Hydropetide Product Review

Posted on July 15, 2015 by Sarah Bacchus

I was asked to do a Hydropetide Product Review recently. I was lucky enough to be sent a few items to try out. And they have become my go to face care over the last 2 months. Now you all know I try all sorts of beauty products being in the professional industry. I won’t just do a review after 2-5 days either. I like to give the product a chance for my skin cells to catch up. You need around 28 days to really see a difference when using something new. This is the length of time it takes for the skin to renew itself from base layer to the dermis. Samples of things you get in Boots or drug stores really are only to check that your not allergic to the products. So don’t be disappointed if that new cream doesn’t preform as well as you think it should. Their are 2 main factors to this…One is the reason I have explained and the other is that the strength of over the counter skin care is usually like making a cupa with a tea bag that’s been used 10 times or so!!! So watered down its no wonder those wrinkles aren’t vanishing faster. Pro products are always a better investment.

First up is Solar Defense, it’s a broad spectrum sun protector. This basically means it has both UVA and UVB filters. UVA’s are the nasty rays that age the skin and UVB’s are the ones that will burn. In turn if you burn their are further UVC Rays that harm the skin in the form of cancer. So ladies and gents wear a broad spectrum factor cream every day of every year. Come rain or shine. I’m always told my skin is perfect…Well it’s a combination of a healthy diet, loads of water and incredible skin care.

Solar Defence glides on and its consistency feels slightly grainy at first but then the micro beads burst delivering its benefits to the skin. It blends and self adjusts to the natural skin tones you already have. It is quite frankly amazing. It smoothes out the completion and flawlessly covers the skin all ready for your foundation. It also contains anti inflammatories and antioxidants. This will help you fight the horrid signs of ageing and be your new best friend I can assure you of that!

It’s a non-greasy oil free sunscreen packed with moister. Really rich in protein and it also helps to decrease the secretion of oil that can build up though it the day. You know that shiny lack lustre appearance you might get mid afternoon, when all you really want to do is reapply your foundation once again.

With is skin adjusting properties it perfectly camouflages mild hyperpigmentation and redness. It creates a perfect even, flawless, matte finish. Containing Aloe, niacin and hyaluronic acid it perfectly balances hydration. In turn it transforms fine lines and wrinkles. Now that’s what us women in our 40’s really need.

Eye Authority cream immediately brightens any dark circles you may have and it softens expression lines. It will decrease wrinkles and lastly it helps banish puffiness. Phew that’s a lot to expect isn’t it. But after using this for 6 weeks I can honestly say it works. Now my first impression of this was a little different…it irritated my eyes. Yes I’m honest with you all. This was in fact all my own fault. You need the smallest amount and one tube should actually last you 6 months. The rate I was putting it on it would have only lasted me all of 3-4 weeks!! Less is more in this case! It contains Hesperdin known for its warming and circulatory benefits. Hence the eye irritation after applying a large pea sized amount around each eye! I have noticed (after using a 1/8 of a pea size little drop to each eye) a lift to my eyes and my dark circles are a thing of the past.

It contains 13 different peptides and a small amount of HA (hyaluronic acid) that perfectly hydrate the eyes. Normally you have to avoid using HA around the delicate eye area as it will cause puffiness. HA holds 1000 times its body weight in water so it’s really hydrating and can plump out the skin. Perfect for the face but not around the eyes. Eye Authority has just the right amount that smoothes out pesky fine lines perfectly without causing eye make up to crease or feel heavy. Just don’t use too much! Both products are firmly in my bathroom cabinet and will be I feel for a long time! They have an extensive range of lifting products I’m keen to review now after finding this brand.

Learning To Listen To Your Body

Posted on July 14, 2015 by Sarah Bacchus

Recently I came down with a bout of stress related illness and I beat myself up over having time off. I felt like I was letting everyone down. Now we all get sick and we can’t help it. When it happens we all need to listen to our bodies and just go with it. It’s harder said than done learning to listen to your body and not push yourself so hard. I’m the worst for this as I will try to everything. Work full time, commute an hour to and from work, do photography at the weekends and evenings then edit those pictures and schedule articles on my days off. When I tell people what my week is like the response is always “How the heck do you do it all” In truth I have no idea. So it would make sense that my body sent me a persuasive little message. Sarah just stop….Slow down your not ever going to be a super hero. Stepping outside ones self and looking in as though you were a good friend is something we all need to do now and then.

