Tuesday 24 November 2009

Review: Saks Kings Hill, Kent

You must have heard of Saks, right? I know I have and always assumed they would be really expensive, snooty sort of salon with an elite clientele that mere mortals would not attempt to infiltrate. How wrong I was and I am prepared to shout this from the rooftops.
Amazing – in fact so good I have booked my next set of highlights at the salon I reviewed – something I have never done until now after six years of beauty reviews.
My fabulous stylist was brilliant from start to finish and after a heavy night prior to my appointment, all I needed was a relaxing, invigorating treatment and as promised, she delivered.
Situated within the famous David Lloyd fitness centres in Kings Hill, Kent, this Saks salon is deceptive large and home to celebrity dancer (of Strictly fame) Ola Jordon who is a loyal regular – and I can see why.
Fresh, airy, clean and fashionable, this salon has a warm and welcoming atmosphere and was quietly buzzing with energy and an infectious happiness that made the start of my experience very nice indeed.
My stylist talked me through the ideas I had and how she interpreted them with a style and colour that would suit my face shape, colouring, lifestyle and maintenance efforts.
I explained that I wanted to go a coppery shade, changing from my natural dark brown shade, which I feel washes me out, especially in the winter months.
She took me through my current cut and asked me, in detail what I usually do with my hair and how often I go back to the salon for a cut and colour.
We decided that a head full of highlights followed by a copper tint would be the best bet, along with a classic bob that is long enough to tie up and curl/wave/straighten.
As drinks and snacks and copies of Elle and Vogue were sent my way, my stylist packed my head full of foils, going for an unusual packing system, which would avoid the dreaded zebra stripe effect so common with foiled highlights.
As I mellowed for a couple of hours to allow the bleach to take to my dark hair, the team talked me through their extensive training, synonymous with the high standards of all Saks salons. If you want to know anything about hair, ask them: I was blown away by the sheer level of knowledge and expertise they hold and for once felt totally at the mercy of a qualified and experienced stylist –without the hefty price tag.
Once the foils were off, I had a conditioning treatment and invigorating head massage, which very nearly sent me off to sleep.
So snappy was the stylist with the scissors that my cut was finished within half an hour and I was ready to go with a sexy wave courtesy of an old curling technique being re-introduced by Saks stylists.
Hot score: 9/10 – fantastic staff, great salon, brilliant service, great experience and value for money. Top notch.
I am booked in for another cut and colour just before Christmas and can’t wait!
Prices vary and start from about £20
www.saks.co.uk

Review: Jinny Lash

So, I was flicking through some old posts on Liberty London Girl's blog and remembered some interesting stuff about false eyelashes.

http://www.libertylondongirl.com/2009/06/get-lashed-london-fake-eyelash-bars.html

Now, I have always been a fan of false eyelashes, as the gene pool of lashes seemingly missed my eyes and I have always had sporadic, fine and short lashes that are, well to be honest, crap.
So imagine my excitement as a teenager living in the country, discovering the invention of eyelash guru Jinnylash. I had dreamed about these lashes for many years, using Eyelure creations to fill the gap/void/hole that was my eyelashes.
(btw, love Eyelure - defo a teenagers dream)
So imagine my delight when the sexy, raspy voiced PR Guru Lucy Dartford contacted me offering a plethora of tiny lashes to be intricately glued to my eyelashes, leaving me with peepers worthy of a Hollywood star. I nearly wet my pants.
Off I trotted to their fabulous studio, off Regents Street, near St Christopher’s Place (what better venue to flutter my lashes at the unsuspecting locals after?) and prepared myself for an eye transformation.
Your consultant talks you through the procedure while you remove your eye make-up with a gentle lotion and pad provided. As I removed the mountain of mascara from my eyes, I daydreram about the length of lashes to come and almost faint with giddiness.
FYI - I am not the kind of chick to go out without make-up, so to be bare in front of a stranger, felt weird but ok, however this point will come to fruition later...
I am told to relax on a comfy bed and place my head on a special pad, while the technician looks at the length and thickness of my lashes - assessing the new ones that will be delicately glued to my own over the next hour.
As I close my eyes, I must admit I am a little nervous about a metal tweezer-like-contraption heading towards my eyes, but the technician is so gentle and the setting so calm, I am lulled into a sleep after which I am woken by the technician pulling away at the tape that has secured the bottom of my lashes.
To say looking in the mirror afterwards was thrilling is not the word. I had a full set of lashes that fluttered and flirted like the Bambi days of old.
So confident was I of these lashes, that I simply reapplied my eye make-up to match the rest of my face and went mascara free for the first time in public since I was about 12 or on holiday...
(in fact that is a blatant lie, I have the peepers tinted...)
The experts recommend you use an oil free eye make-up remover and a pad or cloth that won't snag onto your lashes. They also recommend only using mascara (should you feel the need) on the tips of the lashes to ensure you are not removing glue/lashes when you remove it at night.
Needless to say the lashes went down a treat. My sister, who is not remotely interested in beauty or fashion actually told me to stop staring at her with 'those eyes' and said she might now consider false lashes herself! Converted in one blink eh? That’s a powerful selling tool!
Prices start from £1 (per lash) and you’re looking at about 100 lashes per eye. For a full set, look to spend £150.
If it is good enough for the writers of Elle and Marie Claire then it is good enough for us!
www.jinnylash.com

