Category Archives: Life & Style

Should You Throw Your Makeup Out?

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The average women spends £130 a year on makeup and Debenhams says 68% of women only replace makeup when it has ran out. But should we really be putting this stuff on our face? Especially when it’s probably years old. Women put 515 different chemicals on their face A DAY.

I never took the expiration dates on makeup very seriously until I read an article in Elle where the writer sent her makeup to a lab to be tested. The results were not pretty, and that bacteria and candida(!) affects your skin. If you want good skin, don’t wear makeup.

Luckily EU guidelines require make up has the expiry date displayed on the label. The little jar on the back of your makeup with the number and ‘M’ next to it is it’s expiration date in months.

A general guide to makeup expiration dates are:

Mascara: six months. (though remember that if you are pumping the wand in and out you will be letting air in and it will let bacteria in. Be very careful with things that go near your eye)
Pencils: 18 months (though I have an eyeliner that has an expiration of 3 years on the back)
Power based make up: 2 years. Though this can be less if you are using your fingers.
Foundation: 3-6 months.
Lipstick: one year
Concealer: 6 months

Don’t ever share cosmetics and make sure the lid is on good and tight. Also store it in a cool, dry place and away from sunlight.

How To Clear Out Your Wardrobe.

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I have always wanted to be one of those women who wear matching underwear everyday, and are always effortlessly stylish. That is not me however, and I have decided being myself is much better. However, I am so busy that I have become obsessed with being organised and keeping everything in it’s place. I started with my wardrobe, and this is what I learned.

Take all of your clothes out of your wardrobe and try everything on. It can be quite overwhelming bringing everything out at once, so you can do half at once, or maybe just a drawer. Everything that doesn’t fit, put in one pile. Be realistic about this pile. Are you going to lose weight? Then put everything else into three other piles.


Keep

Unsure

Charity shop/Ebay/Recycle.

Get ride of stuff that doesn’t suit you, in poor condition and hasn’t been worn in 12 months.

Another good thing to do is have a one in and one out policy. Everything you buy something new, get ride of something old. Keep only a few old clothes for decorating or housework.

Things that need dry cleaning should only be in your wardrobe if you really love them or have money.

Put things that need alterations or mending. As well as shoes that need re-soled.

Everything in the keep pile should be put back in the wardrobe. Arrange the clothes by type, then colour. Everything in the get ride pile should then be put in another three piles (!) sell, give away, and recycle. Sell anything you think you can on Ebay or to a designer outlet, give away the stuff that you are not selling to charity (get gift aid so you can claim it against your tax.) All of the other stuff can be recycled, don’t just throw it away. There are charities that can recycle your old clothes.

Your maybe pile will probably make you indecisive. Ask a friend or a partner for their opinion, put all of the clothes in a bag and hide them away, if you don’t miss it after a few months then throw them out.

Get ride of things that don’t enhance your life.

Sales of sewing machines are up by 50%.

    Don’t buy something in the sale just because it’s cheap. You’re not ‘saving’ money, you are buying a problem.
    Know your body shape and what your comfortable in.
    Buy investment pieces.
    Learn from your mistakes.
    Take an inventory.
    Throw out cloths that you haven’t worn for 6 months.
    Find a style that suits you and stick with it. Have the courage to ignore what is fashionable and go for timeless elegance.

Organise your wardrobe. Buy some Vacuum sacks [£11.78 , lakeland.co.uk] to keep out of season clothes in and get some cedar or Lavender balls to repel moths.

Storage boxes are great and can be bought cheaply. These ones are cheap and can be stacked on top of each other As can hanging racks and hooks. Hooks Value Pack

Sewing kit. Learn how to sew. Take a class in dressmaking.

No wire hangers. They ruin clothes

Keep bags and accessories accessible. Stuff bags and shoes and keep them in their original packaging. Keep bags in the dust covers that they come with.

