So once again Christmas is heading towards us like an express train with faulty brakes. I love it really, but it’s easy to get into automatic pilot – turkey, cheap packs of cards, a box of crackers.

Sometimes we need to remember that life can be short – I’ve had a couple of reminders recently – and see how we can maximise the simple pleasures which we’re so privileged to experience. Can I suggest that a good place to start is by sending a beautifully-crafted Me & McQ card to someone you care about? They’ll be thrilled and treasure it, I promise you.

Me & McQ is a UK family company which has been making beautiful and distinctive cards for nearly forty years. Their cards have won the prestigious International Greeting Card Awards Competition (Louie Awards) twice no less, competing against the whole of the USA plus other countries – wow.

These cards are not just greetings cards – they’re mini works of art and are crafted by a small team of paper engineers and illustrators. They have cards for every occasion, but I’m blown away by their new 3D pop up Christmas Card collection. Twelve new designs, from traditional to amusing, they include Santa exploring his garden shed, sleighs topped high with presents, snowy village scenes and cosy Christmas tree designs. The festive lantern card is stunning, and they haven’t forgotten delightful nativity scenes too. The cards are laser cut, using premium quality paper and highest quality printing ink and they’re hand finished.

The cards are available from independent retailers nationwide, Fortnum and Mason, Harrods and www.meandmcq.com, at the very reasonable price of £6.99.

Can I also mention the lovely ‘Let It Snow’ story book written by Lauren Everdell and illustrated by Reuben McHugh, It has its own Me&McQ keepsake card to match and tells the story of a proud, free-spirited cat that learns a life lesson from his closest friend about a warm welcome. At just £6.99 too, this makes a special little extra gift.

Do check out the website for these and other lovely cards.

By Dr K Thompson, award winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q

http://faitobooks.co.uk

Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.

[slide 2 My book]

Do you suffer with ‘panda eyes’? I like pandas, but it’s not a great look on an evening out – or in my case whilst trying to do my best samba at a dance competition.

You may know that dancers use our own body weight in eyeliners and eye shadows. Like everything in the dance world, it’s about fantasy and illusion, and under the spotlights those huge dark-painted eyes look amazing. But, and here’s the problem, after spending simply ages creating a work of art where my eyes should be, a later glance in the mirror frequently reveals that my perfectly-defined violet eyelids have decamped south.

So I’m constantly on the hunt for ‘stay put’ makeups, and was excited to discover KVD Vegan Beauty. Created by a tattoo artist, it takes inspiration from this art-form and they really understand bold and dramatic makeup which doesn’t budge.

Eyeliner is integral to competition dancing – cat eye, winged, patterned or layered colour – the list gets longer, but these eye-catching (pardon the pun) designs are not restricted to the dance floor – people wear beautiful eye designs for a great night out too. So you’ll be pleased to know that Tattoo Pencil Liner Waterproof Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner definitely lives up to its name. In 17 different colours, it’s soft to apply, leaving a highly-pigmented clear line which can be blended or left to dry. Once dry it didn’t budge, even on my eyes. It was easy to draw graceful lines, or blend as a super long-lasting eye shadow.

The Moongarden Vegan Eyeshadow Palette is a dream – 12 shades, from matte base colours to the dramatic Metallic Cobalt and Satin Glitter Moss, all in a beautiful box designed by tattoo artist Myriam Lumpini. The key to their stand-out appearance and durability is their unusually concentrated pigment. Perfect for a Christmas party and a great Christmas gift.

Having deep-set eyes, my mascara often spreads onto skin, so how great that Full Sleeve Long + Defined Tubing Mascaraabsolutely doesn’t because it forms polymer sleeves around each lash which remain locked in place however much you sweat. It’s super lightweight, and again, packed with pigment, guaranteeing blackest black, long, defined eye lashes right until you decide to remove it, simply using warm water and finger pressure. This does exactly what it says on the tin.