Friday 13 November 2009

Emma Watson - Truffle Shuffle Tees

I'm not normally one to brag, but when you write about something you love and a few days later you have an A-List celeb rocking it, then you've got to be onto something.
Earlier in the week Truffle Shuffle helped celebrate the 40th birthday of Sesame Street and the PR Guru's Boudoir PR sent me a range of fabulous snaps to allow me to celebrate with them.
Blow me down, now Harry Potter star Emma Watson is following in the footsteps of Daisy Lowe and many others and sporting the I Love NY tee en route to a very important meeting no doubt.


So if you fancy looking as hot as Emma log onto http://www.truffleshuffle.com/ and snap up a celebrity tee for only £24.99.


Happy shopping! x

Friday 6 November 2009

Savers stores

Now, I love a bargain but I had to blink twice when I saw the bargainous deals at my local Savers store. If you haven’t heard of this fabulous British brand, then I suggest you get yourself out and about. Think of them as the Primark of beauty – bang on trend and perfect for those on a strict budget.
Savers has 230 stores across the UK, as well as a gem of a website with everyday deals.
My current favs are:
Aussie 3 Minute Miracle ONLY £2.99 (RRP £4.49) (you just can’t beat those kinda prices!)
Dove Heat Defence Mist for just £1.49 (RRP £2.99).
They even have the new Cheryl Cole L’oreal range for £1.39 each (RRP £2.45)
Fabulous! x

Thursday 5 November 2009

Retro t-shirt and Sesame Street birthday!

So if you’re a lover of all things nostalgic then check out the Sesame Street website! http://www.sesamestreet.org/home
The famous characters are celebrating their very special 40th birthday and we should celebrate with them!
If you fancy paying homage to your favourite character then check out the best website ever – www.truffleshuffle.com and have a browse at their AMAZING t-shirts!
My favs are:

Every fabulous Famous Forever t-shirt is available from £24.99 with free delivery on spends over £50.

T-shirt designers (or should I say genius designers) Famous Forever are retro design innovators influenced by iconic imagery, classic retro heroes, and every aspect of your childhood; nostalgia oozes from every thread. With a dedicated fashion following, as well as an ever-growing celebrity fan-base, Famous Forever is fast becoming one of the UK’s leading retailers for retro 80s inspired apparel. Everyone from likes Paris Hilton, Alesha Dixon, Anne Hathaway, Lindsay Lohan, Steve Jones and JLC has been spotted showing off their Famous Forever tee!

I heart Famous Forever and Truffle Shuffle equally and will be stocking up for Christmas!


