BackBliss Lotion & Cream Applicator Review | Summer Picks

Posted on June 3, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

I am double-jointed and can reach every part of my back. This is a rare skill however and my doctor does tell me off for ‘overstretching’. So to stop annoying him, and for those without freakish joints, we thought we would review the Backbliss Lotion & Cream Applicator. A great beauty pick for summer.

The BackBliss Lotion Applicator is a device to help you apply sun lotion, cream or after sun to that awkward middle part your back to keep your back protected in and out of the sun. When Caroline Wagstaff, 55 the product’s inventor from Windsor, Berkshire, appeared on the BBC2 show Dragons’ Den the Dragons thought BackBliss was ingenious!

‘Sun care has improved enormously over the years but it is still difficult to get all this good stuff in the right places’ says Caroline.

Now anyone planning to enjoy the sun here in the UK or abroad can easily and regularly apply SPF to their backs to protect themselves from the suns harmful UV rays and get a safe and healthy suntan.

Applying stuff to your back is difficult even if you are on holiday with someone else. Your partner, friend or colleague is not always willing to cream your back, they are not always by your side, they often do it begrudgingly or simply not very well. Sometimes you just don’t want to ask them again!

Why BackBliss?

Compact and lightweight, easy to use – take it to the beach, salon, pool or gym

Fun, funky and functional! – Available in blue or charcoal (and pink, purple and clear!)

Hundreds of uses – self tan, sun and after sun creams, body lotions and butters, moisturising cream, medical treatments and ointments.

No wastage! Patented pad material doesn’t absorb lots of lotion – only use the amount you need.

Hygienic Replacement Pads – are washable and long lasting.

Ergonomically tested – BackBliss’s patented design perfectly moulds the contours of your back

RRP Single Pack £11.99, Double pack £19.99.

Some genuine customer reviews

Just what I needed for my holiday. I cannot believe I hadn’t thought to search for this product before. I was able to apply my sun tan lotion (and after sun) easily all holiday.

Gemma Cairns

I wish I had discovered BackBliss ages ago. I’ve had difficulty for a few years due to a stiff shoulder and I hated asking my grumpy husband to rub moisturiser on my back.

This device is a fantastic solution if, like me, you need to regularly apply prescription creams to your back. I shall also use it for sun lotion.

So what did we think?

It really works. It stops you straining or hurting a muscle or having someone you don’t like rub cream into your back. It is also good if you have an itch. It comes with a suction hook which you can attach to the shower and the packaging is handy for traveling. It also comes with a spare pad. This is a very good invention and ideal for people with bad backs too. A highly recommended summer pick. Good stuff.

Fushi Virgin Marula Oil Review

Posted on June 3, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

I fell in love with facial oils last year after being sent some to review. I never thought I would like putting oil on my face; it would be too slick and greasy. But it actually makes a huge difference and is lighter than some moisturisers. Another benefit is that you tend to massage it in rather than just put it on, which also makes a huge difference to skin.

Facial oils tend to be natural too, and Fushi Virgin Marula Oil is so natural that you can actually eat it. Perfect for sensitive skin and for those who are sick of putting chemicals on their face.

Fushi have a large African oil range, all of which are perfect for protecting and reviving skin and hair from the damages caused by the summer sun and the environment.

With a higher antioxidant level than Argan oil, Marula Oil works in two ways to help fight the ageing process; protecting the skin against damaging free radicals and also visibly reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Marula oil is often known in Africa as a “miracle oil,” Marula Oil has been revered among African women for hundreds of years for its powerful moisturising and anti-aging benefits. This prized oil is extracted from the fruit kernels of the Marula tree from Kenya. Marula oil deeply nourishes and hydrates the skin and is quite unique due to its super rich content of fatty acids, vitamins C and E. Marula oil is thought to have a richer content of antioxidants than even Argan oil. It is ideal to use to protect the skin from aging, for fine lines and crows feet. A light non greasy oil, Marula oil is absorbed easily and is the perfect anti aging night oil for the face and neck area. It is most effective at protecting the skin from those damaging free radicals that accelerate aging.

It says it is perfect for mature skin types but I am in my twenties and I still love it. I don’t have any wrinkles yet but I have noticed some enlarged pores and a few fine lines forming. After using the marula oil I have noticed a significant difference. Even my fiance remarks that I am ‘glowing’. It is also great for dry skin as it really hydrates.

