Will You Have On Trend Nails This Autumn?

I can't believe it's the beginning of August already - although the shops are filling up with AW17 clothes and the glossy magazines are encouraging us to sort out our make-up bags and get ready to dazzle.

Image credit: Nic Senior

According to Harpers Bazaar, Chloe featured the 60's eye heavily in this year's show whilst Giambattisti Valli featured blood red lips.  Neither of these trends are too much of a stretch for most make-up bags, particularly if you are lover of the iconic MAC shades Ruby Woo or Russian Red. Personally I've never mastered the 60's eye and still struggle with eyeliner but I've read good reports about Bobby Brown Gel Eyeliner for those of us who just can't get the lines straight!

Vogue says that this season's lip look is 'just snogged' and that it's perfectly OK if your lippie looks a bit, well, smeary.  Very handy for us mums who apply their lipstick with a child in one hand whilst desperately searching for car keys.  Worryingly, they also include 'bleached brows' as a look and 'over-liner' - lining your eyelid with a contrasting colour.

Image credit: Pixabay

If you can't be faffed with all that, there's 'Groomed Minimalism', groomed brows, curled eyelashes and a slick or gloss or there also seems to be an outbreak of 'rose' for eyelids, lips and cheeks.

Image credit: Pixabay

If you are more of a mani / pedi girl, the statement mani is back. According to Vogue there were checkerboard nails at House of Holland, crystal-studded talons at Gucci, chainmail accessories at Ryan Lo and pressed flower designs at Preen by Thornton Bregazzi.

At Milan Fashion Week, Elle Magazine found tiger stripe press ons at Emilio Pucci, bejewelled talons at Gucci and 60s tan manis at Moschino.

Whilst none of those designs seem particularly appropriate for the renewed school runs, a manicure or a pedicure is something we can all manage - even at home - perhaps by getting inspiration from one of Ellisons Professional Manicure Kits.

And, in case you've forgotten the key steps for a professional looking manicure at home, here's what to do:-

1. Remove old nail polish with a gentle nail polish remover.  Acetone nail polishes will work faster but non-acetone removers are kinder to skin.

2. Shape your nails.  Clip and gently file into shape with a gently abrasive emery board or crystal nail file.  Smooth the tops and sides of the nails with a slightly abrasive buffer but don't overdo it as the polish won't adhere as well.

3. Soak your hands and nails in a bowl of warm water.  You could add a little facial cleanser or shampoo to the water.  If you're going to trim your cuticles, soaking is necessary but only for around 3 minutes.

4. Apply callous/cuticle remover. When cutting away the thickened skin around the nail, applying a bit of cuticle remover will help.

5. Remove excess cuticle and callouses around the nail. Using the cuticle pusher from your kit, gently push the cuticle back away from the nail, but don't push it too far because it can damage nail growth or fray the cuticle.

Don't clip into the cuticle, just nip off the free edge with a pair of metal cuticle nippers. Don't overdo it because the cuticle helps protect the nail bed.

Image credit: Lele Breveglieri

6: Moisturize with a rich hand cream all over the hands and cuticles.

7. Prep for polish. Remove any leftover moisturizer on the nail with a cotton pad dipped in nail polish remover. You need to make sure that the nails have no oil left on them.

8. Apply base coat. If you have weak or brittle nails, use a base coat of ridge-filling nail polish to shore up the nail. A base coat also protects nails from staining (especially important if you prefer red nail polish) and prevents chipping. 

9. Apply your nail colour in layers, allowing each layer to dry between coats. Two coats of colour polish followed by a top coat to add gloss should do the trick.

10. Check for and clean up any mistakes—and you're almost done! It takes time for nails to fully dry, so be patient. A fan helps, but don’t use heat or your hair dryer or the polish will chip and peel. Also, don’t put your nails too close to the fan or you’ll end up with bubbles in your polish.

11: Reapply moisturizer! Keeping your hands and the nail area healthy-looking requires moisturizer. You can't have great nails and hands without this essential product.

Using the right tools will make a great difference and it's worth investing in a good set, especially when you consider how much you are likely to save on professional manicures.

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Win The Seascape Island Apothecary Soothe Range worth £60

Sometimes you want something special at bath time and Seascape Island Apothecary products certainly fit the bill. Even more so because they are a British brand offering all the chic and stylish appeal of products from their neighbouring France.

In case you are not familiar with the brand, Seascape is based in Jersey and their products are an 100% natural essential oil-based collection of 7 different ranges of bath and body treats for the whole family.

Their collections include products for hand care, hair care, babies and children, sensitive skin and men's products.

They use local products and extracts from herbs distilled on the island in each of their ranges.  Two of these are specifically formulated to be safe for mums-to-be, whilst their children's range - les Petits - has been tested and certified by dermatologists as being safe for daily use on sensitive skin.

All Seascape products are made with 100% natural essential oil based formulae with no parabens, silicone, petroleum or SLS.  The products are suitable for vegetarians and there are no artificial colours or fragrances.

Beautifully packaged, ethically and sustainably produced, Seascape's products have already won several awards and they are against animal testing.

We were sent several products to try.

Les Petits Bubble Bath and Les Petits Body Lotion are beautifully fragrant, yet gentle children's products which grown-ups will love too.