Big love, K

Review: Nails Inc manicure

Wow. How much do I love Nails Inc?
Let me think?
I love that I am getting my new black I-Phone 3Gs, 16GB on Tuesday…..
I love the new Velvet body I have ordered from Topshop.com…
I love Robert Pattinson gracing the cover of Another magazine
…and I love Walnuts and pistachios at the moment….
BUT I love, love, love Nails Inc more!
Seated comfortably at my local concession within House of Fraser, Maidstone, I was greeted by the lovely ladies who, in my opinion are the coolest dudes in HOF.
Their music is fierce (Dizzee Rascal of course) and they are the perfect example of how you hope to look at the end of your session.
My technician’s Jo and Vicky (I visited on two occasions) were fantastic.
Trained to the impeccably high standards Nails Inc demand, the counters, tools and product (as well as the girls) are hygienic, tidy and stylishly merchandised; offering an oasis of calm when you take you seat. There is nothing worse than a dirty counter – you never know the filthy habits of the person who has been seated before you!
They begin with general chatter and begin cleansing your hands and buffing your nails while asking which treatment you might like and which is best suited to your lifestyle and habits. I answered obediently that I am a bit rough on my hands – I type all day and love to cook, so inevitably I am washing up…and damn me for saying so, often without my faithful Marigolds…
I state that I would like a glossy, natural finish, with a little length as mine as very short and weak. Both the girls recommend I have the Gel package and as my nail grows underneath, progress onto the 3 Week Manicure when my nails are strong and long enough.
As a teenager I was all about the cheap, despite being obsessed with beauty products and would happily march myself into one of the cheap, tacky nail bars that use electrical power tools to blast your nails to smithereens… well not @ Nail’s Inc.
Gentle buffing, stroking and advice ensues and once your nails are primed, you’re ready and raring to go.
My extensions are fitted and shaped to suit my nail size - no cheap cut offs here and we then progress to having then glued down and sealed. The gel is then gently applied with the tiniest brush, for ultra precision and your hands are divided between the UV activator: a little desk-top size machine that sets the gel. Several layers are added for strength and to make the finish realistic. As this is happening, the girls chat about the features and benefits, the other range of services and products they provide and how I should maintain my nails after I have left. I opt for a natural finish and stick to protective topcoat and a square/oval appearance. Overall, one of the best nail experiences I have had in a long time. Gracious, informative, delightful to chat to and bang on trend with advice, colours and what we will be wearing at Christmas. 10/10
Full set from £50
3 Week Manicure from £50
Christmas gift idea: The Trend Collection, £15
www.nailsinc.com

Monday 5 October 2009

K-Stew

Listen, I know she has a lot of haters out there and does en half moan about the way she can't go out in public anymore (suck it up princess) but lets face it, she must have done something right to win the lead role in Twilight series and leads in a bunch of other Hollywood films.
So, lets start giving the girl her due. Check her out in the latest edition of the US interview magazine. She looks pretty vampy...it had to be done..


Review: Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Satin Lipcolour

As lipsticks go, I am a big fan and tend to lean towards Estee Lauder and Mac when purchasing. However, when the lovely ladies from Chanel send me bits to review I am excited at the prospect of using a new lippy and experimenting with fab new shades.
Now, I would show you how it looks on different skin types, but as my camera is still broken, this is potentially problematic...

So, here is a sexy red PR shot instead!

The innovative pop-up lid allows you to easily access the lippy in emergency situations (falling out of a cab dahling, post-snog situation....popping it on tube so you look all chic..) and once out of the classic black Chanel case, you can't help but stare in wonder.

The Stick is glossy, but not stickly-shiny and of course I am trying a peachy shade to suit my skintone - 'Instinctive' which glides on perfectly, leaving a subtle tint on my lips.

A highly pigmented lipstick like this is a worthwhile investment if you're struggling to breathe with the price. It also makes a great talking point at parties when you bet a man £10 he can't open it within ten seconds.

£21.50 @ Boots, House of Fraser, John Lewis, Selfridges.

