I have lost count of the number of times at new year I have promised myself a new healthy start and it just hasn't happened. Taking up a new fad diet or intense exercise regime on the first of January every year unsurprisingly just never stuck and so eventually I gave up trying. This year I have discovered that the road to success starts with something that those workout DVDs and magazines won't tell you about: moderation.
Here's how you can stop feeling guilty about breaking your new year's resolutions and start taking steps towards a more well-rounded, healthier you:
Body - Yes everyone wants to beat the bulge after Christmas but it doesn't mean that your only option is to start the cabbage soup diet. You may lose weight on a fad regime but it will all backfire when you put all the weight back on once you stop. The key is to allow yourself to eat everything you want but only in moderation. Listing foods as "forbidden" in your mind will only make you want them more! Regular exercise is not only good for losing weight, but also for keeping you healthy. If you feel the need to start going to an intense spin class everyday after work then by all means do it but it doesn't have to be all or nothing. Do something everyday that makes you break a sweat, it could even be a quick walk around the neighbourhood, a game of tennis, or running after small children! Doing a little something on a regular basis will make you feel healthier and happier.
Mind - Let's cut to the chase...you're not going to completely change your personality or outlook on life in those few seconds between the 31st December and the 1st of January. What you can do is start listening to yourself and working out what it really is that you want to make happen this year. Find some "quiet time" for yourself every day to sit and reflect on things...no tv, phones, or conversations...just you and your mind.
Skin - I can't stress the importance of having a good skincare regime in place. If you still haven't invested in one then now is the time. Looking after your skin will not only keep it healthy and protect against the signs of ageing, but will make you feel pampered and taken care of. A skincare regime doesn't have to consist in a hundred different stages taking up your whole evening, just a simple cleanse, tone, and moisturise will suffice. Your face is something worth investing in and so spending more on a luxury brand will pay off in the long run. I recommend my favourite brand, Sakare, as their products are of the highest quality and get visible results in a short space of time.
Sunday, 10 January 2016
Saturday, 19 December 2015
Why Xmas is the Time to Treat Yourself (& how Sakare can Help)
I don't know about you but I'm burnt out. On top of my usually jam-packed schedule I've had to single handedly prepare to host Christmas at my house (for the first time) and buy presents for everyone that will make this year the best year ever. Let's just say it's not easy and juggling that with trying to ensure that my two boys are having the magical festive time that they deserve is almost impossible. Today after completing almost all of my missions before the big day I decided that it's time for some me time.
Mums at this time of year function on overdrive simply because they have to. Christmas parties, trips to visit Santa, present buying, food planning, decoration perfecting...it all gets too much at some point and now is the time to let it all go!
Focus on taking a breath, a moment of quiet for your brain and body to melt away the stress and actually enable yourself to start to enjoy these precious family moments. My top tip for relaxation is to treat yourself to a luxurious bath product and soak your troubles away (with a glass of wine, of course). Light candles, send the kids (and husband) away, whatever you need to do to find a real moment of peace in this busy time.
If you're going to do a bath properly then you absolutely have to use Sakare Soothing Shower Oil. Although the name suggests that it's only for use in the shower this is misleading as it is actually the best bath oil I have ever come across.
Mums at this time of year function on overdrive simply because they have to. Christmas parties, trips to visit Santa, present buying, food planning, decoration perfecting...it all gets too much at some point and now is the time to let it all go!
Focus on taking a breath, a moment of quiet for your brain and body to melt away the stress and actually enable yourself to start to enjoy these precious family moments. My top tip for relaxation is to treat yourself to a luxurious bath product and soak your troubles away (with a glass of wine, of course). Light candles, send the kids (and husband) away, whatever you need to do to find a real moment of peace in this busy time.
If you're going to do a bath properly then you absolutely have to use Sakare Soothing Shower Oil. Although the name suggests that it's only for use in the shower this is misleading as it is actually the best bath oil I have ever come across.
