Dr. Dulcamara Orange Flower: Victorian Inspired Beauty | Review

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We get sent a lot of stuff to review but this Victorian inspired Orange Flower collection from Dr. Dulcamara really caught our eye. It is both original and stunning. It looks so beautiful on the bathroom shelf you almost don’t want to use it. But use it you must. It smells divine and just looking at it creates happiness.

We reviewed the hand cream, which leaves the hands silky soft and smelling great. It is a really good cream, rubs in well and works. The bath essence looks like a magic potion and sitting in the bath just sniffing it is a potential hazard to look out for. It makes bathing even more enjoyable and is good to the skin.

We really loved the Orange Flower collection from Dr. Dulcamara and already have a few people in mind who will be getting these as a Christmas present. Frost loves….

Dr Dulcamare, lotions and potions, beauty, beauty review

Orange flowers are the source of neroli, an essential oil distilled from the freshly picked blossoms of the bitter orange tree. Neroli is named after the Italian city of Neroli, where it was used to ward off a plague in the 17th Century. Today, the oil is mostly produced in the South of France and in Italy.

The rich flower-scented aroma has long been regarded as a symbol of purity and eternal love, and was a great favourite of Marie Antoinette.The oil is also used frequently in Middle Eastern recipes to add fragrance to food, water and tea.

Neroli oil has a reputation for its calming, relaxing properties, and is regarded as a mild sedative.

www.potsandpotions.com

Fresh Off The Boat | Theatre Review

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In the words of Fresh Off The Boat co-writer, Sarah Pitard, ‘the UK is fucked’.

 

As the economy struggles, redundancies are commonplace and the political parties are divided on a solution, the blame knocks on immigrations door.

 

And Sarah Pitard, a pretty, white American gal whose only vice was to fall in love and marry her UK man is one of them – an immigrant, an illegal alien.

 

A Border Story (the first act of Fresh Off The Boat) follows Pitard’s real-life story in a touching, witty and unusually comical way, but I can’t help but notice that behind her calm exterior, it’s also a chance to display ‘two fingers’ at the Immigration Officers.

 

Having been refused a marriage visa, it seems marrying a UK citizen is not enough to secure a place in Blighty.

 

From the airport scene with the questions about her dress bag which alluded to her being a whore, it is no surprise her stage double, Amy, tells the audience: “England’s not a very positive place for a person other than the British.”

 

Only having married on 12/12/12 and expecting a baby, (I sighed in relief when Pitard explained this was an addition for dramatic effect) the couple attempted to exploit a legal loophole to gain entry to the UK.

 

Amy and Brian would move to another European country where Brian would get a job (the only one was sans va va voom flipping burgers in Paris) to reach the minimum six-month threshold whereby they would then be eligible for UK citizenship.

 

Now the good news is that Amy, aka Sarah, and her stage hubby Brian, are able to spread the word on this loophole and somehow this production was pulled together while they were living in France.

 

The bad news is that they’re still stuck in limbo, still awaiting to hear their fate and still uncertain about their future in the UK.

 

Despite the serious content of this first act, Pitard shows her determination, and through sympathetic Amy (Lee Lytle) and Brian, played by Paul Tonkin, we saw the emotional fragility laid bare to the audience and no doubt, it acts as an open letter to the Immigration Officers too.

 

Act two can’t help but lift your spirits, again in a satirical, comedic way as it broaches the important subject of immigration.

 

‘The Utility People’, written by Michael Ross, is opened with a couple casually celebrating with a bottle of prosecco when all the noises from the rather large utility cupboard finally spills out into the living room in the form of an immigrant mother and her son.

 

Ironically, Jake (played by Mike Houlihan), who used to work for Amnesty International is far from welcoming, and Chloe (Antonia Reid) almost overcompensates saying £they are humanity” which is abruptly followed by Jake’s “humanity can go somewhere else”’.

 

As the British Empire plundered everyone in history, Chloe feels it is only right that the mother and son ought to be able to stay and she soon starts giving them chores so they earn their keep.

 

She even provides them with the nicknames Goldilocks and Bear (obviously named after Paddington).

 

In scenes that had me chuckling, Matt and Antonia played the couple with enough sense of confusion, surprise and nerve to pull off their treacherous steps towards slave labour and human exploitation in their own home. 

 

The son, played by Theo Ancient, really comes into his own as he’s given a real voice to proclaim damnation of the way immigrants are treated around the world.

 'Fresh Off the Boat' collage

As he eloquently sums up the moral and legal system of immigration in the UK, I was literally blown away.