The smell isn’t great but it is bearable and doesn’t linger for too long and a little of the oil goes a long way. I don’t use this during the day as it leaves the face shiny and I am just not sure it would work but it is my current night oil of choice. I love it and it is organic, cold-pressed and fairtrade. Sigh, I’m in love.

You can buy it from the Fushi site.

High Costs Putting People Off Higher Education Courses

Posted on June 3, 2014 by Frostie

An educational charity have outlined that the high cost of further education has prevented almost half of UK adults gaining advance qualifications. This comes as figures show that the average graduate debt is now £53,000 after tuition fees rose in September 2012.

The NCFE (Northern Council for Further Education) surveyed 2,000 adults across the UK and found that being too old (36%) and family commitments (24%) were also factor when deciding to undertake a further education course.

Despite there being a demand for degrees over the past 20 years, with a 140% increase in the number of people studying medicine, and 162% increase in degrees in mass communications and media studies between 2000 and 2012, there is currently a lack of graduates in technical disciplines which has led to a significant skills gap.

With an average of 250 people applying for each corporate job, and with 20% of graduates unemployed in their first 6 months after completing their University course, there is an increasing demand for vocational courses.

In the past couple of years, the Government has put more money into apprenticeships than ever before, and with the demand for vocational courses predicted to peak in 2050, there is an ever increasing demand for more practical and vocationally led courses.

UK’s Top 10 driving songs

Posted on June 3, 2014 by Frostie

· 60 per cent of Brits say “golden oldies” and “cheesy classics” make the best driving playlist

· Three quarters of UK drivers indulge in ‘car-eoke’ – belting out tunes behind the wheel

· Holly Willoughby and David Beckham are the UK’s dream road trip companions

· Katie Hopkins is the UK’s nightmare car companion!

Frost is not adverse to singing in the car and it seems we are not the only ones. In an age of digital addiction – where everyone is keen to be connected, informed and upgraded – it seems our music taste hasn’t changed with the times. Despite a thoroughly modern lifestyle, Brits prefer to listen to classic bands like Queen in the car, a survey of 1,000 UK drivers revealed.

While one in three Brits use a smartphone or iPod to listen to music when driving, the majority of people prefer songs that were hits long before these devices were invented. Nine of the ten songs revealed as the best driving songs were released in the 1970s and 1980s. Brit rockers Queen topped the poll, stealing the first and second spots.

To mark the arrival of the New Original MINI, 55 years after the original Mini was launched in 1959, MINI has delved into the past to find the greatest driving tracks of all time.

Long live the Queen

The band Queen is the nation’s favourite artist overall to play in the car (16 per cent of votes), having beaten the likes of Michael Jackson (9 per cent), Fleetwood Mac (8 per cent) and Meatloaf (6 per cent) in the national poll. Their 1978 hit ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ was voted best driving song with a quarter of the votes, and ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ claimed number two with 21 per cent of the votes. Londoners favoured Michael Jackson while Scottish respondents voted for Fleetwood Mac and Geordies preferred to play Meatloaf.

UK drivers love ‘car-aoke’

Three quarters of Brits admitted they like to belt out a tune when behind the wheel. In fact, 28 per cent of respondents said they sing “loud and proud” no matter who is listening. However, almost half of the UK (46 per cent) will only sing when they are in the car on their own. ‘Dancing Queen’ by ABBA is the nation’s favourite guilty pleasure to croon along to.

Fantasy road trip: Holly Willoughby or David Beckham on Route 66

When it comes to choosing the dream trip to accompany a soundtrack, Brits opt for Route 66, with one in three of us saying that would be our fantasy drive. ITV’s Holly Willoughby topped the poll for the person we want most in the passenger seat – chosen over royalty, sporting heroes and film stars including Kate Middleton, David Beckham and Daniel Craig. David Beckham did however top the poll for women. Holly’s TV nemesis, Katie Hopkins, claimed top of the list for the ultimate nightmare car companion. Others on the nightmare list included Bruce Forsyth, Boris Johnson (who topped the poll for Londoners!) and UKIP party leader Nigel Farage.

Robbie helps us to relax

When it comes to tunes that calm us on the road, the song to choose is Angels by Robbie Williams. The hit topped the list of songs that soothe road rage, with a quarter of respondents selecting the popular 90s ballad. Conversely, Angels by indie band The XX had just four per cent of the vote for their 2012 single. Once again the more classic tracks, including Dionne Warwick’s Walk on By and U2’s With or Without You, were chosen over current chart favourites such as Strong by London Grammar (2 per cent) for relaxation.