Add to a hot bath and be amazed as the water turns silky smooth with the most relaxing smell. It can't be described you just simply need to experience it for yourself! This product is extremely luxurious but at the same time extremely practical...it's a bath oil, body wash, and moisturiser all in one. Not forgetting that it can also be used for your daily shower even if you aren't taking a time-out bath.
This is one present that you shouldn't wait until Christmas to unwrap...go and treat yourself to something a bit early...you deserve it and trust me, it will help you get through what's to come!
Good luck to all of you out there hosting your first ever Xmas dinner (me included), and to all others...hope you have a fantastic Christmas with lots of magical moments!!
Sunday, 6 December 2015
Sakare Bath & Body - The Ideal Xmas Gift
If you're stuck for what to buy this year then look no further than the bath & body range at Sakare. There is something for everyone whether your grandmother, sister, neighbour, cousin, manicurist or doctor.
Everyone loves some pampering body treats at Christmas time, especially those with a luxury tag on them. After testing out their products over and over I can safely say that Sakare is up there with the top names in luxury beauty products from all over the world.
Not sure what someone's preferences are when it comes to their beauty regime? Stick to these 3 foolproof products and you will be sure to impress them this year...
Deep Cleansing Salt Scrub - Most people exfoliate occasionally and even if your gift receiver doesn't they will love how soft and refreshed their skin feels after this scrub. Rich in minerals and almond oil which nourish skin leaving a healthy glow.
Luxuriating Body Butter - A good quality body butter is an essential that every woman should have in the bathroom cabinet. This butter is extremely moisturising but also easily absorbed by skin and will leave you feeling silky smooth for at least 24 hours. Works well with all skin types, including dry and sensitive.
If you want to see someone's face light up this Christmas then you know where to go.... Stick to these 3 top gift ideas and you won't go wrong.
Everyone loves some pampering body treats at Christmas time, especially those with a luxury tag on them. After testing out their products over and over I can safely say that Sakare is up there with the top names in luxury beauty products from all over the world.
Not sure what someone's preferences are when it comes to their beauty regime? Stick to these 3 foolproof products and you will be sure to impress them this year...
Deep Cleansing Salt Scrub - Most people exfoliate occasionally and even if your gift receiver doesn't they will love how soft and refreshed their skin feels after this scrub. Rich in minerals and almond oil which nourish skin leaving a healthy glow.
Soothing Shower Oil - This product is the equivalent of a luxury massage although at home in your shower! High concentration of Vitamin E helps your skin to repair itself and injects moisture meaning that you won't need to use any additional lotions afterwards. Lather up in the shower or use as a bath oil for ultimate pampering.
Luxuriating Body Butter - A good quality body butter is an essential that every woman should have in the bathroom cabinet. This butter is extremely moisturising but also easily absorbed by skin and will leave you feeling silky smooth for at least 24 hours. Works well with all skin types, including dry and sensitive.
If you want to see someone's face light up this Christmas then you know where to go.... Stick to these 3 top gift ideas and you won't go wrong.
Thursday, 12 November 2015
Why I Decided Against Botox
As a middle-aged woman with natural lines and wrinkles I would be lying if I said I hadn't seriously considered botox at least a few times in recent years. I've always taken care of my skin, using quality products and sticking to a skincare regime, but there's only so far that can go. Genetics play a huge part in how your skin ages and unfortunately for me I have inherited pronounced wrinkles from both sides of the family tree.
After making enquiries at various different clinics about Botox, I decided that it just wasn't for me...injecting strange chemicals into your delicate facial skin just seemed a bit extreme and I felt that there must be some other way. Another aspect that I was keen to avoid was the "plastic" look, the tell tale signs that you've been under the knife in some way or another.
Searching the internet for alternatives only brought up loads of gimmicky products with high price tags and absolutely no guarantee that they would actually work. Stumbling upon an online forum with real women asking real questions and getting real answers for all their beauty dilemmas I decided to pose my burning question. Some of the replies I received suggested using the BOTANOX range from SAKARE. Now, as you may know, I'm not a stranger to the Sakare products (I basically live for them and can't shut up about them) but I had never tried this range before, naively thinking that it would not be able to replicate the results that I would get from plastic surgery.
