How to Spot a Lying Used Car Seller

Posted on January 8, 2014 by Frostie

Nose touching, mouth covering, fidgeting and throat clearing are all common signs of someone telling a lie and detecting these signals could save used car buyers from making a costly mistake. Vehicle information expert HPI is urging consumers to be on their guard and pay attention to more than a vehicle’s body work, but a seller’s body language and facial expressions too.

“Have you ever had that uneasy feeling that someone was lying to you but didn’t know why you felt that way? It could be because you’ve subconsciously noticed their lying signs,” explains Shane Teskey, Senior Consumer Services Manager at HPI. “Trust your instincts. Pay close attention to body language and facial expressions. For example, look for nose touching and mouth covering. People touch their noses more frequently when they’re lying. They’re also more likely to cover their mouths.

“Of course, if you are buying online you can’t look the seller in the eye or take into consideration how they are behaving so investigate the seller’s history by reviewing the ratings from other buyers to ensure you’re dealing with someone who will deliver the car according to the terms you are offered.”

Another potential tell-tale sign of lying to look for is nodding, says HPI. When the head is nodding or shaking in contrast to what is being said, buyers should be on their guard. “Make sure the seller isn’t giving you inconsistent signals,” continues Shane Teskey. “Does your used car seller look shifty? Perhaps constantly fidgeting? Too much fidgeting, either with their own clothing, jewellery, hair or things around them, could indicate that they are feeling uneasy and may be lying to you about the car’s history.”

Buyers should try to observe the level of “mirroring” going on between themselves and the seller. When two people have a conversation, they naturally mirror the behaviour of each other, but unscrupulous sellers mirror significantly less when lying. Finally, pay attention to the person’s throat. Excessive lubrication of the throat by swallowing, throat clearing or gulping may indicate someone is dealing with a dodgy seller.

Shane Teskey concludes, “We always urge buyers to take along someone else with them when going to view a car. Having a second pair of eyes to check out the seller whilst you check out the bodywork will never go amiss. And if you don’t know much about cars, try to take someone who does know a thing or two, or invest in the services of an independent vehicle inspection. Most importantly, don’t let your heart rule your head and trust your instincts. If the car looks too good to be true, it probably is.”

The best way to avoid being deceived by devious used car sellers is to get the official HPI Check online at www.hpicheck.com, via it’s App (now available from iTunes) or by phone – which will confirm if a vehicle has been stolen, written-off, or has outstanding finance against it. The official HPI Check also includes a mileage check as standard, using its National Mileage Register (NMR), which holds more than 160 million mileage records, helping buyers avoid the risk of buying a clocked vehicle. In addition, the HPI Check offers a Guarantee of up to £30,000 in the event of the information it provides being inaccurate or incomplete, offering added financial protection to used car buyers. For the ultimate peace of mind, used car buyers can invest in a 202 point vehicle inspection by a qualified engineer with the new HPI Inspection.

How to Spot a Lying Used Car Seller

1. Look for nose touching and mouth covering

2. Watch when the person nods. If the head is nodding or shaking in contrast to what is being said, this can be a tell-tale sign that they are lying.

3. Beware of constant fidgeting.

4. Observe the level of mirroring.

5. Watch the person’s throat for excessive swallowing, throat clearing or gulping.

Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Exfoliating Facial Pads Review

Posted on January 6, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

I have previously reviewed Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Serum, which I loved and thought made a real difference to my skin. It was even our product of the year so I had high hopes for the Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Exfoliating Facial Pads. The first thing I have to say about them is how convenient they are. Usually exfoliating requires massaging a scrub into your face and I always worry I am rubbing too much or not enough.

These are just presoaked pads which smell of citrus (which is lovely and soft- not overpowering), and have bumps on one side. You wipe it over your face, neck and decolletage.The pads are small but do the entire area. It says use the pads once or twice a day. I do it almost every day.

I don’t have any wrinkles yet but the pads leave my skin brighter and exfoliated. I feel my overall skin texture and tone has improved. In fact an annoying patch of dryness that was so noticeable on my neck it actually looked a bit orange has now gone. The pads also have witch hazel and blue daisy in them to soothe and tone.

I love these pads. They are a mild chemical peel but are still gentle and they do not sting my sensitive skin. They leave a temporary tackiness just after they are applied but this does not linger. I highly recommend these pads and at £12.95 for 60 pads they are very cheap for what they are. A warning though: these are a mild chemical peel so after you have used them you must use an SPF if you go out.

Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Exfoliating Facial Pads are available from Boots and Superdrug.

Fudge Urban Colour Festival Pink Hair Chalk Review

Posted on January 4, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

Pink hair was huge in 2013, and it still shows no sign of waning. Coloured hair is still very much ‘in’. For those who want to be a bit daring without the permanence there is something new for you: hair chalk. It’s such a good idea it is hard to know why it hasn’t been invented before.

Fudge Urban Colour Festival Pink Hair Chalk is just a tub of hair chalk that is very easy to use. I put it on with my fingers, (they looked very fetching after. Not), and…that’s it. Pink hair. You can also make the colour pastel with the ice white hair chalk. You just mix the two together.

I have seen a lot of blonde women with this chalk and the pink is very obvious and striking. If I had layered my pink more I think it would have been much more pink; it was still obvious- and looked great-on my brown hair. It lightened it and the pink was a beautiful, if subtle, colour.

I rang 2014 in wearing the festival pink hair chalk, it is great for something a bit different and fun. It only costs £4.99 and when I ran water over it, it didn’t seem to budge, only doing so when I used shampoo. Fudge Urban Colour Hair Chalk is a ingenious little product: a great idea that works. It also comes in purple, blue and red. Available from Superdrug

TRESemme Platinum Strength Instant Rescue Shot Review

Posted on January 3, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

My hair always needs conditioner. Otherwise it is just like a big ball of frizz. It never used to be like that, only happening after I dyed my hair a lot in my teens (don’t do it kids). How I miss my old hair….

So now I even take conditioner with me even when I am traveling. TRESemme Platinum Strength Instant Rescue Shot is handy for this. Each tiny little tube can do 1-3 conditions depending on the length of your hair. I recently cut mine to just below my collar bone and can use it 3 time generously.

It is convenient; you only have to leave it on for 60 seconds to the most damaged part of the hair or from middle to end, it says don’t put it onto the roots but I do as my hair gets really dry and frizzy there. The world doesn’t end. In fact, it just stops the frizz.

So does this ‘rescue’ my hair? Yes. It is a good, convenient conditioner. It only costs £1.49 per shot which I think it quite reasonable. It leaves hair super-soft. It also doesn’t weigh hair down. Which, due to my fine hair, is the thing I hate most about conditioner. Very impressive.

TRESemme Platinum Strength Instant Rescue Shot available from Tesco and Superdrug

How To Dress For Your Body Shape

Posted on January 2, 2014 by Frostie

The gorgeous and entrepreneurial Amy Childs has launched a Shape-Wear Finder – helping all girls find a dress suitable for their figure. Whether you’re Apple or Pear, Busty or Boyish.

A nipped waist can slim belly bulges, an A-line skirt can lengthen legs – there is so much fashion advice out there so Amy Childs is here offering her exclusive tips for finding that perfect dress for every figure.

PEAR?

Lacking a fuller chest? Seeking to minimise your lower body?

DO’S – Add volume to your upper body with detail.

Amy picks Lisa as the perfect number for a pear figure which, with its’ embellished chest/waist detail, creates curves whilst the skater skirt slims down the hips.

DON’T – Patterns at the bottom

APPLE?

Lacking a defined waist? But boast a womanly chest and derriere?

DO’S – Wear dainty shoes/heals to elongate your legs

Apple figures shouldn’t be constantly covered. Amy’s choice of ELOISE is ideal with a nipped-in waist detail and a panel of colour to help create that ever-desired slimmer frame illusion.

DON’T – Items of all one colour and halter necks

HOUR GLASS?

Chest and hips equal? An enviable waist?

DO’S – Semi-Fitted blouses, waist belts to help widen your waist.

Too much detail or pattern on an hourglass figure, can lose the shape completely. One of Amy’s favourite dresses is Samantha, as its’ beautiful lace detail is the focus of the dress, whilst the black skirt is sexy and slimming.

DON’T – Oversized, boxy clothing and turtle necks.

Dirty Apron Restaurant Pops Up At Simmons Bar

Posted on January 2, 2014 by Frostie

Looking for somewhere new to eat? Dirty Apron has teamed up with Simmons Bar to offer you a fun, playful dining experience, serving up a range of delicious home cooked treats that will suit everyone’s palette. At Simmons King’s Cross choose from a range of scrumptious delights including barbecued pulled pork, lamb and harissa meatballs and crispy polenta fries.