If you can afford a Hand-held steamer, get one. They are a great investment.

Fold knitwear, once horizontally and then put arms across the body for fewer creases. It will stretch if hung.

Dry-clean only clothes should be removed from packaging as soon as possible, as the chemicals can cause damage.

Get shoes resoled regularly. Buy the most expensive shoes you can afford and then look after them. Buy a shoe tree to keep them in tip-top condition. Wood Shoe Tree

Riding boats never go out of style.

Hang everything in the same direction.

Store clothes with acid-free tissue paper, to keep out moisture and damp.

If your leather shoes are too tight, heat them with a hairdryer and wear them with a thick pair of socks.


Some items of clothing that never go out of fashion.

A pencil skirt

Trench coat.

Plain court shoes

White Shirt

Good quality jeans.

Silk blouse

Pale, fuss-free underwear.

Sharp Blazer

Black Trousers

Little Black dresses.

Hang trousers upside down from clip hangers to avoid creases.

Got any tips of your own?

Subscribe to Frost and Win a UNE Blush.

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Subscribe to Frost and Win a UNE Blush.

 

Subscribe to Frost today and you can be one of our lucky readers who will win a UNE Breezy Cheeks Blush. The Blush Grand Air B02 comes in a cute little pouch which states ‘I am not artificial’, and it is not telling lies.

 

Une makeup make sure that 100% of their ingredients are from natural ingredients. And over 10% of the ingredients are from organic ingredients. Oh, and it works. Go to your right and subscribe today. We promise we won’t sell your details, just send you an awesome e-edition every month.

 

HOTEL DU VIN LAUNCHES ‘TERRE DU VIN’ With Lyn Harris.

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HOTEL DU VIN LAUNCHES

‘TERRE DU VIN’

The bespoke new bath and body range by British perfumer, Miller Harris

Translating Hotel du Vin’s ‘best of British’ brand ethics, Terre du Vin is the new line of bath luxuries created exclusively for the group by British perfumer, Lyn Harris, and her esteemed Miller Harris fragrance house.

Creating a bespoke fragrance is the ultimate luxury in perfumery and using Miller Harris’s unique skills in matching scent with setting – Terre du Vin captures all the qualities of Hotel du Vin in a rich, luxurious fragrance packed with British delights, from culinary and garden delicacies to those irresistible vices of cigars and fine wine.

The scent offers crisp notes of orange bigarade, bergamot sicily and fruity notes of grapefruit – all fused with herbs from an English feast; rosemary, sage and thyme on a base of rich vetiver Haiti and a hint of tabac noir.  Lyn’s style reflects her love of naturals and the delicate use of them is evident in this creation.

Said Nicola McSorley (Group Director of Communications & Strategic Partnerships),

“Our aim is to enhance the ultimate bathing experience and capture the DNA of our brand in a bottle. We’ve found the perfect gender-neutral balance of day and night for all seasons and an aroma that can evoke memories of good times for our guests.  I sincerely hope they like it.  To have worked with such a respected and classically trained perfumer and her quintessentially British brand is a great privilege.”

Launching from January 5th 2012, across all 14 Hotel du Vin properties, the Terre du Vin range comprises a shampoo, conditioner, bath gel, body lotion and soap.

www.hotelduvin.com / www.millerharris.com

 

MUMS CAN GET THEIR MOJO BACK IN 2012 WITH THE MuTu® System

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If you want to get stronger, fitter, leaner and more confident in 2012, forever, need look no further than the MuTu® System 

The MuTu® System, has been created by Wendy Powell, a mother of two who has been there & done it, and is also an experienced, highly qualified pre & post natal fitness professional. Her unique, proven, step by step 12 week programme and video series of restorative exercises, effective workouts, yoga and motivational techniques is ideal for women who want to rediscover their waistline AND body confidence, however long ago they had their baby.