Friday 2 October 2009

New Moon - get the look

The hype surrounding the launch of New Moon is actually getting pretty sick...my pal Helen and I went to see (500) Days of Summer courtesy of Orange Wednesdays and were actually more excited about the prospect of seeing a two minute trailer than we were a critically acclaimed film.
hysteria grips us all - even a 25 year old and woman who has just turned 30...
..although we did feel slightly pervy checking out Taylor's pecs. My god they are solid. I wouldn't mind taking a bit out of those.
Anyway, I digress. Check out the latest New Moon posters to be released. I have chosen my favourite two - Bella looks hot with 'Come hither eyes' and Dakota Fanning looks pure evil with devilishly smokey eyes.
Bella: Start with a light base - a tinted moisturiser will do. Try Becca or Laura Mercier. If the budget won't allow it, go for something like Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse - it has a lightly whipped texture for even, smooth and glossy coverage.
A light sweeping of blusher - Bourjois little pots in Rose de Jaspe should do the trick nicely. Add a sweep of eyeshadow - bronze, brown - use a primer like Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion first - pat in one with your middle finger and gently sweep a shade like Bourjois's Ombre Stretch in Brun or check out Mac's wide selection of eyeshadow pots. Use a wide brush or pat on with your ring finger for a smudgy look. Finish with a little sweep of curling mascara after treating the eyes to a little curling magic, a la eyelash curler. Cosmo have a great one if tight on pennies. Try Rimmel Volume Mascara Flash, curved brush - £4.50 @ Superdrug.
Look out later for Dakota.
K

Thursday 1 October 2009

Mole Clinics @ Superdrug

Having had a sister and cousin treated for cancerous moles, I was pleased to see that Superdrug will now be providing Skin Cancer Risk Assessment Centres offering a completely free mole advisory service.
The role out of 216 centres is the brainchild of Iain Mack who set up the Mole Clinic in Harley Street.
Superdrug's pharmacist's and nurses will provide the free service, offering one to one advice developed by NICE.
The retailer saw a significant rise in visits to their clinic over the summer and are pleased to be offering the services in more stores.
To find out more contact 020 8684 7000 to find their nearest Skin Cancer Risk Assessment Clinic.

Cowshed

As a fan of all things natural and friend to a Vegan and Veggie, I am very aware of the number of animal products that are crammed into everyday beauty products and toiletries.
As a consumer of all things beautiful, I do try and exercise caution and practice what I preach when it comes to purchasing products. As a teenager I literally lived in Body Shop and then I discovered Urban Decay, another animal-friendly form start-to-finish brand.
I discovered the amazing Cow Shed a couple of years ago and am obsessed with their products and brand awareness. They use completely organic and natural products, apart from beeswax and Wildflower honey - and as a trainee beekeeper myself, I am completely happy with this.
As I have mentioned in previous posts, I have been struggling to come to terms with my house burning down and have been trying to find a 'happy place' for all my pent-up emotions and fears and thought this was the perfect time to write about Cowshed again.
Check out the beautifully packaged range of candles, in Seductive, Invigorating and Balancing fragrances. From £28

I am also in love with the Knackered Cow Relaxing Bath Massage Oil. From £16. The perfect way to unwind after a hard and stressful day.

If you have yet to discover Cowshed, please, please head to your nearest Fenwick or John Lewis and stock up. The candle and oil are so rich, they will go a long way, so don't be put off by the price tag if you're feeling the pinch.
K

Q & A with Marian Newman

Marian Newman has the ultimate authority on achieving beautiful nails. I caught up with her and blagged her beauty secrets.

It's a mistake trying to use thick polish, however much you like the colour. 2 (or even 3) thin watery coats are far better that 1 gloopy coat. a thick polish can be thinned with a few drops of conditioner free remover but this only works for a short while and can't be done again. Also, it's a false economy in time and money to miss out a base and top coat as they, individually, make the colour last and look so much better. Picking it off (so tempting though!) can so easily damage nails as it can take a layer with it!

Why won't my nail polish last longer than a couple of days?

1) Is it something I am doing wrong in application? Should I be using different products (base coat, top coat etc), leaving it to dry longer etc

Lots of reasons! If you’ve just taken polish off and used a remover that has conditioners there could be a film left on the nail that will prevent polish sticking so wash hands thoroughly. A base coat will always help as it prepares the nails. Also buffed nails hold polish better

2) is it something to do with me? I have heard that is you have oily nail beds then polish doesn't stick so well, or weak, bendy nails cause the polish to split? Is this true, and is there anything you can do?