The bubble bath has lavender, chamomile and Jersey honey whilst the body lotion combines lavender, chamomile and Jersey beeswax.  Both the kids loved the bubble bath and Caitlin felt very grown up with her own body lotion.  "It's like being in my own spa" she announced.

The Soothe Body Wash has Neroli, Lavender, Ylang Ylang and Jersey honey. Lavender calms whilst Ylang Ylang is said to balance the mind and the honey locks in moisture to the skin.  The entire Soothe range (which you can win!) contains pregnancy safe essential oils.

The body wash lathers up nicely whilst the fragrance is subtle and not overpowering.












The Peppermint Oil Lipbalm contains 100% natural Peppermint Oil with Jersey Beeswax, Jersey Honey and Jojoba Seed Oil.  I found it very soothing with a delicate Peppermint flavour - guaranteed to encourage frequent re-application!

This one appeared on ITV's This Morning back in April in Bryony Blake's Spring Make-up Masterclass too.

Mine is already in my make-up bag.

Seascape Island Apothecary products are reasonably priced (around the £10 - £16 mark) with beautifully packaged gift sets, should you already have Christmas on your mind.  You can find them online at www.seascapeuk.com or at The Perfume Shop. Delivery is free on orders over £20.

If you would like to try Seascape products for yourself, then I have a lovely giveaway for you.

I have an entire Seascape Soothe range to give away – Soothe Body Butter, Body Mist, Body Wash and Sleep Oil worth £60.00 - to one lucky winner. Simply enter via the Rafflecopter in the usual manner.

The giveaway ends on Sunday 20th August at 11:59 pm.  UK entrants only and terms and conditions apply which you can find on my 'Win' page.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!

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Sanctuary Spa Wet Skin Moisture Miracle - Now There's NO Excuse Not To Moisturize

On my wedding day back in 2011 I remember being completely phased by a question I was asked by my make-up lady as she put the finishing touches to my hair and make-up.

It was this:  "you do moisturise your arms, don't you"?  

Well, actually no and like many time poor mums I suspect loads of us neglect our bods to a probably shameful degree.

Whilst I love the luxury of a wonderfully scented body cream, I just can't get enough time in the bathroom for the full on beauty ritual I used to enjoy in my single days.

You can bet as soon as I sink into the soothing warm bath water or dunk my head beneath the steaming shower that a battle will ensue downstairs (this afternoon it was over ownership of a highlighter) or I will hear the plaintive cry of one of my offspring bellowing "muuuuuum, where ARE you?".  And this even if I tell them I'm off for a bath.

In fact, a recent survey of 2360 women by Sanctuary Spa discovered that 65% of women don ’t moisturise every day and of these almost half are ‘too busy’ or so stretched they ‘forget’ to do it. Anyone with kids will definitely identify with that.

To help solve this problem, they have created a new body product called Sanctuary Spa Wet Skin Moisture Miracle and it's pretty unique because you apply it whilst your skin is still wet and before you towel yourself dry.  Just turn the shower off (or get out of the bath), apply, massage in to damp skin, towel dry and off you go.

Because you're moisturising whilst your skin is already damp, you can not only lock in double the moisture but get ready in double quick time.

It's a light moisturizer which is absorbed in a trice

I have to admit I was a little dubious but it really does work and leaves the skin lovely and soft.  It smells absolutely gorgeous and has a slightly sweeter fragrance than some of the other Sanctuary products which I have sometimes found a little too herbal in aroma.  

There is now no excuse whatsoever to not moisturise the old bod because with a tube of this by the side of the bath, what was previously (if I'm honest) a bit of a chore can be done in a minute or so.

Sanctuary Spa Wet Skin Moisture Miracle usually retails at £8 but from now until 1st August 2017 you can try it at the introductory price of only £5. 

It's available from most Boots stores & on Boots.com - http://www.boots.com/sanctuary-spa-wet-skin-moisture-miracle-200ml-10229030

You can find out more on Sanctuary Spa's social channels at Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Or at Boots on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

So yes, now I DO moisturise my arms.

*collaborative post

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Summertime: How To Do Your Makeup In The Heat

So, ladies, we all know the nightmare of trying to put on a full face of makeup while you sweat in the heat, trying to find the coolest area in your house to apply everything.

Sometimes going bare is the only way, but what if you have something important coming up, or just want to make an effort when leaving the house?



Photo

Well luckily for you, there are some super easy tricks that you can do to help with this dilemma, while still looking hot (literally...)

EYES

You don't need to go overboard on the eyes, especially if it's sunny out because you will most likely be wearing sunglasses anyway! So just give your lashes a curl and apply a good coating of mascara. That's really all you need, but if you feel your eyes are still looking pretty small, you can either stick some false lashes on to open them up a little bit more and add that hint of drama. Or you can create a little wing with eyeliner to alter the shape of your eye.

If you do go with the lashes, make sure you have a decent glue that holds strong throughout the heat and sweat.

If you suffer from hooded eyelids, then you may want to incorporate some eyeshadow, but merely for illusion purposes. A great trick that you can do is take a shade slightly darker than your own (how you would when contouring), and create a crease above your usual one. This will give the illusion of having wider eyes, even with hooded eyelids and no one will be able to tell.