So if you, like me love to dance hard but stay looking great, check out this great brand. The gel eyeliners are between £19 to £21, the mascara is £22 and the beautiful Moongarden Vegan Eyeshadow Palette is on special offer at £38. The website also provides useful tips on applying each product – do take a look.

By Dr K Thompson, award winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q

http://faitobooks.co.uk

Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.

St. Pancras International has officially unveiled its much-loved and highly-anticipated Christmas Tree, in partnership with Hatchards, the UK’s oldest bookshop and one of the station’s many iconic retailers. It is a brilliant partnership when one considers the magical ability of both books and train travel to transport people to exciting new places.

The St. Pancras International Christmas Tree has been a London icon for well-over a decade with a reputation for iconic brand partners and pushing the boundaries of what traditionally constitutes a Christmas tree. Over the years, the Tree has played music, displayed light shows and even snowed as part of its ambition to bring festive cheer to travellers and tourists.

The Tree also includes the Christmas Grotto, located on The Grand Terrace of St. Pancras from the 17^th of November. During their visit, children can meet Santa, enjoy activities with Elves, listen to stories and even take their parents for a trip to Hamleys and Hatchards where they can receive 20% off with their grotto ticket.

The 2023 Christmas Tree stands at 12 metres tall, and features a winding staircase, wrapping around 270 shelves with an impressive array of more than 3,800 books, which have been hand-painted and inscribed with titles of Christmas Classics such as Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”, C.S. Lewis’ “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe” and many more. 

Within the tree there are eight cubby holes where children and adults alike can sit and fully immerse themselves in the magic of Christmas. In each booth, there are speakers which allow customers to select a five minute excerpt from an audiobook or reading provided exclusively by Penguin Books, featuring authors including Charles Dickens, Beatrix Potter, Zadie Smith, Robin Stevens, Gabrielle Zevin, Alice Winn, Rick Riordan, Michael Morpurgo, Richard Osman and Tom Fletcher.  With each booth having two options, guests will be able to choose from sixteen different audios.

These cubby holes are a great free attraction for the whole family or the perfect place to take five and relax while travelling through St. Pancras. Do visit such a magical Christmas tradition at St Pancras International https://stpancras.com/ this most amazing of historic stations.

Photography – courtesy of Sam Lane Photography

Have you ever noticed that wearing a particular colour can make you feel good? When I had my ‘Colours’ done I was surprised and intrigued how my energy levels and emotions changed as the practitioner draped me in different-coloured fabrics.

Well Mike Booth, from Aura-Soma and founder of AEOS, believes that colours can benefit our consciousness and wellbeing. If this is all new to you, this link explains the philosophy.

So why are AEOS skincare products different?

Well firstly their active plant extracts, essences and essential oils are extracted from plants grown on their own organic, biodynamic Shire Farm in Lincolnshire, described as a thriving sanctuary, and the water used is drawn from an artesian well drilled on that same land. The basis of all their skincare products is oil from their own Spelt crops, a potent antioxidant packed with vitamin E, proteins and essential fatty acids, to revitalise, moisturise and regenerate, and is particularly good for very dry, prematurely aged, sensitive or eczema-prone skin.

Their second distinguishing feature is the inclusion of tinctures of gems and crystals prepared using ancient alchemical techniques. Many people, including Mike believe crystals have cleansing, healing and vibrational powers.

And finally, a very unique aspect of AEOS is their focus on the healing powers of colour with the inclusion of 100% natural and plant-derived colours.

If you’re drawn to their Blue range this signals a desire for peace and serenity. These use skin-soothing chamomile with amethyst, turquoise and emerald, to help you slow down, breathe deeply and to soothe stress.

A desire for their Pink range indicates a need for more kindness, caring and love – remember to nurture and look after yourself. They’re enhanced with fire opal, rose quartz and rubellite to support the heart chakra.

If the Yellow formulations appeal, maybe you need more joy, happiness and self-confidence? This colour is associated with a balancing of the nervous system and centering. These include Harmonising Body Lotion with soothing calendula, and sapphire, turquoise and clear quartz, and Awakening Beauty Body Lotion, rich in crystal essences of fire opal, calcite and zincite.