 

Articulating and applying a magnifying glass to the situation, he underpinned the hopes, fears and realities of immigration against the privileges of those living here.

 

Richard, the narrator, punctuated each scene beautifully with spark and character which illuminated the harsh content with the right tones of comedy.

 

A very deserving play, well structured, rehearsed and it definitely had me thinking about the privilege associated with my British passport. Good luck to the Pritards.

 

How to Come to Terms With Addiction

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Struggling with an addition can be a very isolating process. However, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Estimates suggest that somewhere between 15 and 30 percent of Americans will struggle with alcohol or drug dependency during their lifetime. Read on to discover how to come to terms with your own addiction and take steps towards recovery.

Admit That You Have a Problem


Image via Flickr by Alan Cleaver

The first step towards recovery is admitting that you have an addiction in the first place. This can be challenging, especially in the case of social drugs such as alcohol. However, there are some key signs to look for.

Addicts become consumed by their vices, generally at the expense of their professional and personal lives. They notice they can tolerate greater amounts of alcohol or their drug of choice, and often experience withdrawal symptoms if they have used it in a while. They also find curbing their habit is difficult. Are these characteristics sounding familiar to you? If so, it’s probably time to admit that you have a problem.

Assess the Impact of Your Addiction

Coming to terms with your addiction requires you to understand that it doesn’t exist in isolation. Carefully consider your behavior and the way it’s affected the people around you. This process is likely to be painful, but confronting the damage your addiction’s done will help you start doing things differently.

Remember that even though you’ve hurt your nearest and dearest, these people love you. You have a responsibility to them and to yourself to turn your life around.

Recognize That You Can’t Beat This Alone

Addiction isolates drug and alcohol abusers from friends and family members, but these loved ones are crucial in recovery. Reach out to those people who’ve been there for you throughout your life and spend time with supporters rather than enablers.

Also consider looking outside your immediate circle to professional help. This can be confronting, but therapists and staff at rehabilitation facilities are trained to guide addicts towards recovery. Drug or alcohol detoxing at 12 Keys or a similar treatment center can put you on the path towards sober living and minimize your chances of relapsing. Joining a support group can also help you share your experiences with others who understand.

Realize Why You Became an Addict

People don’t usually become addicts for no reason. Many addicts suffer from psychiatric disorders. Many have struggled with economic or emotional hardships, or both. As you start overcoming your addiction you’ll look more closely at your life and discover what void your vice filled for you. Analyzing your life in this way can be challenging, but it will also help you discover what you need to bring to your life to survive without alcohol or drugs.

Embrace the Future

Addiction can be a lonely place that seems impossible to get out of. However, to see only such negativity is not completely coming to terms with addiction. Many people beat their addictions, and with hard work and perseverance you can be one of them. Coming to terms with addiction involves coming to terms with the potential of a brighter future.

At times coming to terms with your addiction will be challenging and confronting. However, once you do you can take steps towards overcoming it.

Caroline Flack Reunited With Harry Styles

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Harry Styles, Caroline Flack, One Direction, Picture,, fashion, carolineflack  Gerard Darel - £325Caroline Flack is still on good terms with ex-boyfriend Harry Styles it seems. The pair were snapped together at the launch of the ‘Vinyl Collection’.

The TV presenter looked amazing in a Gerard Darel coat. Flack is a huge fan of the brand and this week was spotted at the launch in this statement number.

The chic, teal coat looked effortlessly elegant, bringing an edge of masculine tailoring to Caroline’s sultry look. The coat is from the new AW13 collection from Gerard Darel, retailing at £325 and available to buy instore and online at gerarddarel.com

 

Ólöf Arnalds – New Single ‘Call It What You Want’ & London Show Announcement.

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Released earlier this year, Sudden Elevation, Ólöf Arnald’s acclaimed third full album – her first sung entirely in English – captures a rare and idiosyncratic songwriting talent in full bloom. Ólöf releases a new single from the album, Call It What You Want on 25th November to coincide with international shows including a UK date at the The Lexington (19th November) and Iceland Airwaves (1st November).

olof arnalds, music, music news,

The full dates are as follows:

 

Oct 13                     Le Poisson Rouge                 New York                                                USA

Oct 18                     Fitzgerald Theater                 St Paul, Minneapolis                             USA

Oct 24                     De Centrale                            Gent                                                        Belgium

Oct 25                     Cultuurcentrum                      Hasselt                                                   Belgium