LIPS

Products like Origins Kisszing give you a lovely look if you want to add a subtle pop of colour to your lips, without having to worry about a hard colour bleeding - no one wants to look like a melting clown - and if natural is more your style, then these are the best organic makeup brands available.

There is an alternative though if you like to stand out. Line your lips first (to hold everything where it should be.) Take your favourite red lipstick, or whatever colour you want to rock, and apply it as you normally would. Then take some translucent powder (or whatever powder you have) and lightly pat it over your lips with a finger. Not only will this turn your lipstick into a delicious matte one, but it will also work as a great shield to keep it lasting throughout the day, no matter how hard the sun is blazing down.

FACE

Skin Care

Before you do anything, you first need to make sure your skin is clean and hydrated. So wash your face well to ensure you get rid of any dirt and sweat-clogged up in your pores, and then apply a nice even coat of sunscreen. This will go in the place of your usual moisturiser.

A lot of people don't realise this, but sunscreen moisturises even better than any other ordinary cream, as well as protects you from all the harmful UV rays.

If you want the key to getting flawless skin throughout your lifetime - then apply sunscreen every single day for the rest of your life. Even in the winter time when it's dull, rainy and cold.

Believe it or not, you are exposed to damaging UV rays through things like your computer screen and lights in your home, and those will eventually take their toll on your skin in the future - so don't be a victim of this!

Foundation

If you're used to using a full coverage foundation, then it may be a bit of a shock switching it up, so if you feel you really need something as heavy duty as that - maybe you suffer from acne scars or hyper pigmentation - stick with what you have.

Otherwise, switch out the regular foundation for something a lot lighter, like a BB cream. These are great because they still blur your face with your required shade, but lets your skin breathe a lot easier.

Extras

Once you've done all of this, instead of going all out with the contouring and sculpting, use a little bronzer instead to contour the areas like your nose, cheekbones and around your face and forehead. This will still do the job you want it to do while adding a beautiful sunkissed look. Follow that with a light dust of blush on the apples of your cheeks, and finish that with a golden, sparkly highlighter on the highest points of your face, and you're good to go!

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Win A Pair of Funky Wolky Shoes From Their Blazer Collection

Now summer is almost here I have to put my trusty Uggs away and wear something a little more, well, summery.

Not being able to do the school run on foot wearing heels, I need something durable, comfortable and anything but dull.

Luckily Wolky Shoes meet the bill.  A new brand to me, they specialise in the kind of funky footwear that you can't fail to notice.

Wolkyshop has been making shoes since the early 80's and are designed by a Dutch designer, Charles Bergmans. Their shoes are sold through the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, France and the United Kingdom, where we have our first shop in Brighton.

Wolkyshop sent me a pair of their Dusky boots from their new BLAZER collection to try.

Dusky comes in a 5 colourways (mine are grey printed suede) from size 35 to 42. The boot has a thick sole which is extremely comfortable and is fully leather lined and adjusted with laces.  The wedge heel gives you a little extra height whilst still being comfortable to walk on.

The reason these boots are so comfy is because they have, like all Wolky shoes, an anatomically formed footbed.

I found my Dusky boots incredibly comfortable and the size 42 (UK size 8) generous. Wolkyshop do not do half sizes and when I asked whether I could try the smaller size, Sam in the Brighton shop sent me out a size 41 to compare the same day - together with a free returns label to send the ones I didn't want back.  How's that for service!

As it was, the bigger size was the best for me.  I wish I had smaller feet!  And, should you have the problem of odd sized feet with two different sizes, Wolkyshop have their Odd Sized Shoe Programme.

Rather than having to buy 2 pairs of the same shoe style, for an extra £22.99 Wolkyshop will custom make you  a pair of shoes from the same piece of leather.  This only applies to certain styles so you have to check the website to see which ones are available.

The Giveaway

I can see my Wolky Shoes becoming a permanent part of my comfy shoe wardrobe, along with my Uggs and FitFlops.

You can find out more at www.wolkyshop.co.uk.

I have one pair of Wolky Shoes from the Blazer collection to give away to one lucky winner.  The Blazer collection has five styles - four sandals and one boot - to choose from.

Entry is via the Rafflecopter widget and the giveway ends at 11:59 pm on Saturday 24th June.  UK entrants only and the usual terms and conditions apply which can be viewed on my competitions page.

Please make sure you complete ALL the mandatory entries, including following Wolkyshop on Facebook and Twitter.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!

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Here's What You Need For Healthier Skin, Hair & Nails

The health of our hair, skin and nails is extremely important as these are a reflection of the natural balance within our bodies - a barometer of our health.

You can always tell someone who is less than healthy.  Their hair is lank, their skin is dull or spotty and their nails are discoloured, ridged or broken.

For great skin, hair and nails, we need to eat foods that are rich in antioxidants, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, B vitamins, water, healthy fats, and naturally low in sugar. These foods will enhance our blood flow, reduce inflammation, and aid in healthy blood sugar levels.

We all know that sugary foods do little for the overall health of our bodies but a diet too full of the sweet stuff can take its toll on our hair, skin and nails.

Did you know for example that too much sugar can affect your collagen -important for my age group and especially so for mine (50+).  Collagen and elastin are the protein fibres that keep skin firm and elastic.  Besides damaging collagen, a high sugar diet affects the type of collagen you have - and how prone you are to wrinkling.