MINI has recently launched the newest addition to its fleet, The New Original MINI, which combines over half a century of heritage with state-of-the-art technology and design. The stunning new Hatch – packing twin power turbo engines, in-car technology with ‘MINI connected’, and cutting-edge safety features – answers the nation’s need for a car that meets their modern requirements while satisfying their classic tastes.

TOP TEN DRIVING SONGS

1. Don’t stop me now – Queen

2. Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen

3. Bat out of hell – Meatloaf

4. Don’t stop Believin’ – Journey

5. Dancing Queen – Abba

6. Hotel California – The Eagles

7. Sex on Fire – Kings of Leon

8. Walking on Sunshine – Katrina and the Waves

9. Driving Home for Christmas – Chris Rea

10. I’m Gonna Be (500 miles) – The Proclaimers

THE TOP TEN GUILTY PLEASURE SONGS TO SING ALONG TO IN THE CAR

1. Dancing Queen – Abba

2. Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey

3. Come on Eileen – Dexy’s Midnight Runners

4. Call Me Maybe – Carly Rae Jepsen

5. Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond

6. Baby One More Time – Britney Spears

7. I’m Gonna Be (500 miles) – The Proclaimers

8. Black Velvet – Allanah Myles

9. All Out of Love – Air Supply

10. Relight my Fire – Take That

THE BEST SONGS TO SOOTHE ROAD RAGE

1. Angels – Robbie Williams

2. With or Without You – U2

3. Walk on By – Dionne Warwick

4. Always – Bon Jovi

5. Yellow – Coldplay

OUR IDEAL ROAD TRIPS

1. Route 66, USA

2. Amalfi Coast, Italy

3. Land’s End to John O’Groats, UK

4. East Coast, Australia

5. Auckland to Queensland, New Zealand

OUR TOP FANTASY CELEBRITY ROAD TRIP COMPANIONS

1. Holly Willoughby

2. David Beckham

3. Daniel Craig

4. Kate Middleton

5. Boris Johnson

OUR NIGHTMARE PASSENGER SEAT COMPANIONS

1. Katie Hopkins

2. Bruce Forsyth

3. Boris Johnson

4. Nigel Farage

5. Harry Styles

Black White Red Winchester

Posted on June 3, 2014 by Sarah Bacchus

If you have the chance to visit Black White Red in Winchester you will be sure to want one on your very doorstep for breakfast, lunch and fantastic evenings out. We are so lucky to have this cool trendy and vibrant cafe and bar at our disposal. The coffee is exceptional and tastes like nectar. The food will send you on a trip to the moon! Out of this world is the only way to describe this brilliant, busy and fun new find.

Food from the gods, we ate poached eggs on toast, tomato and mozzarella and avocado & onion on the best fresh bread that had been lightly toasted and drizzled with olive oil. We all dipped in and shared mouthfuls of each dish as it was too good to miss a single flavour!

They believe Wine and Coffee are linked…even if you don’t drink them at the same time of day they are produced in very similar ways, with distinctive flavours and characteristics. Wine and coffee should live together and at Black White Red they do just that.

Try a few of your favourite wines and you will notice how the flavours between certain coffees and the wine are almost identical! The fun is trying, tasting and exploring all they have to offer. Its a totally new concept that no one has tried before and by golly it works. This place is always packed and you can just feel the happiness waft down the street. It has fast become our Sunday go to place for coffees, really delicious food and a place to just sit and watch the world go by!

Black….. is just for Coffee, White… is the link between the two (white coffee, white wine) Red……. is just for Wine. Simple as that but such a perfect place to take time out and create memories.

Follow, Tag, Tweet and Instagram them! Check out the menu here come say hello over at slbstyle.com or follow me on Twitter @sarahbacchus to check out my professional work take a look at sarahbacchus.com

t: @BWRWinchester
i: /BWRWinchester

A Fort of Nine Towers By Qais Akbar Omar Book Review

Posted on June 2, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

I have to be honest. I have put off writing this review. Which may seem weird considering the fact that A Fort of Nine Towers is one of the most important books I have ever read. Many books change you, give you enjoyment, make you think, even change your outlook: A Fort of Nine Towers does most of these, but it also touches your soul, your heart and then breaks them a little. As a Western woman, with all of the privilege that entails, reading this book is an eye-opener and a game changer.

I read papers, I watch the news, I watch documentaries and read books. I stay involved in politics and world events, but this tale of a young boy growing up in Afghanistan should be required reading for every one in the Western world (and beyond).