Oct 27                     Arkaoda                                  Istanbul                                                   Turkey

Nov 01                    Iceland Airwaves                   Reykjavik                                               Iceland

Nov 02                    Around Iceland                      Reykjavik                                               Iceland

Nov 13                    The Slaughtered Lamb        London                                                  UK

 

Ólöf also makes available a free download, The Matador EP comprising 4 Icelandic songs originally included as a cover-mount with Spanish art magazine Matador last year. Three songs (Lát vaxa, Blóm, and Hlið) were composed by Skúli Sverrisson with lyrics by Ólöf, while Af stað was written for Bjork’s Náttúra concert in Reykjavík in June 2008. The lyric of the latter song is based on an old Icelandic nationalist poem. “I twisted all the words around” explains Ólöf, “Making fun of the over-romanticised pride of our country and put the emphasis on how much nature gives us as people; the rest, the piece of mind, the inspiration, the big picture… I sung about how the Icelandic nation was literally getting drunk from individual gain and self-importance. Three months later the country´s economy collapsed…”

 

Produced again by long-time collaborator, Skúli, Sudden Elevation was largely recorded in a late autumn 2011 stint in a seaside cabin in Hvalfjörður (literally ‘Whale-fjord’), in the west of Iceland.

 

Office To Party in 5 Minutes | Beauty

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Jourdan DunnFrom Office to Party in 5 minutes; Amanda Elias of Bravura London shares her DO’s and DON’Ts for an effortless transition from Day to Night this party season.

  • DO use a toner if you don’t have time to remove your make-up. Spritz over the face and blot away or gently wipe over with a cotton pad, this will remove any excess oil and the bulk of your make-up. Then apply your foundation and powder.
  • DO exfoliate your skin in the morning or use a product containing AHA; this will remove the dead skin instantly leaving your skin looking fresher and your make-up will go on smoother and last longer.
  • DON’T worry about having to tie back hair for work. Invisibobbles are plastic rings which allow you to tie your hair back without leaving kinks.
  • DON’T apply heavy makeup first thing. Keep your makeup light in the morning, that way it will be easier to touch up in the evening. Use tinted moisturiser or a BB cream and keep the eyes light or neutral.
  • DO apply a good primer in the morning as this will help your foundation last longer.
  • DON’T be afraid of hairpieces, for a quick and elegant updo they can really transform your look in minutes- just be sure to match your hair colour as closely as possible. If you’re not a fan of faking it, a bun ring can create an elegant look with minimal effort.
  • DON’T have time to fix your eyeshadow? Keep it neutral and apply a bold lip colour. If you have dramatic, bold eyes, keep your lips neutral.
  • DO give yourself a basic manicure the night before; polished and evenly shaped nails can really complete a look without much effort.
  • DO get those false lashes out, they don’t have to be overly long or dramatic. Popping on a pair of lashes can instantly transform your tired eyes to look brighter and sexier. If you’ve never applied lashes then practise, practise, practise- 5 minutes before you’re due to leave is not the time to try false eyelashes for the first time.
  • DO drink plenty of water thought the day and cut back on the caffeine, hydrated skin looks more youthful.
  • DON’T suffer in silence. If you’re nervous about how to apply make-up properly or fancy a new look, Youtube will become your new best friend! Pixiwoo gives the most amazing, easy to follow make-up tutorials.

Esteemed within the skincare industry, Mum-of-three Amanda is an expert when it comes to all things parenting, skincare and beauty

“When I Was a Lad…” Britain’s Favourite Childhood Memories

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“When I Was a Lad…” Britain’s Favourite Childhood Memories

 

Growing up, you tend to go through spells where you have your favourite cartoons that you never miss, the weekly kick around with friends after school, your favourite computer game and the CDs you would spend hours listening to. As you get older however, these trends change, new activities take their place and you outgrow certain things – that’s life and it’s part of growing up.

 

In just about every room in the house, you probably had things that you loved at the time, but cringe about now. Possessions can be just like fashion and hairstyles: they’re great at the time, but horrendous when they go “out of style.” Betta Living, the home retailer, have performed a survey recently that involved asking people from around the UK about their favourite childhood memories from around their homes, and you can find out more by visiting their page.

 

childrenOver the years, different items have been classed as “must haves” while others have been popular for years, only going out of style because another manufacturer has come along with a new “must have”. There are items on the list that just about everyone has owned at some stage in their life. For instance, one of the most popular childhood items was the lava lamp, which had people captivated for hours on end, while magnetic fridge letters were both fun and educational, allowing you to spell out words on the fridge while waiting for dinner to cook after a long day at school!

