Because alcohol prevents the body’s ability to digest fats properly, excessive amounts of fat may accumulate in the liver. Leptin is a peptide hormone involved in the regulation of appetite and energy metabolism. High levels of leptin are known to contribute to fatty infiltration of the liver. Alcohol prevents the release of glucose from the liver and can cause hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels). This drop in blood sugar often produces a craving for foods, especially foods that raise blood sugar such as more alcohol or sugar – not good for anyone, especially those concerned about weight gain, especially fat around the middle! For anyone with diabetes and are taking insulin, this can have very serious negative results.

4. Alcohol can negatively affect your sex life and fertility – Alcohol reduces the body’s storage of the essential mineral zinc. Zinc is involved in hundreds of reactions in the body, so without it, many processes suffer, including your hormonal balance and fertility. For men! For men it can reduce testosterone production and cause erectile dysfunction, and for women it can disrupt your menstrual cycle, and if you’re thinking about having a baby, alcohol consumption increases your chance of miscarriage and birth defects.

5. Alcohol may be making you depressed and anxious – As alcohol reduces the absorption of many essential nutrients, it may be having a major impact on your brain chemistry in a negative way. For example, those consuming excessive alcohol may have lower levels of tryptophan (the amino acid that is converted to serotonin). Low serotonin is a major feature of depression. Selenium deficiency may occur as a result of alcohol intake and is associated with depression, anxiety, confusion and hostility. The absorption of B vitamins are majorly affected by alcohol consumption, and deficiency in these crucially important vitamins will add to stress, nervous tension and energy levels.

Luster Pro Light Review: UK’s First Complete DIY Teeth Whitening System

Posted on September 29, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

Out of all of the things you can do to look younger, whitening your teeth is one of the most important. It takes years off you. Teeth whitening can be expensive though, and scary. I have heard stories in the past of people burning away their gums. Thankfully these are now a thing of the past. The UK’s First Complete DIY Teeth Whitening System, Luster Pro Light has been released. Let’s find out if it works.

It uses the same paint-on whitening gel and Dual-Action ‘blue light’ technology that is used by dentists. Luster Pro Light does work and it also did not upset my sensitive teeth. It is clinically proven to be safe and effective which I was glad to read before I used it. I am always very cautious before I use anything. It can be a little bit of a pain pretreating with whitening solution, brushing and then applying the dual-action whitening. The ready-to-use trays which you put in your mouth are not exactly comfortable but this is all small fry and a minimal amount of effort that you can do in the comfort of your own home.

The treatment really does work. You can even use the rapid schedule and get results in 30 minutes. I will definitely use this again for top ups. Already a best-seller and close to becoming the No. 1 teeth whitening system in America where it first went on sale, this is good stuff indeed.

£49.99 from Boots.com or Boots.

Glo-Minerals 3-in-1 Color Stick Review

Posted on September 26, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

I am a huge fan of fast beauty. Convenience is key. Who has the time to spend hours on looking good? Not many of us. So I love products that multi-task. They also take up less room and are great for traveling.

This 3-in-1 Color Stick from Glo-Minerals is not unique, the multi-sticks have been around for a while but it certainly has a place on the market. This is a Limited Edition three-in-one stick for cheeks, lips and eyes. This soft, shimmering, pink-peach hue complements all skin tones and skin types. It is available in one shade: doll face and has vitamin E to soothe skin.

The colour is a beautiful, fresh colour that looks summery and suits all skin tones. It gives a healthy glow and looks beautiful on. When you use it on your eyes it is not as pink as you think it will be. A little also goes a long way. It does look pink on the lips. I love it. A great product that saves space and money. Good stuff.

Limited Edition 3 in 1 Colour Stick in Dollface. Available from www.glo-minerals.com £11.95.