How much the human spirit can endure is both interesting and fascinating. The same with the human body. Qasis Akbar was only eleven when a brutal civil war broke out in Kabul. For Qais, it brought an abrupt end to a childhood filled with kites and cousins in his grandfather’s garden: one of the most convulsive decades in Afghan history had begun. Ahead lay the rise of the Taliban, and, in 2001, the arrival of international forces.

Called ‘poetic, powerful and unforgettable’ by The Kite Runner author Khaled Hosseini, A Fort of Nine Towers is the story of Qais, his family and their determination to survive these upheavals as they were buffeted from one part of Afghanistan to the next. Drawing strength from each other, and their culture and faith, they sought refuge for a time in the Buddha caves of Bamyan, and later with a caravan of Kuchi nomads. When they eventually returned to Kabul, it became clear that their trials were just beginning.

A lot of this book is horrifying, the inhumanity from one human to another, but there is also hope. Qais apologises to the reader for the stories he tells, knowing they will never leave your mind: stories of pits full of skulls, women being gang-raped, a man called ‘Dog’ who tortures and kills people by biting them. Something that happens to Qais and his father, but only after they have seen a row of dead naked people, some tourists, all in a row, horror as their death masks.

This book is also important as a way to dispel propaganda. Rather fascinatingly Qais writes about hearing talk of a rich Arab named Bin Laden (Yes, that one), who lived near Qais in a big house which used to be owned by someone called the Pimp of The King. The place was always covered by Taliban and they would drive black Land Cruisers and have big meetings there. So Osama Bin Laden was in Afghanistan. I am not saying this has made me pro-war, I believe lies were told, but this piece of information, and the stories of the Taliban; what they did, their brutality, what happened to women…Westerners don’t just have a duty to other Westerners and certainly not just to other white people. We can not just turn a blind eye. When I read the book and got to the end, I see how the invasion of Iraq also benefited Afghanistan. I am more educated but I want to learn even more, talk to more Afghans. The book even prints out the rules for women and information the Taliban distributed after it took over Kabul. These include toppling walls on homosexuals (if they live it means they weren’t homosexuals) and women should not step outside of their residence…she belongs to only one man (Husband) or soon she will be property of a man (Husband). And the ironically illiterate: women do not have as much brains as men, therefore they cannot think wisely as man. These ended with ‘Sincerely! The Taliban rules’. Like some illiterate teenager would graffiti on a wall.

I learned a lot reading this book. Some I already knew but it was reinforced: the Taliban are evil. Horrible peasants who use religion as an excuse to murder and torture and rule, the horror of organised religion and the damage it can cause, how privileged anyone is to be born in Britain or the US, how they have no excuse whatsoever not to make something of their lives, when there are people like Qais, who survived a brutal war, who saw the people he loved killed, who saw such horrifying things at such a young age. But more importantly I was more educated after reading this book, more compassionate. I was sadder, emotional but with a fire in my belly: knowing that every human being must do their best, and what happened in Afghanistan should never be forgotten. God knows what will happen when US troops pull out soon. I only hope the Taliban do not return, but I fear that they will. It is too awful a thought to even contemplate and God help Afghanistan if they do.

You can buy A Fort of Nine Towers here. I highly recommend that you do.

What do you think?

Kent & Fraser Gluten Free Biscuits And Cocio Chocolate Milk Review

Posted on June 2, 2014 by Frostie

We were pretty happy when Spicy Ginger Crunch Cookies and Lemon Butter Shortbread from Kent & Fraser arrived hot on the heels of Cocio Chocolate Milk.

Right, let’s start with the chocolate. Cocio is the new chocolate milk from Aria. This Danish chocolate milk has only three ingredients: fresh milk, luxury cocoa and natural sugar. It is best served ice cold and drunk straight from the bottle after giving it a gentle shake to mix the three ingredients. For those watching their waistlines there is Cocio One which only has 1% fat and 1% added sugar. It’s only 130kcal per bottle and is as delicious as the classic. We love Cocio chocolate milk and would buy it. It goes on sale this month nationwide priced at £1.39 for 270ml.

These were amazing. They are gluten and wheat free but are just as delicious as ‘ordinary’ biscuits. The lemon butter shortbread is light and zingy. The amount of lemon is perfect and they are very moreish. They melt in your mouth. The spicy ginger crunch cookies are superb. Not too spicy that they are not enjoyably, just a good kick which is not uncomfortably hot. They are crunchy and delicious. We polished both packets off worryingly quickly. These biscuits taste too good to be natural, but they are, so even better.