 

Different regions also have different favourite possessions, as you might expect. Quite often what’s ‘cool’ in London might not be cool in Manchester, for example, while Scottish women might have different tastes to Scottish men. It’s all down to interpretation and personal choice, and that’s what made our childhoods so different. If we all had the same things, played the same games, listened to the same music and shared the same pastimes, we wouldn’t be the people we are today.

 

A lot of our development will have been affected by the kind of possessions we had around the home or at school growing up. Whatever the circumstances, we probably all sat down at the same time in the evening, ate similar meals and watched the same television shows – so we’re not completely different after all!

Sir Bobby’s Breakthrough Online Charity Auction Goes Live as Bidding Kicks off for Money-Can’t-Buy Experiences

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Sir Bobby’s Breakthrough Online Charity Auction is officially underway in a bid to raise £1million for cancer services.

 

The latest item racked up 20 bids within hours of going online while others attracted thousands of pounds worth of offers as bidders go head to head to win money-can’t-buy experiences; one prize currently sits on an offer of over £7,000 with two weeks of bidding left to go.

 

Manchester United is the latest to join an impressive list of sporting stars, celebrities and leading businesses who have donated to the auction including Jose Mourinho, Andre Villas-Boas, Graeme Swann, Kieron Dyer, Bill Nighy, Piers Morgan and Amanda Holden.

 

Latest items include an award winning catamaran all inclusive trip around the British Virgin Islands, lunch with British actor Bill Nighy, VIP tickets to Britain’s Got talent, a VIP Bayern Munich Experience with Josep ‘Pep’ Guardiola, a table in the Blue Riband on Ladies Day at Ascot and a one-off experience to accompany Kieron Dyer as his personal guest to watch Real Madrid play Barcelona.

 

Mark Robson, Sir Bobby’s son, comments, “The online auction is a fantastic way to help us continue the work my father started and raise crucial funds for cancer charities. We are overwhelmed by the generous donation from FIFA. I urge people, clubs and companies to consider donating, however big or small, and bidding to help us reach our £1million target.”

 

Gina Long, the auction founder, said “It is so exciting to launch the Sir Bobby’s Breakthrough Online Charity Auction with this incredible item from FIFA. I encourage everyone to head to the website and register to bid as an item like this is bound to be a favourite with football fans! Not into football? Check out our other auction items, there is literally something for everyone!”

 

Running from 10 – 27 October, Sir Bobby’s Breakthrough will raise crucial funds for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, Breakthrough Breast Cancer and cancer services within two Suffolk Hospitals.

 

Proudly backed by headline supporter BT Sport, Sir Bobby’s Breakthrough auction items for 2013 include tickets to the JLS goodbye concert, lunch with Bill Nighy, flights, accommodation and tickets to see the Real Madrid v Barcelona game in the Bernabeu Stadium as Kieron Dyer’s special guest, a VIP trip to next year’s F1 in Monaco by private ‘Eclipse’ jet, incredible sporting art from Ben Mosley, a week sailing on a luxury catamaran ‘Akasha’, a one-on-one personal bowling tuition with England cricketer Graeme Swann at Lords, Paul Gascoigne’s England shirt from a pre-Italia ‘90 training game, the opportunity to have a team play a six-a-side tournament at St. George’s Park in 2014 and a week-long stay at The Brewers House in Southwold donated by Adnams.

 

The auction is now live– to bid go to www.sirbobbysbreakthrough.comand click the ‘Regsiter to Bid’ button.

*Visit www.sirbobbysbreakthrough.com for full terms and conditions. Accommodation and flights not included.

 

A taster of some of the TOP Sports Auction Items so far!

 

1.       FIFA Ballon d’Or in Zurich

This is a very rare opportunity to attend the glamorous ceremony which acknowledges those at the top of their game. Two lucky guests will attend the FIFA Ballon d’Or in Zurich 2014 and be a part of football history. Who will be named best manager? Will Barcelona’s Lionel Messi claim best player for an unprecedented fifth year?!

2.       FC Barcelona home match

A once in a lifetime opportunity for two people to attend training at FC Barcelona, arguably one of the greatest teams ever, featuring Lionel Messi, already an all-time great player and the best footballer at work in the world now.

 

3.       Real Madrid vs. Barcelona with Kieron Dyer

One lucky football fan will win flights, accommodation and tickets to see the Real Madrid v Barcelona game in the Bernabeu Stadium as former England midfielder, Kieron Dyer’s special guest.