Some people do have oily nail [plates or may have just applied moisturiser and some is left om the nails. Wipe the nails over with conditioner free remover and that will remove any oil. Bendy nails or peeling nails don’t hold on to polish as they ‘bend away’ from the polish. Use a specific base coat.

3) What are your top three tips for a long lasting at home mani

Conditioner free remover (therefore oil free nails), base coat and reapply top coat every few days

Thanks Marian! and thanks brilliant Beauty Seen PR! Mwah
K

Wednesday 30 September 2009

Midnight Blue Princess Fearne

Radio 1 DJ Fearne Cotton rocked an awesome midnight blue, velvet playsuit last night - so beautiful it had me weeping into my keyboard...
The rock chic, added a little effortless glamour to the MacMillan De'Longhi art auction in the big smoke last night.
I love her lace tights and sexy hair - I must confess I am not a fan of green on handbags or clothes...not really sure why? LOVE IT on jewels though...

Max the midnight blue with Chanel Le Vernis in Blue Satin and some sexy lace tights from My Tights.

I have however, found some gorgeous stockings from lingerie and hosiery expects, Ann Summers. Although they are stockings, which can be a little harder to wear, imagine them under a hot silk dress! Lush. £6

www.chanel.com

www.annsummers.com

Tuesday 29 September 2009

NEXT AW/09 and Christmas 09

I have been the holder of a Next Catalogue since 2003 and would not have it any other way! Last night I was flicking through the amazing new Christmas bible and I was blown away.
The clothes are sexy, the shoes high and the home collection was beautiful.
Now, as I have just returned to my re-built burnt down flat, I have had to re-decorate and am following some advice from Feng Shui to help me get a nice, calming flow and balance about the room.
We only have a one bedroom apartment, so out with the clutter (the fire pretty much sorted that aspect anyway...) and in with the eye-catching key pieces.
As much as I loathe to be back in the flat where we almost died, I think making it a warmer nicer place to be will help me settle back in and get to grips with the fact that I have almost no clothes or shoes left and only a handful of precious photos to pop on the wall.
Check out some favourites of mine:
Helena Table Lamp: £35
Melrose Armchair and footstall: £275
Botanical Study Wallpaper: £15Check out next.co.uk - the website is brilliant. Style guides, product videos and more. Next is the changing face of the High Street - expect more blogs on the beautiful new range.
K x

Follow Lindsey Kelk in NY

Nuff said: witty, playful chat with the hero. Check her out here:

http://beautymecca.blogspot.com/2009_07_01_archive.html

Interview with Chic Lit author and beauty mecca blogger, Lindsey Kelk

Well hellllloo...
So I managed to blag an interview with superstar blogger and author of I Heart New York, Lindsey Kelk.
Talk about living the dream - this girl is my hero.
She decided to get pen to paper, wrote her book, won a multiple book deal and is now living in New York a la her lead character.
I love her. The writing is refreshing, honest and pacey. Now, I'm not usually a big fan of Chic Lit, I have always been one of those who would prefer to be reading To Kill a Mockingbird on the beach rather than Daisy does Danny or Fanny's fanny diaries. Nope not me at all.
So, imagine my surprise when I genuinely fell in love with the character and Lindsey's inspirational writing. She rocks and I can't wait for her next installment....
K

What inspired you to write the I heart series...?

I was in a bit of a general rut and really playing 'anywhere but here'. I was broke after Christmas, stuck in cold, wet London in January with a rubbish boyfriend when I really wanted to be shopping in sunny New York, chasing after hot boys. Since I couldn't up sticks and leave, the only thing I could do was write about it!


How much do you resemble the protagonist Angela?

A lot at the beginning of the book. We have similar jobs, similar relationships, I just never broke anyone's hand or weed in their washbag. As far as they know... But as the book (and now books!) went on, she really started to become her own character. I'd write something and then think, 'no, that's something I'd say, Angela would never say that.' And before I knew it, she had a life of her own.