Whilst we should all be trying to retain our natural good looks with a vitamin and nutrient rich diet, life tends to get in the way and we end up indulging in high fat, high salt takeaways or, my particular vices tea and coffee.

So as well as eating a vitamin rich diet, we should make sure that we have sufficient amounts of the following vitamins and minerals which have a particular benefit for glowing skin, strong nails and glossy hair.

These include Riboflavin (vit.B2), Niacin (vit. B3) and biotin which contribute to the maintenance of normal skin, and the minerals selenium and zinc which contribute to the maintenance of normal hair and nails.

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

This water-soluble vitamin helps the body to use the other B-vitamins, all of which assist with helping our body use energy from food and may also help protect cells from oxidative damage.

If you are deficient in this vitamin, you may have symptoms such as cracks at the corners of the mouth, sore throat, hypersensitivity to light and migraine headaches.

A deficiency in riboflavin also effects the formation of collagen, needed to maintain healthy skin.

You can find vitamin B2 in meats such as beef and lamb, milk and yoghurt, mushrooms, spinach, almonds and eggs.

Niacin (vitamin B3)

Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is a water-soluble vitamin that is a part of the coenzymes that assist with energy metabolism.

If you consume a diet of mostly processed and sugary foods, processed grains, white bread, white flour, wheat products and corn syrup you risk becoming deficient in this vitamin.

 A niacin deficiency will lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, dementia, dermatitis, poor concentration, anxiety and depression.

Good sources of Niacin include turkey, chicken breast, peanuts, mushrooms, liver, tuna, sunflower seeds and avocado.

Biotin

Biotin (or vitamin H) is one of the B complex vitamins that help the body convert food into energy.

B vitamins, and particularly biotin, help keep your skin, hair, eyes, liver, and nervous system healthy and it's also a important nutrient during pregnancy as it aids the growth of your baby.

Generally we can get the biotin we need from eating a healthy diet, but there are now claims that getting more biotin can regulate your blood sugar, promote healthy hair, skin and nails, and help pregnant mums have healthier babies.

Biotin deficiencies are rare but symptoms include hair loss or a scaly red rash, anemia and fungal infections.

Good sources of Biotin include seafood, meat, whole wheat bread, eggs, dairy products and soya.

Selenium

Selenium is an essential trace mineral important for cognitive function, a healthy immune system and fertility for both men and women. 

Selenium works in close conjunction with vitamin E as an antioxidant to prevent the formation of free radicals and in turn, may reduce the risk of skin cancer and prevent sunburn.

Selenium is found in a variety of foods, the richest sources being Brazil nuts, seafood and organ meats.

Zinc

Zinc is another essential trace element and it is needed in small amounts every day to maintain our health.  For example, zinc helps with hormone production, growth and repair, improves immunity and aids digestion.

Although it is actually present within all bodily tissue, if you don't have enough zinc in your diet you may find you are frequently falling ill, feeling constantly tired with poor concentration and wounds that take ages to heal.

Zinc has numerous benefits for your skin, particularly if you are prone to acne or spots which may actually be a sign of a zinc deficiency.

Other signs that you are deficient in this trace element include white spots on your fingernails, dry skin, frequent colds, hair loss, diarrhea and low sex drive.

Good sources of zinc include spinach, beef, kidney beans, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds and oysters.

But when you're pushed for time, it isn't always easy to make the best food choices and what if you are don't eat meat, dairy or are wheat intolerant?  

A supplement such as Perfectil Original for Skin, Hair & Nails by Vitabiotics may be the answer as will swopping some of your usual food choices for the foods listed above. For example, swopping your sugary breakfast cereal for a healthy oaty porridge, adding extra green veggies, particularly broccoli and eating more fish such as salmon and mackerel.

If, though, you are finding you have problems with your hair, skins and nails you should see your GP to get a medical check up. For example, problems with the thyroid gland may lead to hair thinning or hair loss and dry skin.

You should also look at your lifestyle in general and make sure you are taking adequate steps to manage your stress and get enough sleep.

Meditation and the practice of Mindfulness are two easy, free ways to take control of unruly thoughts and to stay calm and centered.

*pr collaboration

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Charnos Hosiery SS17 Collection: Funky Tights That Fit!

These days I rarely depart from my mum uniform of t-shirt, leggings and socks, much to Caitlin's increasing displeasure, but when I do dress up, it's usually a dress and either tights or hold-ups.

I often find myself in Marks & Spencer's hosiery department and rely on their trusty hold-ups because the sizing is generous and the prices reasonable.

I have not, I must confess, ventured towards any other hosiery brand for a long time, generally because I have found the sizing constrictive and the finer the denier, the more likely I am to put my finger through them or scag them on something.

I also have quite long legs which means lots of tights struggle to get past mid thigh or, if they do, are a little tight round the old mum tum.

Charnos Hosiery kindly sent me a selection from their new Spring Summer 2017 collection to try and I was expecting the usual problems but not a bit of it.

CAEV Floral Net Tights 

Not only is the quality excellent but they fitted perfectly (I tried the medium to large size).  They came up to my waist comfortably, the elasticated waistband was generous and I didn't have to wrestle them over my thighs.