If this has peaked your interest, then for only £9.50 you can try an AEOS starter kit in Blue or Pink to experience their benefits. These are great because they contain eight travel-sized (3ml) tubes – three cleansing products, an exfoliant, a conditioner, a serum, a hydrating mist and a moisturiser. They’re also really handy to grab if you’re going away for the weekend.

I really liked the products in the Pink range – easy to apply and they felt great on my skin. Maybe I need to include a little self-care in my life – hm?

By Dr K Thompson, author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q

http://faitobooks.co.uk

Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.

Do you ever feel bewildered by all the different moisturisers, serums, toners and everything else that are available to slap on your skin? I mean what are they, which should you use, and when?

Well a great place to start is Glow Recipe, because it was co-founded by skin care specialists Sarah Lee and Christine Chang, who have a passion to demystify the recipe for your healthiest skin.

They pair antioxidant-rich fruit with gentle yet powerful active ingredients to create the best skin care regime for you, and they also consider your complexion’s ever-changing needs. So if you have dry areas and oily areas (combination skin) or one day you wake up with a huge spot on your nose, just head to the Glow Recipe website and they’ll have something to help.

I love their website because you can search by your skin concern under the ‘Shop All’ menu. If you have a particular problem, be it hyperpigmentation, redness or dryness just click on the link and find exactly what you need. Equally if you want a particular ingredient, such as retinol or ceramides, then you can use the ‘Clinically Effective Ingredients’ links. If you have a penchant for a particular fruit ingredient – fear not, these links are listed too.

Then once you’ve decided on your purchase, head to the Cult Beauty website for some fabulous Glow Recipe deals.

I particularly love the Glow Recipe Plum Hydration Heroes – a boxed set of moisturiser and gloss lip balm. These are not just your regular moisturising products, but they’re specially formulated for intensive hydration. You’re probably aware that hyaluronic acid is a great hydrator, but these Heroes are packed with a blend of not just one, but five multi-weight hyaluronic acids to really lock in moisture for plump-looking skin. But there’s more, they also include another hydrator, polyglutamic acid, plus three antioxidant-rich plums (kakadu, illawarra, and burdekin) which hydrate, nourish, and rejuvenate your skin’s appearance. I can see why they’re named Heroes. At just £39 for the attractively packaged set at Cult Beauty these are definitely not just for Christmas.

By Dr K Thompson, author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q

http://faitobooks.co.uk

Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.

I’m feeling exhausted after a weekend of latin dancing – the Grand Finals at Blackpool’s Wintergarden no less. It’s unbelievable fun wearing a stunning dance dress, having your hair sprayed and gelled into a work of art and using enough eyeliner to cause a national shortage.

However, the downside is the next day, when that intense activity and excitement is all over, the buckets of makeup have been scrubbed off, and it all rather shows in one’s skin, particularly when one’s skin, like the rest of one, is no longer eighteen.

So how thankful am I for The Super Treats from Evolve Organic Beauty? They’ve been an absolute life-saver.

Being intrinsically nosey, I was curious to know how Evolve Organic Beauty came into being. It’s actually very interesting – as a child, the founder, Laura Rudoe would watch her Romanian grandmother make skin creams from traditional ingredients, such as oats and calendula flowers and from that time she’s been fascinated with natural remedies and nature.

She personally researches every ingredient and, with her small team actually hand blends the essential oils for the products, ensuring the highest quality and maximum freshness. No wonder this range is so special – and, trust me, it really is. The company is also committed to sustainability, net zero and supporting local communities.

Take The Super Treats as an example. Three targeted face masks to clarify, exfoliate and nourish presented in a beautiful box. What’s not to like? Let me take you through the set:

Bio-Retinol Gold Mask improves elasticity, stimulates collagen and plumps, using Bidens Pilosa, which acts like a natural retinoid. This is totally my favourite – not only is it brilliant for my (only slightly) over eighteen year old skin but it actually looks like a pot of liquid gold. I’ve never seen anything quite like it. Very light to apply but boy is it effective. I used it to add a great glow post- dance competition and it works like a dream.