When writing about Angela's make-overs, did you use your make-up experience to make it as true-to-life as possible?

A lot of people ask if I did a lot of research for the books and by God, did I use the makeover parts as an excuse to shop myself stupid. My credit card is still hurting. I LOVE make up and write a blog, http://beautymecca.blogspot.com, which I started at the same time as I started writing I Heart New York. I didn't want the makeover part to be too over the top so I just wrote in what I would want to read about. I don't know if everyone gets as hot under the collar at the idea of spending hundreds of dollars at MAC as I do but, god, those parts of just as exciting as the sex scenes for me.
And yes, in case you were wondering, I am single. This is why.


How long did it take you to write the books?

I Heart New York was really quick, just six weeks from start to finish on the first draft but I was so bored and really not doing anything with my life at all so it was exciting to come home every night and write it. By the time I came to write Hollywood a year later, things had changed massively - I'd just broken up with my boyfriend, I was going out a lot more, I was busier at work - but once I got into it, I got it out in a couple of months. I write really quickly, I think because I've spent so long writing for my day job, and once I get on a roll, I can't stop. I'm completely knackered today because I was up until one writing I Heart Paris!


Tell us about your career as an editor:


I work in licensed children's books just like Angela, so I write books for brands like Noddy, Fifi and the Flowertots, Shrek and Hello Kitty. It's different to general editorial work because we actually write a lot of the books as well as edit them but that's been great experience. And who can complain about watching kids' TV and movies all day and then writing stories? It's criminal really.


When did you start your blog Beauty Mecca an dhow many followers have you now amassed?


I started BeautyMecca in 2007 at the same time as I started writing I Heart New York. They were both part of my New Year's Resolution to write every day and I'm really proud of both of them. I get about 2000 readers a month but that's going up now the book is out - the pressure is too much!


What are your dreams for the next year?

Well, I'm actually moving to New York in two weeks! I'm moving to the US HarperCollins office to work with their kids team and help develop new brands and series. It's going to be very exciting but super scary too. I need to borrow some of Angela's bravery... and hopefully she'll let me borrow Alex too. I'm going to be living around the corner from him in Williamsburg, so I'm sure she won't mind. I Heart Hollywood is out in January so I really hope that does as well as I Heart New York and (whisper this part) we're at really, really early stages of talking to people about making I Heart New York into a movie or a TV series and I would LOVE that to happen.


And finally...what advice would you give to aspiring writers who feel challenged, downtrodden and lack inspiration for the kick up the bum they need?

Just open your laptop, pick up your notebook and start. Seriously, there's no big secret, no magical inspiration fairy that comes and plants ideas in your head when you're asleep. Think of something that excites you and start writing. For me it was escaping my boring life, getting back to New York oh, and my massive crush on All Boys in Bands, the rest of the story just evolved as I went along. And once you start, don't stop. Don't re-read and then convince yourself it's crap, there are plenty of people out there who will tell you that. You just need to believe in yourself and carry on writing.


LOVE THE KELK!
So check out Iheartnewyork.co.uk to find out more and keep a look out or pre-order I Heart Hollywood on Waterstones or Amazon - it is out on 07.01.2010 - two days after my b'day. I hope I get one in the post courtesy of Lindsey's lovely PR guru!
Happy reading xx