Reevaluating your life is a good thing. If you need some time off to recharge your energy then so be it.

My top 10 Tips For Listening To Your Body

1. Take a deep breath and take care of No1. Sometimes this is as important as looking after others.
2. Don’t stress out over the fact you can’t manage to do everything. These are what I have had to preach to myself over the last week!
3. Make a nice cup of tea, take a bath, get into clean pjs and get back in bed.
4. Turn off your phone when you get in from work or at 6pm
5. Don’t let others make you feel bad that you need to take care for yourself.
6. Learn to say NO.
8. Know your limits and don’t push yourself too hard.
9. Relax as stress builds up and can cause serious health problems.
10. Finally grab a good book and let your body really relax with out social media and drift off to sleep!

I believe it’s important for us to help others in life. If your feeling stressed out or poorly then learning to listen to your body can help with a lifetime of difficulties.

The Finale of The Odyssey by Margaret Graham and Jan Speedie

Posted on July 13, 2015 by Margaret Graham

With sore heads we embark on the Rocky Mountaineer, heading for Vancouver. It proved to be a deliciously slow journey owing to an immense bush fire that had reached the track in places overnight. Though these areas were under control, the train causes such air disturbance that it must crawl along.

Shino explained that loggers stored logs in the river, to save on storage costs. How intelligent. We saw this again in Howe Sound Fjord, along from Vancouver. We travelled alongside rivers, woods, and prairies until finally we arrived, after Shino had saved the day with an evening meal as we were still trundling along, 4 hours after we should have arrived. Small beer, when you think of the firemen still battling to save the forests and towns.

In the morning we were captivated by the modernity of Vancouver. For a while we thought the reflection of the building in this glass windowed skyscraper was actually imprinted on the glass.

We were taken by a friend, Barbara, to the Anthropological Museum containing First Nation culture. It was full of totem poles, and their crafts. Bill Reid a First Nation sculptor (died 1998), created this out of over 100 yellow maple planks bonded together.

Horseshoe Bay for lunch, in glorious sunshine yet again (for once we had brought sun wherever we went).

Then Barbara drove us to a First Nations gondola.

The views were magnificent, as always and we tootled across the skywalk and explored the woods on the summit. Down in Howe sound were the stored logs.

The next day, before heading for the airport, we tore around Vancouver, seeing a small cruise ship waiting for its passengers to arrive. Some of our fellow passengers on the Rocky Mountaineer were embarking on a 2000 person cruise ship bound for Alaska. It sounded amazing, though somehow I think I’d rather see Alaska when covered in snow.

There were trolley buses, many shopping centres below ground, and just a few indications of the early buildings, with the ‘emblems’ of Canada, salmon and Canadian geese.

I have to say that I never knew there were so many different varieties of salmon, and we probably tried them all. They are so fresh that they taste quite different to ours.

Then, onto the airport.

Did we enjoy our Canadian adventure? You bet. It was the holiday of a lifetime. We’re looking up train journeys for next year, but this time ALL THE WAY. We are determined to set off from St. Pancras, heading for Florence, and this time, Dick will be on board too. Then the Ghan in Australia perhaps in the autumn, from Adelaide to Perth. Better get on with the next novel then.

The Rocky Mountaineer has started something… A few more odysseys coming up.

www.rockymountaineer.com

www.greatrail.com

Top Ten eBay Tips

Posted on July 11, 2015 by Sarah Bacchus

As you all will know I’m a fashion and style loving lass. When I need to save a few pennies for beauty products or a new camera my go to place is eBay. You can literally find a real hidden gem every day of you know how to search properly. Most of my friends call me the eBay Queen.