CAGO Floral Tights

I tried three pairs of their patterned tights, the material of which was quite strong and resilient. There is a cotton gusset, which was a bonus I wasn't expecting and a reinforced toe to add extra durability. All retail around the £8 - £10 mark per pair.

I was a bit worried that the patterns would be overwhelming but actually they are quite funky without being over the top.

CAGJ Diamond Net Tights

I was also sent some of their lovely comfy socks to try which the Husband was very pleased about as he's always moaning about the fact I wear his.  Having size 8 feet often makes mens' socks a better bet as for some strange reason lots of ladies' socks only go up to a size 7.

These fitted fine, although they could have been a little bigger for the longer toed among us (I know, I know - feet, don't you just love them?), but they are lovely and soft and come a decent way up the leg.

CGBH Geo and Stripe Sock in Rose Mix

The range also includes sheer tights, knee highs, spotted and diamond patterns and natural tan tights. I keep promising myself I may actually try a spray tan but haven't got around to it yet so the latter have been added to my shopping list.  We redheads very rarely go very brown without help.

Would I buy these?  Yes I would - they're a great way to add a bit of an edge to a conservative date night dress or perk up your office wear without going over the top.

You can find out more at www.charnoshosiery.co.uk where you will find a list of stockists, or you can connect with Charnos on Facebook or Twitter.

*PR samples were received for the purpose of this post.

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Review: Jacamo Menswear - Great Value, Great Fit

When you work it's very easy to keep adding to your work wear and to just rely on the same old staple casual clothes which get worn to death.

It seems a bit of an extravagance, doesn't it, to splurge on casual clothes.  The Husband's wardrobe is stuffed to the gills with suits and formal shirts but he very seldom adds any new casual clothes.

Happily he was given the chance to try out Jacamo, a name with which we are already familiar, not least because of Freddie Flintoff's association with the brand. 

We were expecting, good value, well made clothes with a decent fit - and that's exactly what we got.

Menswear brand Jacamo used to have a reputation as catering for the plus sized gentleman but things have changed and their new advertising slogan is "Any Occasion. Jacamo Fits." As part of the JD Williams stable, it's not surprising that their marketing and service delivery is good.

As well as Freddie's own range, you can find many well known menswear brands such as  Adidas, Duffer of St George, Firetrap, French Connection, Lacoste, Pringle, Vans and Wrangler.  You can now find menswear for any occasion, whether work or casual wear, or holiday wear including swimshorts.

The Husband was sent two items to try. 

Joe Brown Denim Shirt With Badges

This blue denim shirt is customised with badges and stich detail and has a vintage 'over wash' and popper buttons.  It's made of cotton and is machine washable.  Sizes range from chest 39" up to 66".  The Husband had one in L42/22 which fitted perfectly. 

 

This denim shirt was quite heavy-weight and since it was a warm day, no t-shirt was needed underneath.

We were also sent the Luke Sports Mead Pique Jet Black Polo - a short sleeved polo shirt from Luke, featuring a red tipped three button collar with contrasting red top button and a stitched logo on the left side of the chest.

Luke Sports Mead Pique Jet Black Polo

Again, it was well made, roomy and the red detailing lifted it out of the ordinary. 

We were really impressed with the quality of the clothing.  Delivery was fast and you can spread the cost of your purchases with their buy now pay later scheme. 

And certainly a lot easier than a shopping trip with these two.

Find out more at www.jacamo.co.uk, or connect with them on Facebook or Twitter.

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Review: ChloBo Bracelets - A Bit of Handmade Bohemia

Hands up, I had heard of ChloBo bracelets before but as I have recently been consumed by all things Pandora, they had passed me by.

Me, wearing my lovely ChloBo Noodle Disc Peace Bracelet

Happily, a chance to review one of their lovely sterling silver hand-made bracelets has rectified that, as I was sent the ChloBo Noodle Disc Peace Bracelet to try.

Part of their Iconics Collection, this is one of their best sellers and it's made from 925 sterling silver large noodles, 6mm discs and 4mm beads. It also features the peace charm which symbolises desire, love and peace.  And let's face, when you're a parent you'll try anything for a bit of peace.

ChloBo bracelets are designed to be worn as a stack and there are so many lovely ones I have my eye on.   You can either buy them separately or as a predesigned stack.  They come in silver, rose gold or gold and the featured stones are Black Onyx, Eagle Eye and Pearl. There are also rings, necklaces and jewellery for men.

ChloBo Mini Disc Hamsa Hand Bracelet from the Cuties Collection

One of the major plus points for me with my ChloBo bracelet is .... no tricky to use clasp.  Much as I love my Pandora charm bracelet I still haven't managed to do it up myself on more than a handful of occasions.  ChloBo bracelets simply slip over your wrist as they are elasticated.

ChloBo Feature Bead Tassel Bracelet from the Iconics Collection

Because they are made from sterling silver, gold plating and semi precious stones, you do have to treat them with care. ChloBo recommend that you keep your jewellery away from perfume, fake tan, lotions and chlorine, and that you gently clean the silver with a polishing cloth.

Obviously ChloBo bracelets are designed to be appreciated in stacks but I think my individual bracelet is pretty enough to be worn on its own and would be a great gift that the recipient could add to over the years.

The designs are a little more edgy than some of the other jewellery ranges and are, as ChloBo themselves say, bohemian rather than traditional. That said, I think they are as likely to appeal to fashion-conscious young things as they are to us, um, slightly more mature women who refuse to be defined by their age!

