Macadamia Professional Launch

Posted on August 7, 2015 by Sarah Bacchus

I attended the launch of a very exciting hair range recently. Macadamia are known for their hair oils and now they have created a fantastic new collection of professional products for salons and home use. I was mesmerised at the performance of the entire range.

They are for sale on their website so don’t worry if your salon isn’t stocking just yet, and if you are a salon wanting these just hit THIS LINK and you can introduce the entire range for your customers to go crazy over. It won’t be long before this range pops up in salon near you as this range is quite frankly superb. I have had a drastic cut recently and these are helping restore my hairs lustre, bounce and body. One of the main reasons I cut it off was it had become dry from using hotel shampoos and conditioners while traveling recently. Most inferoiur products contain Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES for short) and these strip the hair of vital goodness and essential oils. It’s not widely know that this nasty chemical can cause eye or skin irritations. The worst thing about SLES is that its used in experiments done on animals and humans. So if your Vegan you need to check those bottles guys. SLES can also cause irritation after extended exposure with some people. I can see you all dashing off to check bathroom cabinets very soon. You will be amazed at how many of your favourite products contain this substance.

So knowing all of this you would think that I would be more aware of hair heath…NO! I threw caution to the wind and also had a little fling with mega blonde hair. The combination left my once beautiful mane a tad dry and frizzy. Then macadamia pro came into my life! It’s a game changer that’s for sure! Along with being kind to your hair and free from SLES the new Macadamia range is cruelty and gluten free. Yes you read that right, it doesn’t contain any wheat based or gluten products. With allergies being on the increase its so important to remember that your skin absorbs countless substances throughout the day. The skin is the largest organ we have so it makes sense to protect ourselves from over exposure to unnecessary products. I’m a coeliac suffer and this was music to my ears. Who would have thought a brand could be so forward thinking! Myself and my new cropped hair are extremely happy to say the least.

Take yourself over to their website here to see the entire range! I will be doing individual reviews on all their products over the next few weeks. Make sure you pop back and check them out.

So with that I will cut this short!!! And say bye until next time!

Come and say hi over at twitter too! @Sarahbacchus or check out my blog SLBstyle.com for more fashion, food and fun.

Top 10 Tips On How To Look Amazing In Pictures

Posted on July 31, 2015 by Sarah Bacchus

Here is my definitive advice to all of you wanting to get amazing images every time no matter what. It’s all about angles and lighting. Here I will share with you a my top tips.

This will help you when you need a go to quick fire list to remind you. I have been a photographer for many years and grew up in a house with a darkroom and studio. My father was a photographer and artist. My mother was a model, so you can see where I get the passion for fashion, style and photography from.

Along with my main job as session nail technician, its all about creating amazing images. My desire to write for you guys comes from a need to help others. Be it beauty advice, great recipes or fashion and style inspiration. Its also a little photography outlet for myself and my husband. All the articles I write need pictures and what better way to get creative than set up little shoots for each and every one!

Top tips on how to look amazing in pictures.

1. Wear clothing that you feel amazing in. If you know your going out and having tons of pictures taken throughout the day or night its important to feel good from various angles. If you hate your upper arms then wear a dress that hides the tops of the arms. You will instantly feel more confident. Or failing that dash out and purchase MAC Face & Body. Most makeup artists I work with use this for runway shows, magazine shoots and editorials. I own a fair few bottles in different shades and its my best buddy if my arms are looking a little blotchy or pasty. Our secret ok!
Invest in the best underwear. Tight and ill-fitting garments just look terrible, especially if shot from behind. Purchase t-shirt bras and seam free pants. Nude is always best in my book. Yes I do own rather a lot of Bridget style pants and I’m not ashamed to admit it.
Don’t use a flash. Natural lighting is always best. I totally hate flash photography when done the wrong way. It can make makeup and clothing look terrible, whats worse.. when food is involved. Don’t do it…Whenever I ever see that dreaded flash go off snapping a beautiful plate of food I die inside just a little every time!! Turn it off and see how it looks. Yes I know there are times when your in a dark restaurant…Then that is telling you its not appropriate. If you really need to snap your food, then go out mid afternoon!
Cloudy days are actually perfect for portrait photography as the sky has a natural light diffuser.
Always turn to your side as this will create a softer prettier look for us girlies. If you need to lift an arm and place it on a hip do so.
Use sunglasses, bags or a hat if you don’t know what to do with your hands.
Practice posing in the mirror. It sounds narcissistic but it will help you the more that you do it.
Always wear heels as this will create confidence.
If you are having your picture taken from the front tuck your arms into your sides as this will create a longer leaner frame.
Lastly Smile. Even if your not looking at the camera. You might look a little crazy but when the images come through you will look radiant and stunning.