Six months down the line I am sitting here writing this post with different skin to what I had before I discovered the amazing range. Even after two weeks of using the Botanox Serum every night before bed I noticed a significant reduction in fine lines and wrinkles that I thought only possible through more extreme measures. You may remember that I exclaimed my love for this product in a previous post, but never had I before announced just how far I had come to going under the knife for the sake of beauty. It's not worth it and there are alternatives!
All of the products from the Sakare Botanox range are created to get serious results and are crafted by leading scientific skincare analysts that really know their stuff (hence the slightly higher price tag). Invest in this range and you most definitely won't be disappointed. You're welcome for the tip!
After making enquiries at various different clinics about Botox, I decided that it just wasn't for me...injecting strange chemicals into your delicate facial skin just seemed a bit extreme and I felt that there must be some other way. Another aspect that I was keen to avoid was the "plastic" look, the tell tale signs that you've been under the knife in some way or another.
Searching the internet for alternatives only brought up loads of gimmicky products with high price tags and absolutely no guarantee that they would actually work. Stumbling upon an online forum with real women asking real questions and getting real answers for all their beauty dilemmas I decided to pose my burning question. Some of the replies I received suggested using the BOTANOX range from SAKARE. Now, as you may know, I'm not a stranger to the Sakare products (I basically live for them and can't shut up about them) but I had never tried this range before, naively thinking that it would not be able to replicate the results that I would get from plastic surgery.
Six months down the line I am sitting here writing this post with different skin to what I had before I discovered the amazing range. Even after two weeks of using the Botanox Serum every night before bed I noticed a significant reduction in fine lines and wrinkles that I thought only possible through more extreme measures. You may remember that I exclaimed my love for this product in a previous post, but never had I before announced just how far I had come to going under the knife for the sake of beauty. It's not worth it and there are alternatives!
All of the products from the Sakare Botanox range are created to get serious results and are crafted by leading scientific skincare analysts that really know their stuff (hence the slightly higher price tag). Invest in this range and you most definitely won't be disappointed. You're welcome for the tip!
Tuesday, 27 October 2015
Halloween Treats for the Kids (and Mums)
Autumn is well and truly here and while I don't look forward to the short, dreary days I do love celebrating all of the winter festivities! If you have kids it's a great excuse to go all out on Halloween....costumes, decorations, homemade sweet treats...the works.
This year I'm trying to cut down on my two boys' sugar intake but still make it fun and spooky for them. Instead of doing the usual Trick or Treat rounds I've decided to throw a haunted house party at our house complete with games, surprises, goodie bags, and of course...a costume competition. This time, however, I won't be handing over endless supplies of sweeties and chocolates as I have decided to go down a healthier route. Think fruit carved into scary creatures, sugar free jelly, frozen yoghurt apples etc. Here's to hoping that it will be a success and that healthy will win over the usual sugar saturation!
As a general principle I like to try and give out small presents at Halloween instead of just sweeties...it's more personal and healthier. For little girls (like my nieces) I found cute little witches cauldrons complete with spell ingredients and a wand. Fires up imagination and also doubles as part of a costume. For my boys I got them a Halloween themed video game that they can play at the party with their friends.
This year I decided to extend my gift giving to the mums in the school-run group. Let's face it...if anyone really deserves a gift it's the mums that run here there and everywhere after their children while balancing work and running a house at the same time. I gave a Luxuriating Body Butter by my favourite luxury brand, Sakare to each of the mums and made them promise me that they would take some time to themselves that night to relax in the bath and apply the lotion.
The next day I was thanked over and over by mums that hadn't even realised that they weren't taking time for themselves. They all loved the body butter and were impressed by how nourishing and beautifully smelling it is. I have definitely earned my space in the good books for the next few months...I doubt anyone will be looking at me to host a bake sale anytime soon!
This year I'm trying to cut down on my two boys' sugar intake but still make it fun and spooky for them. Instead of doing the usual Trick or Treat rounds I've decided to throw a haunted house party at our house complete with games, surprises, goodie bags, and of course...a costume competition. This time, however, I won't be handing over endless supplies of sweeties and chocolates as I have decided to go down a healthier route. Think fruit carved into scary creatures, sugar free jelly, frozen yoghurt apples etc. Here's to hoping that it will be a success and that healthy will win over the usual sugar saturation!
