Tag Archives: Life & Style

Fashion & Style At The Races

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We had the pleasure of shooting for Chi Chi London and Beth Hirst couture hats recently. I wanted to share all the highlights with you guys. We dashed off to Chester Races with bundles of garments from Chi Chi clothing and a mountain of stunning hats kindly lent to us from Beth Hirst. Spoilt for choice we set about getting all dolled up for an amazing day out. Dresses chosen, hats adorned and our 2 Boxes photographer (My fantastic hubby) at the ready. Here are a few behind the scenes shots! Grab a coffee and imagine you had come along with us! Fashion & Style At The Races -3 Fashion & Style At The Races -5 Fashion & Style At The Races -6 Fashion & Style At The Races -4 Fashion & Style At The Races -1 Fashion & Style At The Races -25 Fashion & Style At The Races -21 Fashion & Style At The Races -24 Fashion & Style At The Races -20 Fashion & Style At The Races -26 Fashion & Style At The Races -7Ashely looking oh so Audrey Hepburn in her stunning floral hat. Beth’s creations are so adorable. Nip over to her website HERE. Ashely wears an outfit from Coast and her lipstick is actually a replica of Audrey’s favourite shade. Homing the look perfectly! Fashion & Style At The Races -9 Fashion & Style At The Races -8 Fashion & Style At The Races -10 Fashion & Style At The Races -11 Fashion & Style At The Races -17 Fashion & Style At The Races -19 Fashion & Style At The Races -18 Fashion & Style At The Races -12 Fashion & Style At The Races -13 Fashion & Style At The Races -14 Fashion & Style At The Races -15My outfit got so many compliments from passes by. If you haven’t heard of Chi Chi London clothing then you need to head off and take a look. They are all real show stoppers at incredible prices.

Fashion & Style At The Races Outfit Details

I’m wearing Chi Chi London Nessa dress, Stuart Weitzman heels, Beth Hirst Hat, Topshop sunglasses, Chanel bag, Gucci love bangle and Sleek matt red lipstick. A girls got to add a bright red lip every now and then!!

Ashely wears Coast top & skirt, Prada sunglasses, Jimmy Choo shoes, Beth Hirst hat & AH signature lipstick.

#5thviewbloggers Event

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We attended and amazing blogger event is this Saturday. The event was held at the top floor of Waterstones near Piccadilly with amazing prizes and personalised gifts in the goody bags.

We drank superb cocktails and snaked on delicious honey bee and cheese cookies. The #5thviewbloggers event was held by 2 lovely bloggers Albertine from Dippy Writes & Jessica from LookWhatIGot. It was all about networking with brands and fellow bloggers. We met companies like Bee Good, GelTouch, Mink and Stone and Venus Concept.
#5thviewbloggers event
These two lovely ladies had the event running so smoothly it was very impressive.
#5thviewbloggers event #5thviewbloggers event #5thviewbloggers event #5thviewbloggers event Mink and Stone Mink and stone was one brand that blew me away. Their concept is to create your very own necklace and jewellery designs and then for others to purchase your items. If you sell your items then you are rewarded with 10% commission that you then can use to make and purchase more designs. Incredible, beautiful and stunning beads are at your fingertips. I will be doing a full article and review very soon. So keep your eyes peeled for this coming soon.

We mingled and chatted away with fantastic like minded bloggers. The event way too fast and we had the best time ever.

Visit my website www.SLBStyle.com for more about what I get up to. My fashion and beauty loves and general London life as a full time blogger.

For event photography contact Ian at www.2boxes.co.uk 

Franco Manca Southfields

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Living in such a nice little community here in Southfields its great to have so many cool places to eat. This amazing pizza restaurant gets a big thumbs up from us as its totally delightful and serves up exceptional and unusual dishes. It was the first time we have come across sweet potato pizza. Yep you read that right…Sweet potato slices nestled on top with bubbling mozzarella made this possibly the best pizza I have ever had. We will totally be recreating this at home.
We ate amazing freshly cooked food and drank perfect coffee. Sat and chatted about work, social media and all the new and exciting projects lined up for 2 Boxes Photography. We have some rather brilliant events coming up, and we are getting very excited about shooting at Chester races for Chi Chi London this weekend. Keep your eyes peeled for a rather fabulous article coming next week!
Franco Manca Southfields Franco Manca Southfields Franco Manca Southfields Franco Manca Southfields Franco Manca Southfields Franco Manca Southfields Franco Manca Southfields Franco Manca Southfields Franco Manca Southfields Franco Manca Southfields