4.       Manchester United VIP Experience

 

An amazing chance to to attend a Manchester United game at Old Trafford during the 2013-2014 regular season, as well as watching the team train at the Aon Training Complex and a private tour of the facility. Any Man U fan’s dream!

 

5.       Walk in Mourinho’s shoes

A chance to own Chelsea Managers, Jose Mourinho’s signed, personalised and worn football boots. Includes photo of authenticity. Donated by Jose Mourinho

6.       A day at Derby County Football Club in the Toyota Suite

The day will include car parking, tour of the stadium, pre-match meal in the Toyota Suite and match tickets to view the game in the Directors Box for 2 people

 

7.       Table for 4 on our VIP package in the Champions Gallery on 1,000 Guineas day

 

8.       Essex County Cricket Club

Two lucky cricket teams will go head to head at the Essex County Cricket Ground. Pull together your friends, family or colleagues, don your whites and enjoy a friendly innings* on these professional grounds. Donated by Derek Bowden of Essex County Cricket

*Dates to be agreed by Essex County Cricket Grounds

9.       Gazza’s shirt

One lucky bidder will walk away with Paul Gascoigne’s pre-World Cup Italia ‘90s training game shirt. After a game against Tunisia, England hotshot, Gazza dug out his England 19 shirt from the bottom of his kit bag and gave it to Giacomo Malvermi, Sir Bobby’s Italia ’90 translator. Donated by Giacomo Malvermi

 

10.   Drive an Audi R8 Supercar for a day

Fancy cruising in a fabulous Audi R8?  Our friends at Ipswich Audi are offering the winning bidder the opportunity to spend a day driving this incredible car

11.   Spin bowl with Swanny

Join England professional cricketer Graeme Swann for a one-on-one personal bowling session at Lords Cricket Ground. Donated by Graeme Swann

12.   Shinji Kagawa Signed Football Boots

This is a your chance to own a pair of very special signed football boots by Shinji Kagawa and he’s personally presenting them to the winning bidder and a guest and a photo will capture the moment at Manchester United Carrington Road Training Ground. Dates to be agreed by Shinji Kagawa.

 

13.   A VIP F1 experience

A VIP trip to next year’s F1 Grand Prix in Monaco by private ‘Eclipse’ jet. Donated by CMX Event and Aeris Aviation

14.   Drive the incredible McLaren MP4-12C at a world famous race circuit.

A unique chance to drive the incredible McLaren 12C at a famous UK or European race circuit – an amazing experience not normally available to the public. McLaren are inviting one lucky winner to come along, with their guest, to learn from professional drivers and experience the thrill of driving the 200MPH McLaren MP4-12C.

 

Talk tactics with AVB

The opportunity for two people to visit the Tottenham Hotspur’s new training centre, to watch training and then have lunch with Andre Villas-Boas. Donated by Andre Villas-Boas

15.   VIPEngland Experience

A fantastic opportunity for two people to attend an England Senior Men’s football team training session ahead of an England home international fixture in 2014. You will also be presented with an England 2014 football shirt signed by members of the Senior England Men’s squad with full hospitality at The FA Club and FA club tickets. Donated by The Football Association

 

16.   MotoGP™ VIP tickets

This incredible package includes a pair of VIP tickets for the MotoGP™ in Valencia, Spain (8-10 November, 2013), return flights and transfers, half board accommodation, access to the race circuit viewing area, a meet and greet with the Monster Yamaha TECH3 riders and a garage and paddock tour. Donated by Stanley Black & Decker

17.   VIP tickets to World Snooker Final

Two VIP tickets to attend both sessions of the Final of the 2014 World Snooker Championship at The Crucible Theatre, Sheffield on Monday, 5 May 2014 which includes prime seats for thearena, a back stage tour and a VIP invitation to attend the post Final Champions Reception (tickets are not available to the public).

 

18.   Ultimate NCFC experience

You and a guest have a chance to enjoy a tailor-made VIP home match experience. This prize includes a stadium tour, delicious meal in the Directors Lounge, plus tailor made extras – for example, if you would like to bring a child with you Norwich City FC will look at potentially making them mascot for the day. Donated by Norwich City FC.

19.   Equestrian Training with Mary King

A fantastic full day experience for two people, with one of Britain’s most prolific gold medallist equestrians , with a profile spanning over 30 years, including 2 World Championship Gold medals, Silver and Bronze Olympic medals. Mary and team GB won Silver at London 2012 in a beautiful performance.