As a general principle I like to try and give out small presents at Halloween instead of just sweeties...it's more personal and healthier. For little girls (like my nieces) I found cute little witches cauldrons complete with spell ingredients and a wand. Fires up imagination and also doubles as part of a costume. For my boys I got them a Halloween themed video game that they can play at the party with their friends.
This year I decided to extend my gift giving to the mums in the school-run group. Let's face it...if anyone really deserves a gift it's the mums that run here there and everywhere after their children while balancing work and running a house at the same time. I gave a Luxuriating Body Butter by my favourite luxury brand, Sakare to each of the mums and made them promise me that they would take some time to themselves that night to relax in the bath and apply the lotion.
The next day I was thanked over and over by mums that hadn't even realised that they weren't taking time for themselves. They all loved the body butter and were impressed by how nourishing and beautifully smelling it is. I have definitely earned my space in the good books for the next few months...I doubt anyone will be looking at me to host a bake sale anytime soon!
Saturday, 10 October 2015
The Ultimate London Guide: What to See & Do
If you are planning on a trip to London or live in London and want to take family and friends on a less touristy, more enjoyable tour then follow this guide!
From my experience people want to do 3 things: sightseeing, sampling the culture (including the food), and shopping!
First of all I take them on a tour of the most famous central places. I find that walking is the best way to get around and enables you to take in more of the beautiful London streets and buildings. For the sightseeing part of the trip I find that it is important to cover these main places or your guests might start to question whether they are really visiting the British capital: Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, Covent Garden, Leicester Sq, Green Park, Trafalgar Sq, The Strand..it goes on. Zones 1-2 can be walked around easily and even if you don't know where you are going you are bound to stumble on some pretty famous places.
For sights such as Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and the Shard, take a trip along the Southbank in the evening or during the day. A beautiful walk along the Thames hits all these sightseeing nails on the head and there are loads of nice places to stop for eating and drinking along the way.
And so this leads me to the next stage...sampling the culture. British pub culture is a must see...whether for a traditional fish & chip dinner or just a pint. There are so many to choose from, pop into a few in the central area and see what quaint establishments you can find.
Another huge part of London culture is the musicals showing in the West End. Whether looking for something funny, theatrical, serious or tear-jerking there is something for everyone. If you aren't sure then you can't go wrong with a classic like Phantom of the Opera, or the Lion King.
If you have time a trip to South Kensington is well worth it for the museums. The V&A, the Natural History, and the Science Museum are all not to be missed. Depends on how much time you have and what your interests are of course.
You can't come to London without going shopping! A trip along Oxford Street and Bond Street are the cherry on top of the tour. Try to avoid Saturdays as it will be absolutely mobbed and not even enjoyable. Don't waste all of your time going into every single shop...I would recommend hitting 3 main stores....Topshop, Sakare, and of course, Selfridges.
You can't not take a trip into the biggest store in the world...Topshop. Be aware though, you will get lost and you will lose phone signal so agree a meeting place and time! My next stop is always Sakare on Bond Street....the most luxurious and exclusive street in London. Sakare offers beautiful cosmetic products at decent prices and the experience of looking around this store is not to be missed. Finish off by looking around the prestigious Selfridges department store, with everything you could dream of buying in one place. End the day with a glass of champagne in the food hall....you will probably need it by this point!
Make sure you plan your days ahead of time so that you don't miss anything out but most importantly....enjoy!
From my experience people want to do 3 things: sightseeing, sampling the culture (including the food), and shopping!
First of all I take them on a tour of the most famous central places. I find that walking is the best way to get around and enables you to take in more of the beautiful London streets and buildings. For the sightseeing part of the trip I find that it is important to cover these main places or your guests might start to question whether they are really visiting the British capital: Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, Covent Garden, Leicester Sq, Green Park, Trafalgar Sq, The Strand..it goes on. Zones 1-2 can be walked around easily and even if you don't know where you are going you are bound to stumble on some pretty famous places.
