Best nail polish 2011…

We were delighted to hear the news that our very own beauty maven ANDREA FULERTON has achieved her third award for the best nail polish since launching her brand ANDREA FULERTON NAIL BOUTIQUE last year.

This time it’s the award for best nail polish for ‘stripe and sparkle’ – a selection of great shades to create nail art with (including black, white, red, blue and silver) featuring a gorgeous striper brush for precision application whether its contrasting tips or funky leopard print. Not content with just a striper brush the polish also contains a glitter filled shaker on the lid perfect for adding some summer sparkle to toenails!

Available nationwide at larger Superdrug stores.

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If beauty is skin deep, then make sure you protect it!

Karen Clifford passed away on New Year’s Eve 2005 after a courageous battle with skin cancer. Since the disease was diagnosed, her family was dismayed to discover that skin cancer is a largely preventable disease.  With education on the dangers of over exposure to UV, sun safety and vital early detection, unnecessary deaths can be stopped and lives saved.  This drove Karen’s family and friends to want to make a real difference and together with medical professionals at the Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham (where Karen was treated), The Karen Clifford Skin Cancer Charity (Skcin) was established.  The charity aims to be the first high profile charitable organisation in the UK targeting this specific form of cancer and to be the first port of call for anyone affected by skin cancer, providing comprehensive online information on the subject.

The principle objective of the charity beyond that is to ensure that the danger of over-exposure to UV from the sun or sunbeds is given greater profile, with the emphasis on education resulting in the early detection of the disease. ??As a charity Skcin firmly believe that skin cancer requires a continuous ongoing national campaign resulting in a significantly higher profile for the disease targeting all age groups at home and abroad at work and at play in order to stop the spread of the UK’s most common cancer and to ultimately save lives!

Why is their work so important?

  • Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK
  • Rates of the disease are rising faster than any other cancer
  • Cases of the disease have quadrupled over the last 30 years
  • More people die from skin cancer in the UK than in Australia
  • Malignant melanoma – the deadliest form of the disease is the most common form of cancer amongst women in their 20’s and young adults aged 15-34, with 2 a day being diagnosed with Malignant melanoma
  • Men in their 60’s & 70’s are now 5x more likely to be diagnosed
  • Seven people die of skin cancer everyday!
  • Experts estimate that by 2024 malignant melanoma will become the most common form of cancer and yet….

Skin cancer has the lowest profile in comparison to all other major cancers!!

For more details on all their work and advice on skincare visit their website: www.skcin.org


 

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Beauty Mavens turn their hands to driving…


After some rather impressive driving (and parking) from our first beauty maven ANNA-MARIE SOLOWIJ, Millie and I were inspired to look up ladies driving days. Whilst googling around we came across The Fire Fighters Charity which is giving women throughout the country the unique opportunity to prove that they, rather than their macho menfolk, are the true champions behind the wheel!

On Saturday 16th July The Fire Fighters Charity will visit Dalton Barracks to give women the chance to drive a variety of large and unusual vehicles in the ‘Ladies Driving Challenge’. Participants will be able to try their hand at manoeuvring a range of different vehicles such as fire engines, trucks and tractors, all kindly donated by local organisations.

Event Organiser, Pauline Tyldesley said, “The Ladies Driving Challenge promises to be an exciting day, with the chance to operate a fantastic collection of vehicles often associated with male drivers. Other types of driving events can be uncomfortably competitive with an emphasis on speed, and this has been known to put off some women. The Women-only Challenge is much more relaxed with the focus on handling vehicles with skill and enjoying new experiences, as well as raising money for a good cause.”

The challenge is to drive a wide variety of weird and wonderful vehicles!  Each Ladies Driving Challenge is unique, but at any given event you can look forward to driving at least four or five different types of vehicle. Expert tuition throughout ensures you enjoy the special day to the full.

To take control of the wheel for a day (without the interruption of the usual back seat driver in your life!), all we ask is that you pay a £10 registration fee and raise a minimum amount of sponsorship.