ChloBo Gypsy Collection: Dusk Wanderer Stack

They are not inexpensive (my bracelet is £90 and the stack featured above is £350) but they are certainly not costume jewellery and you are paying for the ability to create a pretty unique bracelet which should last for years.

You can search for stockists and find out more at www.chlobo.co.uk.

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Fabulous At Fifty - 10 Expert Tips Inspired By Cindy Crawford & Halle Berry

As I approach my 53rd birthday at the end of May, I know that the 50s can be a worrying time for many women. With the slowing in metabolism, the fading elixir of youth and declining energy levels, achieving a glowing body can seem like the pure impossible.

However with inspiration from those such as Halle Berry (50), Elizabeth Hurley (52) and Cindy Crawford (51), here are 10 expert tips that will help rejuvenate your mid-life glow, with health hacks followed by the celebs themselves.  Certainly worth a try!

1. Strengthen your core with Pilates

Cindy Crawford’s Top Trick:

Celebrities such as Courtney Cox and Cindy Crawford are both big fans of Pilates for retaining their core muscle strength and in turn their fabulous figures.

Why you should try it:

As we get older we can find our energy levels tend to drop but this doesn’t mean we should stop exercising. Instead of doing as much exercise as you can it is better to do the right exercise for your body. Pilates gives you the ability to build lean muscle tissue throughout the body, thus enabling us to burn calories even when we’ve finished our exercise session. Perfect for those who want to exercise effectively without running out of stamina.

I have tried pilates and it's wonderfully gentle in comparison with other more high energy forms of exercise such as Zumba.  Ideally you need a combination of different kinds of exercise but if you haven't exercised for a long time and particularly if you have back problems, pilates is a great place to start.

2. Pick Me Up Protein Shakes

Halle Berry’s Top Trick:

To keep her energised and looking radiant on set all day, Halle Berry always starts her day with a protein shake. She includes plenty of vegetables such as spinach, which is rich in iron, to make sure she keeps her energy levels are supported throughout the day.

Something to try:

Make like Halle with Nature’s Plus Pea Protein Powder [RRP £22.50, naturesplus.co.uk], particularly perfect for those looking to increase their protein while following a vegetarian or vegan diet.

3. Drink plenty of water

A common sign of ageing is often a dullness in our skin, however retaining a healthy glow may be a lot easier than you think. Nutritionist Shona Wilkinson from Superfood UK, the online shopping destination for al thing health and wellbeing (www.superfooduk.com), says, “I know that we hear it over and over again but staying hydrated is one of the best steps you can take towards a glowing complexion. Our skin not only contains plenty of water, but it also functions as a protective barrier against excess moisture loss. Support your hydration efforts even further by using a moisturiser as a physical barrier to lock all that moisture in.”

Something to try:

If you find yourself struggling to drink the recommended 2 litres a day, why not jazz things up a bit and add some fresh lemon, cucumber or mint to tempt you into drinking more.

4. Indulge in a Rainbow of Fruit and Vegetables

Christine Brinkley’s Top Trick:

Christie Brinkley, 63, has revealed that one of the golden rules of her diet is to eat a range of different coloured fruit and vegetables throughout the day.

Shona explains why we should be eating a rainbow of fruit and vegetables ourselves, ‘'You need to consume a wide variety of foods daily in order to provide yourself with all of the vitamins, minerals & phytonutrients necessary for optimum functioning. Aim to consume a rainbow of variety of fruit and vegetables per day, ideally between 8-12 servings. Include some raw foods in these servings daily as they are full of enzyme activity!'

Something to try:

An easy tip to get you grazing on more veg, is it to prepare a selection of different crudités, such as celery, carrots, apple and cucumber the night before. Pop it on your desk at the beginning of the day and then when you find yourself getting hungry simply reach for a one of those instead of the dreaded biscuit tin!

5. Natural Alternatives to sugar

Davina McCall’s Top Trick:

Halle Berry and Davina McCall have both spoken about how they have gone sugar free in order to improve their diets as they hit their fifties. They both make sure the only sugars in their diet are natural ones.

Why you should try it:

Sugar can play a huge part in the premature ageing process, affecting your teeth, skin, weight and can even be linked to memory loss and Alzheimer’s. If you’re trying to stave off the effects of ageing it is worth either reducing or cutting sugar out of your diet. Dr Marilyn Glenville, the UK’s leading Women’s Natural Health Expert (www.marilynglenville.com) and author of Natural Alternatives to Sugar, explains how we can replace sugar with naturally sweet alternatives “There are many good natural sweeteners on the market that you can use instead of refined sugar. You can also add sweetness to foods in other ways. For example, you could add carrots, raisins, dates, figs or bananas as natural sweeteners. Many people now make wonderful cakes from naturally sweet vegetables such as beetroot and carrot.”

6. Eating early in the day

Liz Hurley’s Top Trick:

Sometimes it’s not just about what you eat but also when you eat. Liz Hurley swears by eating the majority of her calorie intake early in the day and only eating lightly in the evening.