For sights such as Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and the Shard, take a trip along the Southbank in the evening or during the day. A beautiful walk along the Thames hits all these sightseeing nails on the head and there are loads of nice places to stop for eating and drinking along the way.
And so this leads me to the next stage...sampling the culture. British pub culture is a must see...whether for a traditional fish & chip dinner or just a pint. There are so many to choose from, pop into a few in the central area and see what quaint establishments you can find.
Another huge part of London culture is the musicals showing in the West End. Whether looking for something funny, theatrical, serious or tear-jerking there is something for everyone. If you aren't sure then you can't go wrong with a classic like Phantom of the Opera, or the Lion King.
If you have time a trip to South Kensington is well worth it for the museums. The V&A, the Natural History, and the Science Museum are all not to be missed. Depends on how much time you have and what your interests are of course.
You can't come to London without going shopping! A trip along Oxford Street and Bond Street are the cherry on top of the tour. Try to avoid Saturdays as it will be absolutely mobbed and not even enjoyable. Don't waste all of your time going into every single shop...I would recommend hitting 3 main stores....Topshop, Sakare, and of course, Selfridges.
You can't not take a trip into the biggest store in the world...Topshop. Be aware though, you will get lost and you will lose phone signal so agree a meeting place and time! My next stop is always Sakare on Bond Street....the most luxurious and exclusive street in London. Sakare offers beautiful cosmetic products at decent prices and the experience of looking around this store is not to be missed. Finish off by looking around the prestigious Selfridges department store, with everything you could dream of buying in one place. End the day with a glass of champagne in the food hall....you will probably need it by this point!
Make sure you plan your days ahead of time so that you don't miss anything out but most importantly....enjoy!
Thursday, 8 October 2015
Visiting Family & Successful Sakare Goodies
If ever stuck for ideas for gifts I always run straight to Sakare. They have something for everyone and the quality is so high that they make impressive gifts for even the toughest to impress.
That's why as soon as I planned a short visit home to visit my family in Manchester I headed first of all to pick up some treats for my loved ones from Sakare. I never return home empty handed. When you don't see your extended family for long stretches of time you somehow feel that you need to make up for it, and for me this is expressed through gift giving.
So here's what I bought and how much they loved it:
That's why as soon as I planned a short visit home to visit my family in Manchester I headed first of all to pick up some treats for my loved ones from Sakare. I never return home empty handed. When you don't see your extended family for long stretches of time you somehow feel that you need to make up for it, and for me this is expressed through gift giving.
So here's what I bought and how much they loved it:
Anti-Wrinkle Eye Serum for my Mother
Mum always comes first. After everything she has done for me over the years she really deserves a treat. Not one to spoil herself, it's always left up to me to do it. Probably the best product that Sakare have to offer, the anti-wrinkle eye serum is truly amazing and I would urge every ageing woman (or man) to go out and purchase some. After using for just a week my mother even noticed a difference in the fine lines around her eyes. Safe to say I was definitely the favourite child after that!Deep Cleansing Salt Scrub for my Sister
This scrub is a foolproof option for almost everyone. You can really tell that the ingredients are pure salt from the dead sea and not much else. Not a watered down scrub that won't get rid of dry skin, this one means business and is perfect for problem areas. My sister, Julie struggles with dry skin and so I thought this treatment would be great for her. It is excellent for exfoliating impurities off the skin surface and then restoring moisture all in one go. Julie has since called me in London to ask if I can bring her more pots of the scrub next time I am up....Nail Kits for my Nieces
Young girls just never seem to get over the thrill of giving each other manicures do they? Well my nieces don't anyway. I just knew they would go crazy for the nail kit. As soon as I gave them the present they ripped it open and set up a mini-salon in the front room, bringing over a range of nail varnishes and asking me what I wanted. They especially loved the buffer because they thought it was simply magical how shiny it can make your nails. A perfect gift for youngsters but don't be put off buying it for grown adults either, the quality is true to the Sakare name and is not only practical but luxurious.
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