Friday 11 September 2009

Wellbeing at The Royal Day Spa

Breathing in the sweet smell of tranquillity as I walk into the Royal Day in Tunbridge Wells, I am overwhelmed by the immediate feeling of calm. Greeted by two immaculate therapists and handed a pair of ‘indoor flip-flops,’ I know I am about to be transported to a world of absolute serenity.
White walls, slate and ivory tiles paving the way to paradise and discreet low lighting, set the scene of this once Victorian Sorting Office. Owner Shelly has transformed the shabby, decrepit building and transformed it into an open plan haven, with nooks and crannies leading off the trail waiting to be discovered. I have reviewed a vast number of spas over the years and am yet to find a spa in the South East that offers such a perfect, dedicated package. From the minute you enter, you are blown away by the sheer dedication that has gone into creating a space that is not only perfect for dead-on-their-feet commuters who favour the historic spa town, but for expectant mother’s, hen-parties and often clients who have a vast array of conditions, searching for the cure in alternative therapy.
I am one such explorer, having suffered from a bereavement earlier in the year and dealing with hereditary condition Ehlers Danlos Syndrome* and arthritis, I was desperately seeking some sort of solace in a spa I know I can trust. I was not disappointed.
Meandering into the bedroom where I reclined on a Hagrid-sized Tempra mattress and sipped mint tea, I waited for my therapist to take me into one of the side rooms behind the enormous salt-water pool, hot tub infused with Moor Mud and Sauna and Steam rooms.
Every room is decorated in an Eastern theme and as Senior Therapist and Spa Manager Hayley guides me in, she asks me a series of questions about my health and wellbeing. As Hayley begins the treatment, I am swept into such a relaxed state, I am surprised when she wakes me up to turn over – an hour of bliss has already passed!
Hayley, a trained Reiki master confides that
she would like to change my treatment and focus on a particular area for the last hour and half of my treatment. Although surprised, I trust her implicitly and ask her why she feels such a strong need to change my treatment.
I am told, quite honestly, that I have a huge black cloud of angst held in my stomach – so much so that she feels compelled to start eradicating the trouble, stress and worry from me immediately.
She gets to work, using a practiced Reiki treatment, whereby she kneads the bad energy out via my colon, focusing on incoming energy, present energy outgoing energy. Hayley tells me very seriously that I am holding onto a lot of baggage and that this distress is having a detrimental affect on my life.
I feel the need to cry and confess all of my worries to this lovely girl, but hold back and nod obediently. She proceeds to pummel my stomach with such force that I was having to breathe through the pain. When I say pain, I mean a force that I am obviously not used to on my tummy – in a weird way it felt so cathartic and I enjoyed the feeling of her pressure on my depressed little tummy. As she worked her magic, she explained that we store our emotions in our stomach and that she was getting such strong negative waves from me, it was all she could do not to flip me over and start on my stomach as soon as I walked into the room. Her explanation led to the ‘bad’ energy I was storing in my ‘present’ place. I had not got over recent, life changing events and these events had such a dramatic affect on me that I would be changed forever and it was this period of change that was causing me so many problems.
As the session began to draw to a close, Hayley recommended I start on a course of treatments and think about working on myself at home; perhaps even learning art of Reiki myself. She tells me as we part ways that she felt a lot of good energy coming my way and she felt sure that I would soon be in the right frame of mind to move on from my demons and fill my life with positive thoughts and outcomes.
I mull over her comments over a beautiful champagne lunch, complete with fresh salmon, pancetta, mozzarella, cous-cous and more and come to the conclusion that she is right.
Not having ventured near a swimming pool since 2005 (I hate, hate, hate them) I decided to take the plunge in the most flattering pool ever invented!
Black slate tiles, salt water and dimly lit, no one will see a) the lumps and bumps and b) that I cannot swim…but hey, that’s another story…
I can only describe the next few moments as…mmmmmmmm, ahhhhhhhhh
Lush.
After ample time floating, ahem, swimming, I decided to venture into the Sauna. Another blissful experience that left me floating on cloud nine.
So, in light of these discoveries I will now be writing a weekly diary – highlighting my process with Reiki, the power of the mind, healing and how places like the Royal Day Spa can make you a better person.
For further information, contact reception@royal-dayspa.co.uk
Royal Day Spa, Post Office Square
12 Vale Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1BP
01892 616191 or visit their beautiful website: www.royal-dayspa.co.uk

Thursday 27 August 2009

Hot Things in my world

1: Crafting. This week I am: creating belts, necklaces and headbands (a la Nicole Richie) using pearls, ribbon, safety pins and buttons.
Check out this fab site for ideas: http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/
AMAZING and so inspirational

2: The Lovely Bones Trailer. I am re-reading. Nuff said.