Pauline explained, “Behind the fun, there is a very serious message that we are supporting those heroic fire fighters who risk their lives for us. When they run into a burning building, there is always the very real risk of serious injury, and when the worst happens not only fire fighters suffer, but also their families. The Fire Fighters Charity helps support injured fire fighters, both physically and emotionally, enabling them to return to work faster. Unbelievably, the Charity receives no government funding and relies entirely from beneficiary and public donations”.

If you would like to take part in this fantastic event and try your hand at driving some unusual vehicles, contact Pauline on 0788 1658273 or emailptyldesley@firefighterscharity.org.uk

We can’t wait to take part and I especially can’t wait to see Millie behind the wheel of a fire engine or a tractor!!

 

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Eli Wakamatsu shares Bobbi’s secrets of the universe

Sat in our office with Eli Wakamatsu we had a flurry of excitement when a package arrived from Bobbi Brown containing the latest products. Out of all the products we LOVE the Correct & Creamy Concealer it has a creamy smooth texture that’s not oily and will be amazing for under the eyes.

In Bobbi’s words This new formula gives you quick, perfect coverage. It’s rich and creamy without being thick – so goes on easily and blends smoothly with minimal effort.”

To see the concealer in action check out the video link on her website:

http://www.bobbibrown.co.uk/product/2335/15950/Makeup/Face/Correctors-Concealers/Creamy-Concealer-Kit/New/index.tmpl

 

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Discover inner nutritional alchemy with Ina crystals

Our Raven Maven AYO LAGUDA has recommended the gorgeous Ina Crystals White Gold skin and body care range. Perfumier Azzi Glasser and make up artist Mary Vango created the line to bring together ingredients that work perfectly and effectively together.

The ‘White Crystal Salts’ sourced from the Himalayas are the ‘gold star’ ingredient of this innovative paraben free, product range. This is the first time a skin and body care range not only helps to detoxify but also encourages the skin’s ability to self-regenerate and revert back to its natural pH balance.

Among male devotee’s are the absolutely ‘grooming marvellous’ A-listers of music and film with image being tantamount to success. Try an alternative to the swift shower and opt  for some respite; buoyed by the rejuvenating qualities of ‘Detox Bath Crystals’. Just let yourself be; in no hurry to get out.

www.inacrystals.com

 

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Detox for health and wellbeing, not just weight loss

Our resident health and fitness maven David Osgathorp has been educating us all in the office to the power of detoxing. We love his approach focusing on health and fitness rather than weight loss.

Seven Reasons To Detox

Detoxing has received mixed messages in the press in recent years. Unfortunately there is a lack of understanding as to how proper detox programmes can benefit every individual not only from a weight loss angle but also in their general health and wellbeing. There are always extreme approaches to every health procedure but a sensible detox programme doesn’t need to involve a week of water, beetroot juice and 2 colonics a day!

This can be done very safely, sensibly and leave you feeling amazing!“ David Osgathorp

So why should you detox.

1. Improved Quality of Life

Sadly many of us just simply put up with poor health. We live with joint pain, headaches and poor digestion for years unnecessarily. It doesn’t need to be this way! Even issues such as poor memory, energy levels and mood can be improved when we are able to restore the body’s health and vitality.

When we detox, we allow body to use its energy to restore and repair cells, organs and systems that need to be repaired which leaves us much stronger afterwards. Did you know that 50% of our daily energy level is used for digestion? When we detox there is much more available energy for the body’s internal ability to “fix” what needs to be “fixed”!

2. To Prevent Chronic Disease

Free radicals are present in all living cell and are a part of the cell processes. However excessive free radicals in our cells can attack the cell membranes causing cell and tissue damage and leading to conditions such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, cataracts, strokes and many more. There is more and more research into the benefits of alkalizing the body as it is known that cancer cells cannot grow in an alkaline environment. With a detox the PH of the body moves from more acidic to more alkaline!