Dig in to a variety of hot deli sandwiches at Simmons Camden including a Dirty Yanker – pastrami, mayo, Swiss cheese, balsamic cabbage and American mustard. Or go wild with the yummy Dirty Jerk – jerk chicken & plantain with lime and pineapple salsa. Prop yourself at the vintage school desks and wash these delicious dishes down with a couple of Simmons scrumptious cocktails while they blast out an eclectic mix of music to keep you entertained.

Don’t miss out on the Simmons experience get yourself down to both venues on Wednesdays and Thursdays to experience the hearty, healthy food and delightful cocktails for yourself!

Dirty Apron pops up at Simmons King’s Cross every Wednesday 12pm – late and at Simmons Camden every Thursday from 5pm – late

Simmons King’s Cross

32 Caledonian Road, London, N1 9DT

Opening Times: Sunday to Wednesday 4pm – 12am, Thursday – Saturday 4pm -Late

Simmons Camden

7 Camden high Street, Camden, London, NW1 7JE

Opening Times: Sunday to Wednesday 4pm – 11.30pm, Thursday – Saturday 4pm – Late

www.simmonsbar.co.uk

Twitter: @SimmonsLondon Facebook: SimmonS

Permanent Make Up Artist Karen Betts Interview

Posted on January 1, 2014 by Frostie

Why are we doing an interview with a permanent make up artist you may ask. Permanent make up isn’t very ‘Frost’ usually, but Karen Betts is different. She gives the gift of confidence to those with illness. Like people who have lost their eyebrows to cancer. Karen has changed the lives of many individuals with medical permanent tattooing. See the photo below as an example. The other two pictures are Karen with Arlene Phillips and Katie Piper.

When and why did you first become interested in your profession?

I personally ventured into this field in 1996 after a childhood friend was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was not content with being just a pillar of support and wanted to be able to do more. At the time I ran a hair and beauty salon and a conventional tattooist used to rent one of my rooms, I thought to myself if you could adorn people’s bodies with such complex art why could you not develop a technique that would subtly enhance or replace facial features such as eyebrows. That is when I started my research and discovered a micro pigmentation course in the States.

What, if anything, has given you a competitive edge in this field?

My desire to always learn more, continuously develop my skills and share this knowledge with all who carry the Nouveau Contour name. I am not precious and love showing my students techniques I have developed that improve the quality of a treatment plus I am lucky to have a fabulous relationship with the manufacturer of the Nouveau Contour equipment and pigments and year on year we work together to develop and improve our products, we now have over 82 fundamental pigment colours to choose from, the largest range in the industry.

Describe your typical working day.

I am up very early most days and I do a few hours work on the computer managing my 8 brands before catching the train to one of my 3 training academies in Yorkshire, London or Milton Keynes. I absolutely hate to waste any time so once on the train the laptop is back out and I work solid until I reach my destination. I then either prepare for a training class or a full days clinic where I perform on average 10 permanent cosmetic procedures a day. Then you have guessed it, back on the laptop working on promotional plans, critical paths, training manuals, special offers, and budgets… I could go on and on but in essence I work constant all day every day until either my partner or very patient assistant shouts at me to eat something or go to bed. If there was 8 days in a week I would work them all.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The feel good factor you get when you watch someone’s face light up after his or her treatment is just amazing!

What’s been your biggest professional achievement to date?

Whilst a lot of my clients are memorable in their own rights 2 clients over the last few years have really pulled at my heartstrings and tested my capabilities. The first is a lady named Julie who was born with a cleft lip. Julie’s cleft lip has affected her confidence for as long as she can remember, aware that the shape of her lip had held her back and prevented her from making the most of her life I wanted to give Julie the perfect lip shape she had always dreamed of. To restore a cleft lip using permanent cosmetics requires a real level of skill that does not come over night but I am happy to state that Julie was overwhelmed with the results and quoted “Karen created the lip shape I had been looking for my whole life”. Her smile and the big hug she gave me at the end of her treatment spoke volumes and I am not ashamed to say, made me cry.

The second lady many people will recognise as her recovery from a brutal acid attack in 2008 was documented in the TV series ‘Katie Piper – My Beautiful Face’. I was honoured when I was able to help Katie. Over a twelve month process, I was able to recreate Katie’s lips, brows and eye definition. Over time our personal and professional relationship developed and in 2012 I was announced as the official and exclusive permanent make-up consultant for The Katie Piper Foundation.