Something to try:

If you do find yourself craving something sweet in the evening try curbing those cravings with Slissie (£39.99, Slissie.co.uk). Slissie is a lipstick-sized slimming aid that helps to deliver appetite-suppressing flavours to the olfactory receptors which convey messages to the appetite control centre of the brain, leaving you feeling as if you’ve eaten without any calories passing over your lips.

7. Go Sober

Sadie Frost’s Top Trick:

Celebrities such as Halle Berry, Davina McCall and Sadie Frost have all cut alcohol out of their diets, and for good reason.

Shona explains that as well as helping to protect our liver and optimise nutrient absorption cutting out alcohol can also help us avoid excess weight gain, especially around the middle – “Alcohol prevents the release of glucose from the liver and can cause hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels). This drop in blood sugar often produces a craving for foods, especially foods that raise blood sugar such as more alcohol or sugar – not good for anyone, especially those concerned about weight gain, especially fat around the middle!”

Something to try:

If you’re going out for a special occasion or celebration, and know you’ll be drinking, Shona recommends going for a low calorie tipple. Opt for single shots of spirits such as gin, whisky or vodka with a sugar-free mixer.

8. Barefoot Running

Elle MacPherson’s Top Trick:

To maintain her toned physique, and her everlasting legs, Elle MacPherson swears by barefoot running on the beach. Although not all of us may have the opportunity to hit the beach everyday as part of our exercise routine, it can easily be done in the garden.

Something to try:

If you do follow in the barefoot footsteps of Elle MacPherson’s Podiatrist David Wain, from Carnation Footcare (http://carnationfootcare.co.uk) advises, “Stretch your Achilles and calf muscle every day, e.g. hanging your heels over the edge of a step, raise up quickly onto the balls of the foot then lower the heel slowly until it is at a level slightly below the step, repeat with the other foot. Additionally keep massaging the skin on the underside of your feet using a simulating rolling device, such as Carnation PediRoller (£9.99, firstaidfast.co.uk) to reduce the potential for painful soles”

9. Hit the gym with your husband

Nancy’s Top Trick:

Nancy Shevall, aka Mrs Paul McCartney, has shared her number one fitness tip; she always hits the gym with her husband. So if you’re looking for a new workout buddy, to motivate you, why not make like Nancy and bring your guy along to the gym with you for that extra push?

10. Naturally Detox with Lemons

Liz Hurley’s Top Trick:

Liz Hurley is known for her love of lemon infused hot water for staying in shape, and she maybe on to something. Shona explains, “Lemons are great to add to a glass of water and are often recommended for helping digestion. This is due to lemons helping the liver produce bile which helps keep food moving through the digestive tract. Lemon water stimulates the liver which is responsible for flushing out toxins”.

Something to try:

Try replacing your normal cup of tea with a cup of lemon and hot water for a natural daily detox.

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Review: Sk:n skincare - Skin Products From A Leading Skin Clinic

I was recently sent some new skin care products to try from leading skin clinic sk:n.  I am always on the look-out for products which will help my mature skin look a little brighter and which don't irritate my sensitive patches.

Sk:n has 42 clinics nationwide and offers a range of specialised skin treatments including laser hair removal, tattoo removal, anti-ageing injectables, dermal fillers, facial treatments including microneedling, a range of peels for rejuvenation and a range of treatments to combat acne.

You would expect naturally, therefore, that their own range of skincare products would do the job well.

After describing my skin type, I was sent three products to try:-

Sk:n Cleanse: Vitamin-Rich Cleanser for oily skin containing glycolic acid, Evening Primrose Oil and Vitamins A, C & E (RRP £17.50).

Sk:n Anti-Ageing: Age-Delaying Cream for younger skin containing clincially proven anti-ageing peptides, Vitamins C, E & A and Shea Butter. (RRP £35)

Sk:n Age-Defying: Brightening & Firming Eye Cream containing clinically proven anti-ageing peptides, Vitamin B3, Caffeine, Glycerin and reflective optical particles (RRP £25).

All ingredients which you would expect to find in a range of skincare products designed by a company who understand skin.

Sk:n Cleanse: Vitamin-Rich Cleanser for oily skin

Sk:n Cleanse: Vitamin-Rich Cleanser for oily skin

Unfragranced and effective at removing oily residue after a long day, I found this light gel cleanser pleasant to use and it came in a generous size (200ml).  I did find, though, that it was slightly too strong for my skin as whilst I have an oily T-Zone, the rest of my skin is quite dry.

Interestingly, I can no longer find this product on Sk:n's website and it seems to have been reformulated for Normal / Combination skin, which I suspect would have suited me far better.

Sk:n Anti-Ageing: Age-Delaying Cream

Sk:n Anti-Ageing: Age-Delaying Cream for younger skin

This was a lovely light and easily absorbed cream which my skin seemed to drink in, leaving it smooth and hydrated.

Sk:n Age-Defying: Brightening & Firming Eye Cream 

Sk:n Age-Defying Brightening & Firming Eye Cream

This was my favourite of the three products because not only was it gentle on the delicate under-eye area, it didn't sting (always a risk for contact lens wearers) and it did seem to make the area brighter.

Each product contained a leaflet offering a free facial skin analysis plus £25 off any treatment at Sk:n's clinics.

Whilst I found all the products pleasant and at least as effective as other anti-ageing products I've tried, I think that Sk:n's strength lies in skin analysis and the prescribing of tailored treatments, including skincare.