3. For Anti-Aging Benefits

As previously mentioned, free radicals and heavy metals attack the body sometimes causing irreparable damage internally and externally. Detoxing rids the body of free radicals and heavy metals allowing it to better absorb nutrients including anti-oxidants and vitamins which are essential for fighting oxidative stress – one of the biggest factors in premature aging.

4. Weight Loss

The simple theory of calories in verses calories out simply doesn’t work! If someone’s digestive system isn’t functioning properly they won’t lose weight! FACT!

A detox programme allows the body to get rid of toxins stored in fat cells and as water weight. When the body eliminates these toxins the water weight disappears and it is common to lose inches of fat, often around the middle.

5. Strengthen your Immune System

Toxins stress the immune system and also drain the body of energy trying to eliminate them leaving our immune system weakened. This leaves us open to colds, flu and other more serious ailments. Performing a regular detox allows us to strengthen the immune system and fight off infection. Strengthening the immune system also reduces the body’s inflammatory response to external allergens such as pollen and other airborne allergens as well as reduced sensitivities to additives in food, wheat, lactose and other common food allergens.

6. Create Body Balance

The body’s systems were designed to work in harmony with one another. The nervous system, endocrine and digestive systems perform precise operations to keep us functioning at our optimal level. When these systems fall out of balance our health is compromised.

A detox restores balance to the body allowing us to function properly. Our mood is drastically improved, sleep patterns return to normal and we actually feel rested. It allows the digestive system to function properly, expelling waste immediately and preventing the buildup of toxins.

7. Remove Toxins and Parasites from the Body

Long term exposure to toxins can affect cell growth, behaviour and immune response and the only way to combat this is through a programme of elimination.

Parasites are also common issues affecting proper digestion. They find their way into our bodies via skin or oral ingestion and they feed on our supplies depriving us of vitamins, nutrients and amino acids.

Heavy metal toxicity and parasites can cause numerous disruptions to the blood, lymph, heart, liver, eyes, brain and joints that conventional medicine often fails to diagnose. A simple consultation can detect any issues with parasites and treat them accordingly.

 

 

 

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Health & Fitness Maven David Osgathorp Talks Tennis

Yes, it’s that time of year when you can guarantee two things:

1. Rain!

2. Injuries!

Wimbledon fortnight. A time of year that a number of us eagerly anticipate and after Andy Murray’s performance last week at Queens dare we dream of seeing a British winner this year at SW19?

It’s the time when we become inspired, dig out that old tennis racket, dust it down and get straight out on the court to show everyone our skills with a tennis ball!

Unfortunately this often ends in tears as well as aches pains, pulls and strains! The body is a wonderful machine, it can adapt to any number of challenges placed upon it but it has it’s weaknesses.

Performing new or “forgotten” movements can be too much to even a trained athlete. These muscles that have not been used since last year’s enthusiastic knock about have tightened, weakened and are literally accidents waiting to happen.

To prevent this simply take these precautions:

1. Warm up

2. Drink water

Warming up gradually increases the heart rate, relaxes muscles and prepares the body for the workload ahead. Stretching improves circulation and energy flow, increases your natural range of movement and therefore your ability to perform when playing.

This isn’t rocket science I’m sure you all know this already, but how many of you actually do it? Take 15 minutes to properly prepare before each game and enjoy a long summer of injury free tennis!

To aid your performance, keep drinking throughout your game. Even a 2% drop in hydration can dull your senses, lower your energy levels and stress the body’s systems. Sufficient water intake is also essential for proper digestion, nutrition weight loss and pretty much every bodily function, so drink up!

David Osgathorp

www.aayoutraining.com

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Sascha Breuer Hair Tips: Hair in the Heat

International hair stylist Sascha Breuer talks us through what to do for those hot summers days at the beach wherever in the world you are. It’s not often you see artists that are totally unbiassed, but we love that rather than use brand names Sascha talks through techniques guiding his readers and leaving the door open for your choice of product – which some people generally prefer.