I will share with you my top ten eBay tips so you too can look stylish on a measly budget. Whether you missed out on that perfect little summer dress that sold out in a flash or just a tasty bargain waiting to be snapped up. These tips will help you look stylish and turn heads. Enable you to be a little individual but most importantly save you a packet!

1. Get the app on your smart phone. This way you will be able to look for things 24/7 if you so please.
2. Search for specific things or things that pop into your head. Or items you might have missed out on even years gone by. Like “Wit & Wisdom pink dress” I did this for a few months after longing to find one I didn’t purchase 15 years ago and it popped up for £3.50!
3. Be prepared to wait….ref to No2!
4. Haggle and contact sellers to see if they will take items out of auction. You might be surprised how many just want to get rid of unwanted items.
5. Set a budget each month and stick to it.
6. Watch items all the time as your iPhone or smartphone will let you know when they are coming to an end.
7. Refine settings, like price. Type in max price £1.00. Free postage or distance to you.
8. This brings me to the next tip, avoid overseas sellers that use descriptions like “May look different to image due to lighting” as you won’t end up with what you see!
9. This next tip is one my buddy Claire told me…Type in wrongly spelt terms like “Soze 8” as you will be amazed at how many items are listed spelt incorrectly!
10. Have fun with it. But don’t get too carried away!

I hope these little tips help you get a budget wardrobe just like mine!

Do You Have Smart Energy?

Posted on July 10, 2015 by Frostie

A new infographic released from Smart Energy GB shows that a majority of people who have one find them accurate, with 76% trusting the information that they give as opposed to 57% who think the old system does a good job. It also shows that unsurprisingly gadget-friendly younger people are more interested in the device, and that 59% of people who have heard of one would like one. The northwest is more clued up about smart meters, and the main appeal of having one is in being able to count up your energy usage in pounds and pence, the graphic shows.

Ever Onwards, The Duo Go, Heading For The Rocky Mountaineer by Jan Speedie and Margaret Graham

Posted on July 10, 2015 by Margaret Graham

Jasper reminded us of the bush towns of Australia with its pioneer homes.

Whilst there we saw many lakes, and rivers, always with the mountains in the background, and a coach which bore the wonderful sign, totally appropriate for women like us, with delusions of grandeur.

This coach took us to Maligne Lake and Canyon. It is the most tranquil of lakes where sound carries extraordinarily clearly, so it didn’t remain peaceful once our lot hit it.

Then, it was the day of the birthday. Margaret was greeted with a banner on the door. No more can she say 21 years of age and on to the station, where the Rocky Mountaineer waited. We were in a red leaf carriage, the bottom of the pile, we suppose, but it was nonetheless fantastic.

We had the lovely Shino to ply us with food and drink, and a viewing platform either end of the carriage. We began our journey along the ‘First Passage of the West’ retracing the steps of the early 19^th century adventurers. We was as always, the snowy mountains, forests and tranquil lakes. Aware that we were leaving the Rockies, we looked long and hard. Never have we seen such scenery, and never have we seen such a l-o-n-g train.

Jan had arranged a cake, so happy birthday was sung, but no bumps. Then the Rocky Mountaineer gave her a couple of prints and a bottle of champagne. Obviously she shared it all (well, not the prints)

We follow the path of the Fraser River until we join the North Thompson River to Kamloops where we stop for the night. Shino kept us entertained with stories of the early pioneers and their perilous journeys and we ware always on the lookout for the elusive wild life. The only thing we saw were bald eagles, but too far away to photograph.

Finally we drew into Kamloops, and another birthday celebration in the evening.

www.rockymountaineer.com

The Ongoing Odyssey of Two Old Dears on The Loose in Canada By Jan Speedie & Margaret Graham

Posted on July 9, 2015 by Margaret Graham

All our body clocks were still grappling with real time, Canada, and Margaret’s had rather more to worry about, so while she lazed about in a darkened room, Jan hit the road with the gang, heading for Lake Louise.

Before we arrived at this iconic lake we made several stops on our way always looking out for wildlife –black or grizzle bears, elk, moose, big horned sheep and mountain goats.