Heeltap London

Posted on July 27, 2015 by Sarah Bacchus

Perfect evenings spent outside with great food, fabulous cocktails and our trusty camera in tow. Food photography is one of my total favourite pastimes. Food reviews are even better as we actually get to eat the food after shooting it. We get to sample delicious meals so you guys know where’s hot and happening. Heeltap is a heck of a find and if you already know this place you need to revisit it as soon as possible. Once you do you will know why we are about to give it rave reviews. If you don’t then you need to seek it out. Tucked in a little corner off London Bridge you could miss it if you didn’t know it was there. Now we eat out and shoot at countless places all the time but this is in our top 10 of all time. Yes we are rating this heavenly place 10/10. They have recently revamped all the offerings at this little bar and we can say hand on heart they have got it spot on. Its buzzing and thriving, so whatever they are doing its working.

The entire evening we spent sampling their new menu and it was divine. The cocktails where superior, the staff incredible and the food was so delicious we’d happily eat there every day of the week.

We arrived and settled in our seats with a couple of cocktails. An Espresso martini for me and a Long Island iced tea for Ian. These set us up perfectly for our food.

The new menu is packed with simple and ravishingly dribblsome dishes. If you like burgers this is the place to come. Home cooked brioche buns cooked fresh using the chefs grandma’s secret recipe! Just these alone will make you want to eat here all the time.

Our dishes where served and we got stuck in straight away. If your ready for some serious foodie snaps that will make you groan with delight then here goes….Ian went for the jerk chicken burger with fries and I had the spicy option. Jalapeño and chorizo burger with sides of Parmesan, truffle oil fries and a fresh tomato and basil leaf salad. Yes my eyes are always bigger than my belly and I endeavoured to eat it all!

We washed all this down with a bottle of fizz and a side of fruit flavoured water, trying to be a little good.

The chat at this point stopped while we savoured each and every morsel. Jealous on lookers stated that the food looked spectacular and we can report it was as good as it looked.

My burger was perfectly seasoned with heavenly hot spices. It was garnished with Gherkins, tomatoes, onions, lettuce and the dressing created the most amazing kick. Simply the best burger tower know to mankind!

Ian’s burger was pretty much devotedly demolished along with satisfied mumblings! As he took bite after bite the dressing oozed out and made the ideal amount of mess. Finger licking goodness to satisfy any soul.

Now normally I’m all about the burgers but here we have a slight problem. I have a real addictive nature when it comes to Parmesan and truffle oil fries. They where definitely the best thing about the entire meal. They know me and I was allowed to order these off menu. I’m sure if you take a visit and mention this article you might just be able to get the chef to rustle you up a plate or 3!! They are simply the best.

Then…it was time for pudding….Not just any old pudding either!

Now at this stage we where really rather full….But pudding, you guys need to know what to expect don’t you…We do what we do for you. Remember that if you ever see us out stuffing our faces! And the fact that you can’t not have a sticky toffee Sunday when it’s up for grabs. An odd mix but by gosh was it good. Custard is a thing of the past my friends. Velvety ice cream is the only thing to serve with toffee these days!

So the verdicts in….We give Heeltap one of the biggest thumbs up for excellence, staff attentiveness, friendliness and a double thumbs up for the fabulous food!

Find them on Twitter here and now dash off to see them near London Bridge. Get those taste buds working over time as your in for one gastronomic ride of your life! They are just opposite Borough market and down a little side ally. Worth a little wander we think.

Holborn Dining Room

Posted on July 25, 2015 by Sarah Bacchus

The Holborn Dining Room is a beautiful classy and chilled establishment. The interior is splendid but isn’t as impressive as the outside area in when the sun is shining. We headed out for a wander mid afternoon to grab a few drinks and stumbled upon this place. The menu was basic, delicious, and very impressive. We plumped for good old fish finger sandwich and a classic chicken and bacon salad. Washed down with a few Gin cocktails.