Available from Harrods, Selfridges and Ocado priced £2.29

And a special mention for…

Magnum Marc De Champagne Ice Cream Bars

These were bought in Sainsbury’s because, why wouldn’t you? They are delicious and we highly recommend them. Chocolate, ice-cream and champagne. Sigh. The champagne is subtle but noticeable. £2.99 for three and the alcohol content is only 0.5% so you can have a few….

What will you be indulging in?

Interview with Emrhys Cooper

Posted on June 2, 2014 by Sarah Bacchus

I had the real pleasure of interviewing the oh so beautiful and talented English born Actor and producer Emrhys Copper a few days ago. I wanted to get to know him a little better and share with all of you some of the questions he never gets asked! We had a great chat and he was up for being asked almost anything including a few cheeky questions. He gets my vote to play James Bond or any Jude Law film ever created!

Emrhys was born in Devon, England and at 16 his was awarded a scholarship for the Central School of Ballet and later trained at Laine Theatre Arts, Epsom. He has toured and stared in Fame The Musical before making his West End debut at 21 in the Queen musical We Will Rock You. Emrhys has made several appearances on British television, including Coronation Street, ITV’s I’d Do Anything.

His on-screen movie debut was in the 2007 film Natasha and he is also featured in my all time favourite film Mamma Mia! (2008) How incredible is that?!!
There is no end to his talent and he decided to move to Los Angeles in 2008 to pursue his dream where he quickly started working on some of the USA’s biggest shows including the well known and down right brilliant Desperate Housewives.
Emrhys has also worked as a dancer alongside the likes of Madonna, Christina Aguilera, Pussy Cat Dolls and The Sugababes. He starred in the music video to the No1 hit Push the Button as the Geeky Guy directed by Matthew Rolston. While dancing, he appeared on TV shows such as The X Factor, America’s Got Talent, Stars in their Eyes and the MTV European Music Awards.

I was very keen to catch up with this cheeky and amazing chap and get the low-down on life in LA and what makes him tick.

Sarah. What made you become an actor, did you just decide one day…you know I think I will do this or has it been in your blood.
Emrhys. To be honest it happened really young, it was pretty cliched. I watched a James Bond movie and I was so captivated, I said to myself I want to be James Bond… Then it just went from there.
S. Where your parents supportive.
E. Very, my dad was also acting and my mum was involved with Dance.
S. Who are your heroes in the industry
E. I have so many. It was take all day to acknowledge them all. But I would like to say I have had my many teachers over the years that I owe my career to, and hopefully they know who they are.
S. What do you love about being in La.
E. It is the land of dreams. The weather doest hurt. You can be whoever you want to be and know one will judge you for having a dream.

S. Have you changed since living in La
E. Yes, I have grown into the person I believe I was supposed to be.
Its not been easy, but I definitely feel lucky that I am here right now and making my dreams a reality.

S. Who is the most random friend you have made in the industry.
E. Hmmm, well one of my best friends in an actress called Anne Jeffreys, we met at the Oscars and now we see each other all the time. She just turned 90 (she will hate that I said that LOL).
S. Ricky Gervais and Russell Crowe recently publicly tweeted about a night out and posted selfies. Who would you love to be buddies with it could be anyone past or present.
E. I would have like to have been friends with Fred Astaire, he is one of the biggest dance inspirations of my life – we could have a tap off. I would also have done anything to have met Michael Jackson. He is one of my idols, I would have wanted to have moon walked with MJ.

S. Being a British lad at heart, what do you miss about England living in LaLa land or is it a dream come true?
E. I miss my family most of all. But I also miss pub life, my friends, a good sunday roast. And most of all the British sense of humor.

S. What’s your elevator pitch to get a role. If I was a director and you had to convince me in 1 minute you where perfect for a role how would you go about impressing me!!

E. Jude Law is not available and I am ;)

S. If you could play any film role in History, what would it be?
E. I wouldn’t say no to James Bond.
S. What role in history do you think you could have payed better than the original?
E. I loved Dick Van Dyke in Mary Poppins – but his accent….
S. Lastly what is your advice to yourself if you could travel back in time and pull yourself over for a chat. What advice would you give yourself.
E. The bad times are never as bad as you think and the good times only get better.

He’s one to watch over the coming years and he’s cheeky enough to grab that role as Bond. He’s totally perfect for the role in my eyes. He is a rising star we all need to follow. If you want to pop him a little Tweet and say hi I am sure he would love it!! @EmrhysCooper come over and say hello to me @sarahbacchus visit my website www.sarahbacchus.com to see my photographic work or jump over to my blog www.slbstyle.com

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