What advice would you give to somebody wanting to become a permanent makeup artist?

As Permanent Cosmetics is a very precise procedure, the need for the correct training and support is of the utmost importance. I would advise anyone considering a career in this field to first attend an insight day if the company offers one, this gives the person an opportunity to discover:

What is permanent cosmetics?

Do I have what it takes to be a successful permanent cosmetics artist?

What are the training options?

How long will the training take and how much will it cost?

What equipment do you need to perform treatments?

What treatments can I train in?

What do I need to do to ensure I get return on my investment?

People also need to look for a company that not only listens to what they want from their training experience but whose trainers actively carry out procedures on a daily basis.

Continuous professional development is paramount in this field as techniques and equipment are improving year on year therefore people should look for training providers who offer continued learning with free workshops and shadowing days.

I also recommend that they ask themselves the following questions:

Am I prepared to change someone’s face?

Have I got the determination and drive to make this a success?

What skills can people learn at the Nouveau Contour Training School?

We offer a developmental training programme designed to turn absolute beginners into elite permanent cosmetics artists. Our foundation courses range from 8 to 31 days long and the student can choose the training option that best suits their lifestyle and financial budget. For a full explaining of our training options visit http://pro.nouveaubeautygroup.com/nouveau-contour/training-options/

What are the pros and cons of permanent makeup?

In today’s increasingly fast-paced world, it can be hard work looking our best all the time. Juggling a career with home life is tough and our appearance isn’t always a priority. That’s why each year in the UK; thousands of women and men opt for permanent cosmetic enhancements as a timesaving way to look their best with minimum effort.

No longer considered a treatment just for the rich and famous, men and women of all backgrounds and social standing are opting for permanent makeup procedures as a way to save time and in many cases boost confidence.

Permanent makeup is also ideal for people who take part in sport, have difficulty applying makeup or are allergic to cosmetics. It can also help to camouflage scarring and bring life-changing benefits to alopecia sufferers and to people who have had breast reconstruction work or have experienced hair loss following chemotherapy treatment.

The only downside is there is some poorly trained permanent cosmetics artist offering treatments. Research your technician and be very clear about the result you want to achieve. The main risk is choosing a poorly educated technician just because they may be less expensive. Permanent makeup should be considered exactly that – permanent. Whilst designed to fade you should always regard the treatment as irreversible and when deciding on your technician you should always research the company they trained with, the equipment and pigments they use and indeed when they last refreshed their skills. I would also recommend that you ask to view their portfolio and do not be afraid to ask if it is their own work they are presenting to you.

Is there any ‘look’ that you’d refuse to do? For example a very unnatural/dramatic look?

With permanent make up it is not about following fashion trends but subtly enhancing or replacing someone’s natural features, obviously I can improve area’s, for example, as we mature we loose volume in our lips and I can use clever shading technique to create the illusion of a softer, plump more youthful mouth, but on the whole I do not look to other people to create permanent make up looks as it is more important to understand the individual personality, lifestyle and look of the person I am treating.

As well as Katie Piper, have you had any celebrity clients?

Over the last 16 years I have been able to use my skills to help thousands of ladies both for cosmetic and medical purposes and I pride myself on treating every client exactly the same no matter who they are or what their profession.

I am discreet and professional and many high profile clients come to be because of that therefore I can not disclose all my celebrity clients. However on my website with their permission you will see that I have treated Amy Child’s and her manager Claire Powell, Coronation Street actresses Sally Dynevor and Cath Tyldesley, Sugababes Jade Ewan, Olympian Jade Johnson, choreographer, TV presenter and judge of Strictly Come Dancing Arlene Phillips, Spanish model Elen Rivas, TV presenter Lizzie Cundy, TV presenter and model Sue Moxley.

Do a lot of celebrities have permanent makeup nowadays?

Yes they do and in turn these celebrities speaking out about the benefits of permanent make-up has resulted in many new clients coming to see me for a consultation/treatment for both cosmetic and medical treatments.

What’s the most fulfilling thing about your job i.e. Helping survivors restore confidence

I feel privilege everyday that I have a skill that can help rebuild so many people’s confidence and nothing I have achieved beats the look on a clients face when I have restored a feature that they have lost through illness or an accident.

What’s your motto, or the key premise / message of your business?

My motto is always smile, laugh and try to remain positive even when things are going really bad. Life really is too short to be bogged down with negativity.