I have several celebrity clients who spend a lot of time in the heat either working or simply relaxing and one thing they always ask me is how to control hair in the heat.

Spending all day on the beach can leave your hair messy, frizzy and out of control. The best way to cope with it is to keep styling simple – over styling will make it worse and add extra damage to your hair.

If you are spending your time on the beach or dashing around in the heat of town always carry:

  • A clip to pull hair out of your face in a side parting and secure or tie back at the nape of the neck for an elegant look.
  • A tail comb with thin close together teeth, to tease volume into hair at the roots if the heat is making yours look limp and lifeless.
  • A large round brush, spritzed with hairspray before brushing hair, to smooth unwanted frizz and flyways.
  • Kirby grips to turn a simple ponytail into a glam evening look by twisting it in and creating a sexy chignon.

These are just some of the key products and styling tools to create loose or sleek up-do’s or just to pin some of the hair away for more freedom to avoid that uncomfortable summer hair feeling.

Click HERE for Sascha’s blog.

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Does weight training really make women bulky?

There are numerous myths and scare stories around the issue of female resistance training that cause most women to stay well away from the weights room in the gym through the fear of growing bulky muscles… This simply won’t happen!

The truth is that women don’t have enough of the hormones in their body that allow for increased muscle mass. In fact they actually have 10 to 30 times less amounts of testosterone and human growth hormone than males.

In fact most male weight trainers will tell you that simply lifting weights isn’t going to guarantee instant muscle gain. It takes serious dedication, a precise and appropriate weight training programme, a strict and scientifically engineered diet complete with dietary supplementation and for a number of guys, chemical enhancement to see these results!

Muscle mass just won’t suddenly appear because you dare to lift weights. Unfortunately many women believe this myth and therefore miss out on all of the benefits that strength training offers.

Weight training is incredibly beneficial to women and my team of trainers and I incorporate some form of strength training element into all of our female client’s programmes. The down side is that YES, it may mean that your overall weight may go up but as I always say to my clients “is the number on those scales really important if you look and feel so much better?”

The bottom line is that muscle tissue weights more than fat. Therefore, as you increase your muscle tissue, your “weight” will increase.

However, here’s the good bit, Muscle is thermogenic which means that by having more of it this will increase your resting metabolism. The denser your muscle tissue, the more calories you will burn even at a complete rest. Those with dense muscles burn more calories by just engaging in their regular daily activities. In fact, research shows that for each pound of muscle earned, you will expend 35 to 50 more calories per day. So, if you gain three pounds of muscle, you will burn 40 more calories per pound, which equates to 120 additional calories per day, which translates into 3,600 additional calories per month and ultimately results in a weight loss of 10 to 12 pounds in a single year.

Weight training is also an incredibly powerful weapon against osteoporosis, a disease characterised by low bone mass, leading to an increased susceptibility to fractures of the wrists, hips, and spine. About 3 million people in the UK have osteoporosis and every year more than 230,000 fractures occur because of it. In fact, statistics show that one in two women over the age of 50 will suffer from an osteoporosis-related fracture during their lifetime.

So maybe the question should be can we really live healthily without weight training?

For more information contact David Osgathorp and his team – www.aayoutraining.com

 

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Groom for improvement

Our Raven Manven Ayo Laguda has sent us this hot tip for those who have ‘groom for improvement’….

The eponymous Nicky Clarke salon on London’s fashionable Mount Street is renowned for styling hair of the Loubitin heeled, women of Mayfair. However,the new grooming vault under the guidance of ‘Miss Kelly’ proves there is always ‘groom for improvement’ for the discerning gentleman. This private, bespoke service offers hair cuts, colour ,hot and cold towel shaves, facials,manicures or pedicures.

Call- 0844 884 2444 for an appointment with ‘Miss Kelly’ or visit www.nickyclarke.com

 

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