3: Selling you wares on ebay. I myself and getting rid of a pair of unworn Christian Louboutins as seen on Penelope Cruz, Kelly Brook and Angelina.

4: Doing good deeds, Ok, so this week: Taking my dear mama to the Royal Day Spa in Tunbridge Wells, Kent (look out for review feature) to cheer her up; writing a list of inspirational books for my pal to read now that she is moving back to London to work and will face a long commute; editing a series of photographs for my great aunt and finally - offering to host Christmas as my house again this year. In 2007, two weeks after I had moved into my new apartment, I cooked for 13 people. I must admit my nan cooked the turkey, mama cooked the beef and I cooked the pork, but the list included.
Starters: Stuffed mushrooms or Prawn Cocktail
Main: Two trays of goose-fat cooked crispy roast pots, a bowl of Dijon mustard mash, two dishes of cauliflower cheese, pigs in blankets, two trays of Yorky puds (that's about 40!) cabbage, pancetta and chestnuts, spring greens, glazed carrots, brussell sprouts, mixed veg and finally gravy.
Pudding: Home made, extremely flammable Trifle in beautiful crystal dish, homemade Yule log, Flaming Christmas Pudding and fruit. YUM

5: WUTHERING HEIGHTS. OMG. First Ed and Gemma and now Tom and Charlotte. Starts this Bank Holiday Sunday.

The Lovely Bones

Susan Sarandon, Marky Mark (!!) Rachel Weiss. Mix these up, add some genius in the form of Lord of the Rings Peter Jackson and you have the The Lovely Bones.


AMAZING. I had muchos goose bumps watching this and cannot wait until December.
I feel there are many things happening in the winter of 2009.
Release of Harry Potter into DVD, New Moon is out and The Lovely Bones will be reducing people to wrecks all over the UK.

oh and Santa is coming. Good news all round!

Time Traveler's Wife

Two years.
That is how long Time Traveler's Wife fans' had to wait for the film and from the responses I am getting, it has been pretty well received.
I delivered my sister to the airport at 4.30am on Tuesday morning - having returned home from her leaving dooo at midnight and getting back up at 3.30am and as you can imagine was upset and shattered.
Deciding to have tea and my grandad's after the goodbye's at the airport was lovely - tea and the local paper, while stroking a tortoise in the sunshine was delish. It did nothing however to raise the spirits of my mama, who is bereft at the loss of my sibling who has returned home to New Zealand after 4 weeks with us.
I turned then, to my comfort: long hot bath, candles, glass of wine and of course, TTTW. Bliss.
I must confess, I have read this book more times than I care to imagine - the first time on the way home from Australia - along with The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold (which I will get onto later)
After lunch at a nearby Riverside restaurant and trip to Aylesford Priory (again, another point of discussion at some point) I was knackered.
I decided to sleep for a while and was rudely awoken by my best friend. Her mama offered to take me to the 9pm screening of TTTW - what should I do?
I am sooo tired that I have the eyes of a man high on weed and the ability to string together a sentence that imitates a 6 month old.
Against my bodies dearest wishes, I descended upon said cinema and wept with joy and later distress once the film had finished.
I found the first half an hour a little tedious, but understood that TTTW virgins would need to gain a detailed insight into Henry De Tamble's life, to gain a firm grasp on what essentially is a very complex film.
However, 45 mins in and I was a wreck. Sobbing uncontrollably and wishing I was able to kiss Eric Bana's bottom..
I wish they had included more of their darker sides however and where was Ingrid?? Love her and Celia and the complex relationships Henry, Ingrid, Celia and Claire had.
In all, a super little film I will be buying on DVD.


Tuesday 14 April 2009

I heart Victoria Hislop - author of The Island - BIG LOVE

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Manicure anyone? Keira Knightley's manicurist Nichola Joss shows you how

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mmm massage with skin guru Nichola Joss - therapist to the stars

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Beautiful eyes

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lush and luminous skin...

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Use them straighteners!

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Check out model Simone getting the Daisy Lowe look with Kent TV

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Skin Guru Nichola Joss

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More and more - fashion students

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Back!

Well, well well I'm back - check out these films:



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