With seasonal, locally sourced British cuisine on the menu this place will go down very well when needing to impress a lady or friends. Grab yourself a pint of local lager a burger or a glass of fizz and a pint of prawns. Fine wines are on offer at this renowned restaurant.

Holborn Dining Room is a welcome find for us. London life is so very grand when you find places just like this to share with all of you. It’s possibly one of the nicest bars on the scene in the city.

The first cocktails we tested where the Hendricks and the G Vine. The G Vine was simply amazing flavoured with elderflower tonic and garnished with grapes. I happily sat and sipped while we waited for the food to arrive. This place is where you need to chill and soak up the amazing atmosphere. Their is no rush, just take your time to relax.

Another cocktail before we ate… This one was the Smooth Amber, garnished with cinnamon and orange zest. Pocky and pretty darn good. Ian went for a more simple one. The sipsmith, flavoured with juniper, lemon and orange. Both had us feeling chilled in a matter of moments! Ready for some food by this point and we where not disappointed. Out came our dishes served by a lovely waitress. We chatted for a few moments about how grand it would be to stay in one of the many rooms on offer. You can actually rent an entire floor in the hotel, POA of course! Other rooms start from around £250 per night if you are tempted.

Who would have thought a simple chicken and bacon salad could look this divine and taste so utterly wonderful. A side of chips as thats just how we like to roll! Ian’s fish finger sandwich was severed on sourdough bread. A little fiddly to eat but impressive none the less. It was garnished with horseradish and by all accounts was really rather a good choice. The menu is made up of simple dishes with a twist. All the other dishes being served to various tables looked and smelt divine. This is most certainly one place we need to come back to review the evenings offerings.

Well worth a little trip very soon if your in the area. The prices reflect the area and the quality of the food. Not an everyday treat for some but possibly the nicest of afternoons you could have. We spent the rest of the day wandering back home with full bellies and happy smiles.

Find them at NO 252 HIGH HOLBORN, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM WC1V 7EN

Holiday Style

Posted on July 24, 2015 by Sarah Bacchus

This perfect holiday style maxi dress is the ultimate item for the Summer season. With its V-shaped neckline that helps to flatter all bust sizes It creates curves in all the right places. This is one item to throw in the suitcase for a few weeks in the sun or little mini breaks. It can be dressed up or down with heels to gladiator sandals. Its a rather amazing festival outfit, just grab your favourite leather jacket add tons of bangles and beads. Add a waist belt if your a pear shaped girl to accentuate that tiny waist. This dress is a must if you are fairly straight up and down like myself as it pulls you in at the waist creating those lovely curves. It hides a multitude of sins. Flattering and stylish at the same time. The fabric is delicate and drapes beautifully making it a joy to wear. This dress would also lend itself to weddings or even a balmy evening BBQ. Versatile in so many ways its a real must have item this season ladies.

Holiday Style Outfit Details

I styled this Maxi dress (co) Closet Clothing London with Zara shoes (old) ASOS Linen jacket, Vintage Gucci sunglasses, Jimmy Choo bag, a bright red lip and shellac nails in Salmon Run.

Luxurious Lace

Posted on July 23, 2015 by Sarah Bacchus

Heading out for an evenings fun at Somerset House to see Jessie J. When the weather’s this good, all thats needed is a bright colourful number. A real head turner and conversation starter. We have been so lucky with the weather recently and we have been drenched in heady sunshine, the evenings are perfect for little dresses and special one off looking garments.

One of my favourite brands is Closet Clothing London and I was invited along to their London showroom to pick out a few items for events coming up. This stunner leapt out at me for this particular evening. I can’t tell you how many compliments that I received.

Luxurious Lace Outfit Details

Little black dress & shoes from Asos, Jimmy Choo bag, Chanel Necklace, Apple Watch & Lace duster coat (co) Closet Clothing London

Big Mack: Michael Ball leads the cast of Chichester’s big summer musical

Posted on July 22, 2015 by Vicky Edwards

THEATRE REVIEW

Mack and Mabel
Chichester Festival Theatre
Until 5 September (and then on tour)

Music and Lyrics by Jerry Herman
Book by Michael Stewart (revised by Francine Pascal)

www.cft.org.uk
Box Office: 01243 781312

Photo credit: Manuel Harlan

From the moment that the blistering overture kicks in you sense that something special is in store. And so it is. In addition to a belting orchestra, there’s a clever set and technical wizardry, glorious frocks and a phenomenally talented cast, led by Michael Ball and Rebecca La Chance in the title roles.