Five interconnecting elements have been woven together to put a mother’s body back where she wants it.  MuTu Core is the *find your waist & flatten your tummy* bit, MuTu Breathe, the *tone your pelvic floor & chill out* bit and MuTu New Mum / MuTu Intensive is the *time to get sweaty & shape your body* bit. MuTu Posture is the *stand tall & find your mojo* bit and MuTu Food is the *eat right with no hang ups* bit.

 

Wendy Powell, said, “There’s a huge amount of advice out there for brand new mums but the physical effects of pregnancy, childbirth and mothering – weak pelvic floor, saggy tummy, weak core muscles, back ache – can go on for years, and this is what I tackle. The MuTu® System really ‘GETS’ the practicalities, hormones, emotions and pressures mums face. By following the programme you can stop being confused by conflicting advice and get your body – and mind – back in good working order and shape, however long ago you gave birth”.

She added, “The programme works because it gives women the tools, information and guidance they need to change habits and take responsibility for their bodies once again. The holistic approach is about working out, eating well and increasing self-esteem so you feel sexy, capable, strong and healthy in a world full of quick fixes and unrealistic expectations that just don’t work”.

“Thank you for MuTu – I have been totally motivated & have stuck to a programme for the first time ever! – Wendy, you have achieved the impossible!” Emi, mum of 2

For more information go to Mutu System

Salt Cod Ravioli with sauce vierge and fresh asparagus {Recipes}

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Recipe For: Salt Cod Ravioli with sauce vierge and fresh asparagus

 

Ingredients

 

500 gr Salt Cod

1 Onion

10 Parsley stalks

10 White Pepercorns

1 Garlic clove

200ml Virgin Olive Oil

200ml Cream

200gm Desiree Potatoes

1 Lemon ,Juice of

10 ml White Wine Vinegar

200gm Croutons

 

Soak cod for two days changing water every 4 hours drain and poach cod with peppercorns/onion/parsley/garlic

wrapped in muslin discard all bones/skin cook potatoes separately put through mouli warm cream in blender bring mash and oil

together adjust seasoning/lemon juice add cream near end.

 

 

DOUGH RECIPE

 

700 GRAMS OF 00 FARINA FLOUR

l/2 TEASPOON OF SEA SALT

4 WHOLE FREE RANGE EGGS

9 EGG YOLKS

1-2 TABLESPOONS OF EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

 

METHOD

 

PUT THE FLOUR AND THE SALT INTO FOOD PROCESSOR PROCESS AND ADD THE EGG AND THE YOLKS .

ADD THE OLIVE OIL AND TAKE OUT OF THE PROCESSOR PLACE ONTO FLOURED BENCH AND KNEED UNTIL THE MIXTURE IS SMOOTH TAKES ABOUT 10 MINUTES

WRAP IN CLING FILM AND REST FOR 1 TO 2 HOURS TAKE OUT AND ROLL THROUGH PASTA MACHINE.

 

50 mls Xtra Virgin Olive Oil evo

1 eschallot brunoise

2 tsp lemon juice

6 corriander seeds

1 tomato fine concasse

6 basil leaves

6 corriander leaves

1 white anchovy fillet

1 tsp sherry vinegar ( de soto)

8 baby capers

3 tbsp parsley chiffonade

 

Roast and Grind coriander crush slightly saute shallot, combine all ingredients well.

Season with sea salt and cracked black pepper.

 

To assemble

Blanche ravioli in boiling salted water until just cooked do not overcook it place sauce vierge on plate with some warmed asparagus then place ravioli on top garnish with some deep fried leeks for some texture difference.

 

The recipe has come from David Spanner, Executive Chef at Livebait Manchester.

Livebait seafood and fresh fish restaurant is housed in a stunning Grade 2 listed building which is tucked away on the edge of Albert Square right in the heart of Manchester’s city centre. The restaurant dedicates its menu mainly to fish and seafood dishes and executive chef, David Spanner is intent on showcasing the true beauty and simplicity of fresh fish. The restaurant boasts an excellent wine and champagne list fit to accompany any seafood feast.