True Balance SOS Mask – a clarifying clay mask to unclog pores and prevent breakouts. But this isn’t one of the usual anti-spot treatments, it contains Quora Noni in green clay which apparently stops blemish-promoting skin bacteria from replicating. 

And finally Miracle AHA 3 Minute Mask boosts luminosity using fruit AHAs which increase cellular renewal and remove dead skin, revealing glowing new skin. I have this on now. It’s light enough not to feel like a face mask but I know it’s doing its job.

So how much does this set, all hand-made with top quality organic products cost, you may ask with perhaps some trepidation? Well, it’s on special offer, reduced from £45 to just £35. This really is a steal, for Christmas presents, but (more importantly) for you. Go on, treat yourself. You’re welcome. And while you’re there check out their other amazing products – from candles to body wash and more. The Bio-Retinol Gold Mask comes as a Christmas bauble too, making a really special stocking filler.

By Dr K Thompson, author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q

http://faitobooks.co.uk

Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.

Now that Halloween has come and gone I can officially say that word… CHRISTMAS. Every christmas I try to support as many small businesses as I possibly can, one of which is the Carslake Tea Company. Yes I do treat myself to their tea but they also make brilliant gifts for the tea lover in your family.

I first discovered Carslake Tea at the Eat: Food Fest in Burnham on Sea. I am a huge fan of loose leaf tea , and they have so many flavours available all of which are delicious and never disappoint. Recently I purchased Elderflower Lemon ,Christmas Mulled Fruit, and Turkish Apple, as well as a adorable platypus infuser. Each flavour is refreshing and warm and comforting , perfect for these cold rainy days.

They even have a tea advent calendar which is a delicious and healthier alternative to chocolate ones , each day you will be treated to a different flavour of loose leaf tea , these calanders are perfect for tea fans such as myself or those who want to try loose leaf tea but don’t know what flavours they will enjoy.

I reached out to Phil and asked him more about Carslake Tea , and here’s what he had to say:

‘Carslake Tea Company is a family business, run by myself and my partner and our son. Established in 2014, we decided to set up the business because whilst working on another project I realised that tea drinkers were being neglected. There were many Artisan Coffee producers, but very little choice for tea lovers.

Initially starting with around 20 blends, we now have almost 100.

We cater for traditional tea drinkers, but also are passionate about being different, having unusual and quirky blends and offering choice to niche drinkers (Decaffeinated and Caffeine free being one such sector).’

(Carslake Tea Loose Leaf Advent Calendar: available in Blue or Red)

This exciting loose leaf tea advent calendar comes complete with 24 jars of tea FOR TWO. Share a brew with a loved one or treat yourself to luxury loose leaf teas throughout December. LIMITED NUMBER AVAILABLE @ £39.95 including postage Delivery starting and continuing throughout November.

There are also ‘must have’ Silicon Tea Infusers – which are ideal stocking fillers or Secret Santa gifts. Available in cute Platypus and Squirrel designs. Fill the Squirrel tea infuser’s big busy tail with a loose tea of your choice and put it in a cup of hot water. Hook the little Squirrel over your favourite mug, twisting his tail down into the hot water and the tea infuses through the tail.

The duck-billed, beaver-tailed, otter-footed Platypus is a unique and rare animal inhabiting eastern Australia. Inspired by what might be the strangest creature on earth, the Platypus is a fun take on the tea infuser that’s as friendly to use as it is to look at.They are cute and fun it is great to see them peeping curiously from your cup or mug, enjoying their tea hot-tub.

There are many more details of fabulous tea products on the Carslake Tea Company website including four majestic Christmas tea blends. Do have a look, it won’t be a waste of time.

https://www.carslaketea.co.uk/shop-online/