One last feast before a diet starts to slim into those stunning dresses….Just take a look at that beautiful pizza. Have you ever seen something so delightful? And yes I ate the lot! I really can’t tell you how delicious it was. I am going to have to avoid this place for a while if I want to get into my wardrobe! Buffalo mozzarella and cheese ravioli was incredible. I was way too busy with my amazing pizza to even try it sadly. One reason to go back don’t you think…but not too often as I really could be busting out of my skinny jeans!!

If you live near Southfields Francos is well worth a visit and we are sure you will leave very satisfied and keen to go back time after time.

Visit their website www.francomanco.co.uk for more info.

Holi One 2015

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As you all may know I’m a Professional Photographer and work with my husband at 2 Boxes Photography. Well we went to Holi One 2015 recently and here are a selection of our favourite shots from the day. We partied and painted Wembley arena all shades of the rainbow.

Holy One is a festival of colour that celebrates each and every one of us as equals. By the time you leave this amazing festival you will be the same skin colour as everyone else. Its quite frankly one if the best days out you could possibly imagine. Messy but serious fun.Holi One 2015

If you are a fellow partier please remember that your camera could be a little stressed out by the end of the day. We took our Canon 1D bad boy with us. He’s a tough cookie and water, dust, bomb and Holi One proof!! If you do decide to take some snaps make sure you wrap your camera securely in a clear plastic bag before you enter.

Here is an idea of what a day at Holi One is like in pictures. We feel that sometimes (nearly all the time) images speak louder than words!

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For more information regarding our photography services from Weddings, portraits or events please visit www.2boxes.co.uk, email contact@2boxes.co.uk or call 07792852233.

Chilled Salmon, Cucumber and Dill Soup

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It’s summer and I’m thinking of soup, not thick heart warming, winter wonders, but something light, delicate and chilled. You have probably tried Gazpacho the rich, Spanish blend of tomato, day old bread and good olive oil or Vichyssoise the classic cold combination of leeks ,potatoes, chicken stock and cream, but my recipe today is Chilled Salmon, Dill and Cucumber Soup. This is a lovely starter for a relaxed summer dinner party or a fabulous light lunch, particularly with a nice glass of chilled Riesling or a crisp ,New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.

Chilled Salmon and Cucmber SoupChilled Salmon, Cucumber and Dill Soup serves 4

Around 400 gr Salmon Fillet, skinned, boned and cut in one inch cubes

( ask your fish monger to remove any of the dark flesh from underneath the fillet )

2 large English Cucumbers, peeled

1 bunch of Spring Onions, washed and trimmed, cut in 1 inch slices

750 ml quality Fish stock

150 ml Double Cream

50 ml Pernod or Vermouth

100 gr Butter

60 gr Plain Flour

A good pinch of English Mustard Powder

Juice and zest of 1 Lemon

A handful of fresh Dill

Sea Salt and fresh ground White Pepper

Remove the seeds from the cucumbers and reserve until later, then cut the cucumbers into half centimetre dice. Heat half of the butter in a medium sized, frying pan and quickly sauté for two minutes. Lightly season and pour on the Pernod and remove from the heat and leave to chill. In a medium sized pan bring the fish stock to a gently simmer and remove from the heat. Heat the remaining half of the butter in a large, heavy bottomed pan and add the spring onions. Cook for five minutes without colouring then add the flour, cook out the flour for two minutes, over a gentle heat, stirring continuously to prevent sticking and browning. Add the hot stock, stirring all the time and bring up to the boil. Turn the heat down and add the salmon pieces, lemon zest and cucumber seeds. Simmer over the lowest possible heat for fifteen minutes regularly stirring to prevent the soup sticking. Add the cream and cook for two or three more minutes.

When the salmon is poached in the soup base remove from the heat and allow to cool. Add the lemon juice then using a hand blender or food processor blitz the soup. Pass the soup through a very fine sieve into a bowl and stir in the cucumbers and Pernod. Finely chop the dill and add to the soup. Check the seasoning, remembering when chilled the seasoning will be less prominent. Cover and thoroughly chill. Serve in bowls garnished with a little more freshly chopped dill and some salmon pate on toast.