But although billed as a musical comedy, the plot isn’t an endless stream of lighthearted froth by any means. Nor is it a conventional musical theatre romance. The true story of Mack Sennett, the legendary silent movie director famed for his Keystone Cops, and Mabel Normand, a hot dog seller spotted by Sennett and transformed into the darling of the silent screen, in many ways the tale is more reminiscent of Albert Square than Hollywood. Just with more songs.

Told retrospectively, Michael Ball convinces absolutely as the ruthlessly driven Sennett whose sole aim in life is to make ‘em laugh. Broke and alone in his studio before being turned out, he recalls the past; the lies he told, the cast and crew he bullied and the love he treated far too casually. And then there’s the crushing blow that he was wrong about the Talkies which, in spite of his prophecy to the contrary, did actually catch on, diminishing public appetite for his silent pie-in-the-face two-reelers.

Resigned to his rudeness and lack of romance, Mabel continues to love the difficult but charismatic Mack. Reaching a point, however, when the occasional moment of tenderness is no longer enough, and with Mack unwilling – or unable – to make any greater commitment to her, she allows her head to be turned by a rival producer. Having taken drugs before to cope with Mack’s punishing schedule of movie making, she is soon a regular drug taker, slugging down hard liquor in between shoving cocaine up her nose. By the time Mack finally realises that she needs help as much as he needs her it’s all far too late.

Rebecca La Chance is terrific. Vocally enchanting, she pitches Mabel’s initial passion, zest and energy perfectly. As times change, and her fading hope and enthusiasm becomes apparent, it pierces the heart.Fluid, visually stunning and audibly fabulous, all credit to director Jonathan Church and his creative team, whose collective expertise is harnessed to great effect. Choreographer Stephen Mere, at the top of his game, must surely be one of the world’s best. Inventive, stylish and almost poetic in their gracefulness, his routines are simply dazzling.

But ultimately it is Michael Ball’s show. Giving Mack real substance, and following on from his triumphant performance at Chichester a couple of years ago as Sweeney Todd, he cements his status as a supremely talented singer who can really act. Balancing the aggressive bully who is consumed by his work with the man who is also capable of flashes of sweetness, loyalty and at some level self-awareness, Ball manages the emotional and personality gear changes with complete aplomb. It is a remarkable performance and not until the curtain call is there so much of a glimpse of the slightly camp luvvie who willingly sends himself up.

Another Chichester musical with all the hallmarks of success, I Never Promised You a Happy Ending may well be one of the big numbers, but you’re sure as Hell guaranteed joyous entertainment. If you can get a ticket, grab one.

Chi Chi London – Anisha

Posted on July 21, 2015 by Sarah Bacchus

The sun is out and when that happens its time for strapless little numbers. Weekends aren’t about throwing on those jeans and an old T shirt, but to dress in beautiful clothing. Keep the casual items for rainy, sad looking days when all you want to do is hide away from the entire world. When the sun is drenching us in its sparkles I say a girl needs to dress accordingly. I love nothing more than putting on my heels, a cute dress and head out for cocktails. To while away a few hours people watching or wandering around London grabbing the odd coffee here and there. On this particular day we decided to head towards Holborn. It holds many memories for us as this was the place where we lived when I upped sticks and moved in to London to be with him. Almost 15 years ago. Time has flown by but it still is as beautiful at the weekend as I remember. Its very quiet and chiled unlike the West end. We shot this Chi Chi London – Anisha dress needing a beautiful city backdrop. I think it does it justice don’t you think!

Chi Chi London – Anisha Outfit Details

Zara heels (old) Russell & Bromley bag, J Crew necklace, Apple Watch, Shellac Nails in Dark Lava & Dress (co) Chi Chi London

I styled this outfit with a vivid bag to make the blue and white tones in the dress come alive. Id delightfully swishy and extremely flattering. Perfect for pear shaped girls, as it will show off those tiny waists. Its also great if like me your a little straight up and down. It creates curves in all the right places. If you are a little self conscious about those arms ladies add a wrap or contrasting cropped cardigan. This dress would look amazing worn with heels or even flip-flops. Perfect for Summer afternoons spent sipping tea on the terrace too.

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