You really can't assess someone's skin via email after all.

Every Sk:n consultation includes a skin assessment, discussion of your particular areas of concern, treatment fact sheets, tailored recommendations and treatment plans. They say they always make sure to advise you on the right treatment, with the best practitioners to meet your needs.

You can find out more at their website where you can discover their full range of treatments, the clinic nearest to you and also book online.

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Skinn Skincare - A Birthday Gift From Idealworld.TV

It's Idealworld.TV's 17th birthday this March and to celebrate they have a great offer on one of their hero skincare products - the Skinn Collagenesis range from Skinn.

Skinn is a top selling international skincare and colour cosmetic brand and the brainchild of industry veteran Dimitri James, a professional makeup artist and licensed esthetician whose work has been seen on the runway and the red carpet, as well as national and international TV shows and magazines.  As well as training makeup artists and estheticians for renowned beauty brands, he is the author of two books, "Becoming Beauty" and "Naughty Makeovers for Nice Girls".

Skinn say they focus on what goes into the jar and how it will make you look, using the company motto “what counts is inside” and they only use pure, natural ingredients and traditional methods of preparation. It is this, they say, that makes Skinn different from other cosmetic brands.

I was sent four products to try:-

* Skinn Collagenesis 24 Hour Cream 50ml

* Stem Rejen Face Serum 30ml

* Stem Rejen Eye Serum 15ml 

* Lip Stem Rejen 15ml

The 24 hour youth preservation cream is fortified with plant derived peptides, Collagenesis which contains no waxes, no parabens, no petrochemicals and no mineral oil.  It can be used both day and night to help keep skin feel softer as well as help to even the skin tone and firm the skin.

The facial serum is formulated has three key ingredients, Glacier Water, Snow Algae Powder and Alpine Rose. Glacier Water helps to keep the skin moisturised, whereas the Snow Algae helps to increase the longevity of skin’s smooth, radiant appearance. Alpine Rose helps to enhance skin’s natural vitality and allows skin to cope better with climate changes.

The eye serum is formulated with a natural plumping active derived from the resin of the Indian tree Guggul, as well as the key ingredients from the facial serum.

Lastly the Collagenesis Lip Stem Rejen Serum Elite 15ml is formulated with a naturally derived active obtained from sesame seeds that help to smooth lines around the lip including, marionette and nasolabial folds, for a more rejuvenated and youthful appearance.  You can use it morning and night on your mouth area and laughter lines and as and when needed throughout the day.

I liked the value for money advanced skincare formulations, the elegant packaging and the lovely colours of the potions - a bright pink and yellow.  I found the 24 hour preservation cream curiously springy in texture but with all four products a little went a long way.

I found the products to be gentle on my skin, easily absorbed and unfragranced which my skin certainly appreciates.  I have found that as I have got older, my skin has become increasingly sensitive and prone to break out.

My favourite of the four was the lip serum designed to minimise those annoying tell-tale lines around your lips - you know the ones - the lines that seem to absorb red lipstick!  I found it had an instant effect and will be popped in my handbag.

If you would like to try the four Skinn products above, you can find all of them at Idealworld.TV. Usually this collection retails at £120 but from Wednesday 29th March they are giving you a birthday gift by offering them at £39.99.

Not only that but they are including two extra products, Skinn Insta-Fill for Eyes,  a line filling treatment designed to instantly create smooth skin around the eye area, and Insta-Fill for Lips,  which will stop your lipstick from feathering and make your colour last longer.

If you would like to try premium skincare at a budget price this March then remember to visit Idealworld.TV from the 29th March.


Disclosure: I received a selection of Skinn skincare for review. The opinions below are my own and unbiased.

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Review: Lee Stafford CoCo LoCo Irons

Recently Caitlin had her hair straightened for the first time at the hairdresser and loved it so when we were asked to test the Lee Stafford CoCo LoCo Irons, she was very keen!

My hair is now shoulder length but Caitlin's hair is long and thick with a slight curl (how I envy her!)

The straighteners are nicely designed and are a great girly colour. They are lightweight with a decent 2m length swivel cord.

We liked that you can lock the plates and can also vary the temperature anywhere from 120 degrees c up to 200 degrees c. The temperature is helpfully displayed on an LED screen.

The ceramic plates in these irons are infused with coconut oil to keep hair shiny and smooth. I wasn't totally sure about this addition and I was expecting a coconut fragrance which wasn't there.  There is nothing obvious to see.

That said, the straighteners did a good job on Caitlin's thick hair and were very easy to use. The lightness of them helps I found and they are long enough so that your hands are not too near the heated plates when you use them.

We found they heated up very quickly so you do need to be careful. I did not use any product on Caitlin's hair and we followed Lee's instructions by combing downwards with a tail comb and then following with the straighteners.

Lee recommends that you use a heat protection spray which we will do the next time we use the irons.

Caitlin loves her straight hair and went straight into her Instagram pose!

I think this is a great value for money straightener, ideal as a first time buy and it compared favourably to my GHDs.

I also liked that the product switches itself off automatically after 45 minutes, although you obviously have to be very careful where you leave it!

You can use these straighteners to create curls and flicks too and there's a guide in the instruction booklet that comes in the box.

There's also a 24 month guarantee for this product if you register your purchase with Lee Stafford.

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