Nu Skin Galvanic Spa Review

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I have used the Nu Skin Galvanic Spa for the last 4 weeks and it has really changed my skin for the better. At the cost of 2 professional salon visits it’s well worth the hype. I now can see amazing results in the comfort of my own bathroom. It’s lifted my jaw line. My cheeks, around my mouth and eyes have really been smoothed out. Also my pores actually look like I have spent a fortune on weekly treatments. The fine lines are around my eyes have all but vanished. it looks like I have expensive spa visits. It’s a little like ironing out the skin. The more you use this device the better the results. What’s great about this is that I found it actually works much like a professional Galvanic machine. These work by sending a current through the skin and enable products to be penetrated deeper into the underlying cells. And also to cleanse the skin to allow the new podcast to be introduced. It will create a slight metallic taste, this is completely normal and professional services do just the same.

Nu Skin Galvanic Spa Review
I use the Nu Skin Galvanic Spa (incredible little gadget) around 3 times a week for 5 minutes a time for each gel stage that comes with the kit. I just pop it into my regular nighttime routine and I’m sorted.

Nu Skin Galvanic Spa Routine

  1. I take off my makeup with an oil based lotion. This will get rid of stubborn eye makeup and daily build up of London life.
  2. I then cleanse with my skin with Caudilie facial foam. I will do a full review of this very soon!
  3. I then chop off the end of the pre gel treatment and apply 1/2 of the tube all over my face.
  4. Then I damp my hand under the tap and place my fingers on the metal pad at the back.
  5. Turn on the machine to No1 and start to gently use upward motions, a bit like a facial massage. You will hear the machine beep and this tells you its working.
  6. I do this for about 2 1/2 minutes then move onto the other side. This stage is the deep cleansing stage where its having a souphficaton effect. This means its turning the grease and grime into a soap like substance that can be washed off.
  7. Then it time for the treatment mode No2. Cut open the treatment tube and add 1/2 to the entire face and just repeat the movements from before.
  8. If I am doing my weekly mask I would apply this now for about 10- 20 mins while relaxing in the bath.
  9. I then lightly remove any excess and apply a pea sized amount of Nu Skin night cream.
  10. I always follow this with my Hydropeptide eye cream! Check out my article here on some other incredible products.

Nu Skin Galvanic Spa Review

 

When I used the Nu Skin Galvanic Spa for the first time I decided to do just one side of my face! It’s truly amazing and I suggest if you purchase this bathroom anti ageing buddy that you do the same!! I get told all the time that I have amazing skin and regularly get asked for ID! I think this really has helped loads over the last few weeks as my skin hasn’t looked this great in months.

Once the skin has gone too far with the ageing process we can only maintain what we have. Their is no miracle cure and its all down to upkeep. You need to know that the effectiveness of expensive salon facial electrical treatments are not miracle workers but they will assist to help keep the skin in good condition. But also you need to have regular treatments going forward or the effects will be lost and your money just wasted. I have had this little device for over 6 months and annoyed I didn’t start using it sooner. I am now converted and happy to have this little baby sitting on its stand taking pride and place on my vanity unit!

Head over to their website for more information HERE. 

Follow me on Twitter HERE

Check out my blog HERE! 

And for any Photography or information regarding images please check out 2boxes.co.uk 

Macadamia Professional Launch

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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.

Macadamia Professional Launch Macadamia Professional Launch Macadamia Professional Launch Macadamia Professional Launch Macadamia Professional Launch Macadamia Professional Launch Macadamia Professional Launch-15 Macadamia Professional Launch Macadamia Professional Launch-17

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

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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!

How To Look Good In Pictures

Top tips on how to look amazing in pictures.

 

  1. 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!
  2. 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.
  3. 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!
  4. Cloudy days are actually perfect for portrait photography as the sky has a natural light diffuser.
  5. 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.
  6. Use sunglasses, bags or a hat if you don’t know what to do with your hands.
  7. Practice posing in the mirror. It sounds narcissistic but it will help you the more that you do it.
  8. Always wear heels as this will create confidence.
  9. If you are having your picture taken from the front tuck your arms into your sides as this will create a longer leaner frame.
  10. 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.