Our first stop was the Lake Louise ski centre. Surrounded by snowy peaks everywhere it was easy to imagine the winter scene. The only occupant of the piste was a black bear, looking for a fresh patch of dandelions, their favourite pudding.

Back on our coach, the next stop was the Spiral Tunnels an amazing piece of engineering and design, built in 1909 to prevent further fatal accidents as the trains struggle to ascend and descend Big Hill in the Kicking Horse Pass. The tunnels form the shape of a figure of eight, and although a longer route, it reduces the gradient and provides a safer passage for the freight and passenger trains. It is still in use today.

We stopped to look at many waterfalls on our way to the Emerald Lake which is one of the 61 lakes in the Yoho National Park. The lake is enclosed by mountains and was discovered by Tom Wilson in 1882. The remarkable colour is caused by the fine particles of glacial sediment (Rock Flour) descending into the lake. From November to March the lake is frozen but for our visit the weather was perfect and the colour incredible.

This beautiful lake is surrounded by larch trees and overlooking the lake is the famous Fairmont Chateau hotel. No hotel lunch for us, a picnic admiring the lake and a quick wander on one of the many trails surrounding the lake.

Bow River, Yoho National Park

Johnnie Walker Red Label Takes It To The Wax…

Posted on July 8, 2015 by Corinne Tuddenham-Finn

TASTY ‘TACHE FOR THOSE IN THE MO…

– Whisky experts unveil the first ever moustache wax that enhances the flavour of your drink –

On 7th July 2015, Johnnie Walker® Red Label – the world’s most iconic whisky released an innovative range of moustache waxes in three bold flavours.

Designed to specifically compliment the Johnnie and Ginger serve – a fiery blend of Johnnie Walker Red Label whisky, ginger ale and a wedge of lime – The Boldest Wax collection has been expertly mixed by hand using 100% natural beeswax.

Connoisseurs will be able to choose from three bold blends – Piperine Pepper, Citrus Essence or Ginger Root – which not only provide scents that linger beneath the nostrils, but equally intensifies the flavour of the serve with every sip.

Mixologist Rich Woods, Head of Cocktail and Spirit Development at Duck & Waffle and Sushi Samba, says:

The citrus wax delivers real energy, and the flavours work together to give the drink a boost that really lifts a Johnnie & Ginger. This stands in contrast to the Piperine Pepper, which subtly brings out the more sophisticated fruit and caramel aromas in the drink. Finally there’s the Ginger Root, which delivers an immediate kick – and is definitely one for those who prefer a more fiery experience.

The collaboration is in response to the growing ‘mo’ trend – no longer just adorned as a mischievous motif in November – with facial hair now gracing the faces of the boldest fashion-conscious men all year round.

Oscar Ocaña, JOHNNIE WALKER Brand Director said:

“The Boldest Wax is designed to specifically enhance the flavour of a Johnnie & Ginger, and give men the chance to maintain their style on the go. John Walker was a proud moustache wearer himself – and as someone who could appreciate a classic when combined with something bold and new – we’re sure he’d have sniffed out a moustache wax that enhances the flavour of a Johnnie & Ginger as a great idea.”

Head Barber Chris Ward, from Huckle the Barber adds:

“In the last few years the number of men who request that I leave their ‘tash when shaving them has grown massively. The Boldest Wax is a great accessory for them – they’ll love how it enhances the flavour of a Johnnie & Ginger in a really unique way – and also that they can keep control of their style on the go, so they can keep looking bold all night long.”

The pocket-size wax collection was six months in the making and is now available exclusively through East London grooming hotspot Huckle The Barber (hucklethebarber.com) priced at £7.99 each (or the set of three for £20) until stocks last.

John Walker, the man himself, has a history with ginger mixers.

Brewing equipment and several barrels were found in his distillery, showing the hallmarks of that pioneering spirit for which he’s famous.

But as a man always looking forward, he’d see no justice in leaving the legacy of Johnnie & Ginger there.

A ‘Johnnie & Ginger grooming experience’ (wet shave, or facial hair grooming, and one pot of The Boldest Wax) is £35, and is available in store at Huckle the Barbers until 2nd August 2015.

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