WOW Face Mask Review

Posted on September 25, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

I was initially going to do a funny Instagram picture of myself wearing this mask a la Suki Waterhouse. Upon putting the mask on vanity prevailed however. The mask comes in two separate pieces, one for your lower face and one for the top. Once it is on you look like a burns victim. It is not a good look but who cares? You are making yourself beautiful. My husband certainly didn’t. He didn’t even crack a joke.

I found the mask a little hard to put on. You also have to be careful is doesn’t slide of your face. I lay on the sofa smoothing it down. It feels nice and soothing. I watch Parks And Recreation on Amazon Prime while reading a book I am reviewing. So I am not very good at switching off and relaxing but I will be lying here for 40 minutes. I actually like the gel feeling of the mask and am sure I can feel it working away.

After 40 minutes of looking plain weird I take the mask off. I then give the result the ultimate test: I ask my husband if he can notice a difference in my skin. He says he can. I look ‘fresh’. Brilliant. The mummy look is worth it.

I did only use this mask once so I can’t say if it makes a long-lasting difference to skin with long term use, but I was impressed with the results I saw. I would like to try it again but at £99 it is slightly out of my budget.

Here is what the they say:

The NEW Aqua Gel Mask Treatment that fights the ageing process

WOW mask is a brand NEW Bio-peptide Aqua Gel mask that contains innovative natural ingredients to restore the skin’s tone, elasticity and hydration to reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles. It releases the essence of nature’s most potent skin-loving plants at exactly the right speed for your skin to get the maximum benefit.

Institute Hyalual Switzerland, a scientific research centre dedicated to skin rejuvenation, created the mask as the simplest and most effective way to combine the moisturising effect of Hyaluronic Acid (HA), Argireline (famed for its skin firming properties) and RMCP-complex (a combination of ingredients that include fruit and leaf cell culture and flower extract). It’s the interaction between HA, Argireline and RMCP-complex which results in such a complete anti-ageing effect.

The mask also uses newly developed Transdermal Cosmetics Delivery technology which is activated by skin temperature to allow the ingredients to reach the deeper layers of skin. This means that WOW mask provides 200% more hydration than other collagen-based moisturising treatments.

There are five masks provided in each box and each mask can be used for 20-40 minutes. Simply wash and dry your face, take the mask out of its silver sleeve and remove the protective plastic sheets and put it on your face.

It’s not magic but WOW mask offers the best that nature and science can provide in terms of beautiful and youthful looking skin.

WOW Facial Mask Treatments £99.99

The Glamour Trio: Cult Classic Beauty Review. Elnett, Corn Silk & Max Factor

Posted on September 25, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

Every woman needs a bit of glamour in her life. These Amazon bestsellers may be retro and glam, but do they work as good as they look? Let’s find out.

First up is a classic, Cornsilk Satin Loose Powder . Powder is very underrated. There was a point where not many people wore it because it was considered old fashioned. It is making a comeback now solely because nothing else really gives a flawless finish the way powder does. This powder sets make up beautifully and makes it last all day. It is brilliant stuff and won’t leave you looking like a ghost. Recommended. There is a reason it is a classic. A natural looking powder that works on light and darker skin tones. It does give a matte look but not too much, it still looks natural.

Next is Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara in Black. Anyone remember those adverts which called Max Factor the ‘make up of make up artists’? The brand has always had a certain amount of glamour and movie star attachment. This mascara really works. You can use a little for stunning lashes or a lot for full-on false lash glamour. Is quite hard to get off but a small price to pay for beautiful lashes.

L’Oreal Elnett UV Filter Hairspray is another classic. I remember my mother using Elnett when I was growing up. I always use a hairspray with a UV filter as my hair goes really blonde in the sun if I don’t. The sun is also very damaging to the hair and ages it. We remember this about our face but not everyone remembers their hair. Elnett has stood the test of time because it really works and then it just brushes out. The one for coloured hair accentuates your colour’s radiance. They also have ones for extra hold and extra radiance. It is not too heavy on hair or sticky. Just brilliant hairspray.

What do you think? Are you a fan of any of the above?

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