 

www.livebaitmanchester.com

 

www.livebaitleeds.com

 

 

Let’s Toddle! Free App For Parents

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Cow & Gate launches free app for parents

 

Did you know that by the time your toddler is three they will have reached around half of their adult size and could be using up to 900 words? Now, parents never need to miss a moment of their toddler’s extraordinary growth and development with Cow & Gate’s handy new ‘Let’s Toddle!’ app.

 

Available on iPhone, passionate parents can keep track of all of the exciting milestones their toddlers reach, from finger painting to taking those first few steps, as it happens with this handy tool.

 

The Let’s Toddle! app is easy to use with four simple steps:

 

  1. Download it for free from the iTunes App Store.

 

  1. Capture it by taking photos and building an album to celebrate each special moment, making each one totally unique with different frames and captions.

 

  1. Enjoy it as you share with friends and loved ones online, uploading their most amazing moments to Facebook and Twitter, or sending via email.

 

  1. Ask it any questions you may have about toddler development. Contact Cow & Gate’s expert Careline advisors directly who are on hand, day and night, with tips and advice from how to cope with a fussy eater to ensuring your little ones are getting all of the nutrients they need.

 

The app is jam-packed with a whole host of astonishing facts about toddler development. Did you know that a toddler’s nutritional needs can be more than double those of an adult? With so much growth and development between one and three years it’s not surprising, which is why Cow & Gate Growing Up Milk is specially formulated to help provide your toddler with the extra goodness they need throughout this period of extraordinary development. Growing Up Milk is made from cows’ milk, enriched with the key nutrients toddlers need, such as iron, calcium and vitamins A, C and D.

 

 

High Impact Shutters – Spruce Up For Spring.

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Spruce up for Spring!




Spring time is nearly here and there’s no better time to give your home a fresh new look by replacing your blinds and curtains with elegant shutters.
A practical and stylish way to update your home, shutters suit every room in the house and can be made to fit any unusual space.
Sam Tamlyn from the web’s leading shutter retailer, the California Shutter Company discusses why shutters are this year’s must-have in springtime:
“Shutters provide a chic and stylish alternative to blinds and curtains and are a cost-effective, easy way to completely update the look and feel of a room for spring.
“Shutters are excellent in the spring and summer time as you can keep the doors and windows open but the shutters closed, letting plenty of glorious light and fresh air in whilst keeping those annoying bugs out.
“The spring time is associated with spring cleaning and by installing shutters in your windows you’re making life easier as they are easy to wipe clean and don’t absorb dust like curtains or blinds do.
“Shutters are incredibly versatile and so offer you a great deal of flexibility, you can choose between different slat sizes, different colours and different panel designs.
At the California Shutter Company you can choose from a range of over 18 beautiful stains and paints to best suit your shutters, your furniture in the room and the ambience you’re looking to create.

High Impact with Tangerine Tango
Tangerine Tango, a spirited and high-visibility reddish orange, is Pantone colour of the year*. The vivacious colour is being incorporated into the spring collections of famous fashion designers such as Tommy Hilfiger and Elie Tahari and can be found on the catwalk runways of 2012.
So why not inject a little colour into your home and energize your living space whilst bringing your interiors bang up-to-date?
Sam Tamlyn from the California Shutter Company says: “Shutters make a statement and provide a practical and stylish way to update your home, suit every room in the house and can be made to fit any unusual space.
We understand that everyone has their own style so that’s why our customers can choose from 18 different stains and paints or can customise their shutters with a colour of their choice.”
It’s easy to order shutters with the California Shutter Company, the web’s leading DIY shutter retailer. Simply go online, choose the shutters you like, measure up and watch their detailed advice videos to learn how you put them up yourself. Or you can take advantage of their excellent installation service.
www.californiashuttercompany.co.uk