The key message of my business is education, education is a powerful tool and I have built my training schools on the premise that at Nouveau Beauty Group we offer long term careers not just course, we want all our students to be the best they can be and actively promote continued professional development. I have been in the beauty business for over 20 years and still do not claim to know everything, I love surrounding myself with people from other industries that I can learn from and often I implement their advise into my business model.

What are the advantages of permanent makeup over regular makeup?

The benefits of permanent makeup over conventional makeup are immeasurable, one example is in the summer when the temperature increases and makeup can sweat off or indeed wash off if you are on holiday and fancy a dip in the pool. With subtly applied permanent cosmetics designed to mimic the most natural makeup look, ladies no longer have to worry about pencilling their eyebrows back in or their eyeliner smudging.

I also recommend everyone to watch the video testimonials on my website as these are real women sharing their personal experience of why they opted for permanent makeup and defy anyone to not understand the advantages of permanent makeup over conventional makeup for those living with an altered facial appearance as a result of an accident or illness.

http://www.karenbetts.co.uk/

10 tips on fighting the festive flab in the New Year

Posted on January 1, 2014 by Frostie

10 tips on fighting the festive flab in the New Year By Garry Kerr, Head of Training and Operations at British Military Fitness

Nom, nom, nom…extra eating: During the winter and especially over the festive

season we typically eat more than we would normally and exercising is a great way

to burn those extra calories and keep yourself in shape so when spring finally arrives

you’re in tip top shape! Here are some tips to help you beat the Christmas flab!

1. Keep a fitness journal

A workout log can help keep your exercise routine on track when you’re

struggling to stay motivated because it will show you how far you’ve come

since you started, and therefore how worthwhile it is to keep going.

2. Commit yourself.

Get moving! Just do it! There is no time like the start of a New Year. You’ve

got the indulgences of Christmas behind but it’s important you commit. Why

not write all the classes you can attend in your diary so they are viewed as

actual appointments and you’re less likely to cancel.

3. Set short-term goals

Having something specific to aim for, such as losing a certain amount

of weight or entering a race / marathon for example the Major Series

in the Spring will help you stick to your training

plan. But make sure your goals are achievable. Setting and failing to reach

outlandish targets will put you off.

4. Find the fun in it

Exercise should not feel like torture. After all, you have made a conscious

decision to do it. You can take great pleasure from overcoming challenges

and progressing with your fitness alongside other people.

Does that mean that it will be easy? No. In order to change your body, you

need to experience ‘overload’. This means that you need to keep challenging

your body in order to increase your fitness levels. You will however improve

your fitness levels if you rest and recover properly after each workout.

5. Reward yourself

Once you’ve hit one of your targets reward yourself. By training and

committing to your training you’ve earned the right to spoil yourself. Whether

it’s a new item of clothing or fitness-related gadgets or clothing – enjoy your

achievements.

6. Use visualisation

If you don’t believe that you can do that final burpee or make it through

those final reps, you certainly won’t be able to but by picturing yourself doing

it before you try it, you’ll create a mental template that can translate into

success.

7. Eating right

Food is 90% of the health and fitness battle. You can make great changes

just through making small adjustments to your eating habits alone. While

changing any habits may seem like a daunting task, there is a wealth of

resources available to guide you. By eating a regular mix of proteins, fats and

carbohydrates you will reap the benefits of your physical training routine. You

will have both the energy to perform and the nutritional foundations needed

for recovery. This exercise and nutrition relationship will help you to achieve

your goals

8. Be realistic

Rome wasn’t built in a day. Unfortunately, while over-used, there is some truth

in that saying.

A healthy approach is to aim to improve on yesterday. By repeating this

process you will start to feel like you have made great improvements over a

course of weeks, months and years. It is also important to consider where you

want to be.

9. There is gain without pain!

While exercise should be challenging in order to encourage the body to adapt

and therefore improve, it should not lead to any injuries.

Many people, particularly those new to exercise can become over enthusiastic

because of the physical changes that they experience. Our bodies can only

truly complete exercises at 100% intensity for a number of seconds. Exercises

completed over the course of an hour-long session are performed below

maximum intensity. You should therefore focus more on your technique and

try to work as hard as possible but not push yourself to the point of nausea.

10. Abandon an all-or-nothing attitude

Don’t think of exercise with an all-or-nothing approach. If you unexpectedly

miss a session, don’t beat yourself up. Just get back on track tomorrow.

Remember; exercise and fitness is a way of life, it’s not a destination.

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