tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49718686451783540722024-03-16T11:51:43.002-07:00Beyond the beauty hallAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095449105898121706noreply@blogger.comBlogger230125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971868645178354072.post-53032213548313810342016-12-19T13:44:00.000-08:002016-12-21T09:28:18.004-08:00A minimalist gift guide<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's the week before Christmas and Twitter feeds everywhere are packed full of gift guides. Luxury gift guides, budget gift guides, last minute gift guides: there's no shortage of suggestions on what we should be buying for our friends and loved ones. But what if you're a minimalist, or you're buying for a minimalist? How can you give well without burdening your recipients with <i>stuff? </i>Worry not! My minimalist gift guide gives you the lowdown.<br />
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<b>Give a gift that disappears</b><br />
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If you're going to be sitting around the Christmas tree to open presents, it's nice to be able to give a physical gift. Rather than offering something that could hang around for ever, a gift that can be fairly quickly consumed could be the perfect thing. Lush bath bombs, chocolates, a favourite bottle of wine, or a hamper of delicious treats and goodies will always be well received, and has the benefit of disappearing as soon as your recipient puts it to use.<br />
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<b>Give a voucher or an experience </b><br />
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If you know your minimalist doesn't want a physical gift, what about spending some money to allow them to experience something that they love? If they like to read, how about a voucher for Audible or Amazon? If you know they love nothing more than dining out, grab a gift card for a local restaurant. Perhaps they enjoy spa treatments but don't often treat themselves, making a voucher for a massage or a facial an extra special treat. Vouchers are often thought of as the easy option for non-minimalist friends, but for those amongst us who want to limit our possessions, it can be the perfect chance to buy just what we need.<br />
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<b>Donate</b><br />
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What to buy for the person who has everything they need? How about making a donation in their name? Many charities offer the opportunity to cover the costs of a gift, a treatment or an intervention, which can make an incredible difference to somebody. There are more worthy causes than I can list here, but you're bound to find something that really resonates with your loved one, making this an extra special gift.<br />
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<b>Buy a little luxury</b><br />
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Just because you're buying for a minimalist doesn't mean that your gift needs to be frugal or spartan. If you want to splash out, why not buy a luxurious item that replaces something you know that they use often, or an indulgence you know they'd love? It could be a simple gadget, some beautiful glassware, or a design piece that would fit perfectly in their home. If they often wear a black sweater, why not treat them to a beautiful cashmere replacement? Stick to simple things that you know they'll love, and you won't go far wrong.<br />
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<b>Do something</b><br />
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If your budget is tight, why not do something for your loved ones? From cooking dinner, offering your skills, to planning a day out to a museum or gallery, think of the things that matter and craft an experience around that. <br />
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<b>If in doubt, ask!</b><br />
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I think this one is a great idea whoever you're buying for, but asking a minimalist what they want is the perfect solution. It gives them the opportunity to tell you exactly what it is they want, meaning that you'll limit the chance of missing the mark. Whilst part of the joy of Christmas is in sourcing and giving a surprise gift, we hopefully want to get something that the recipient will truly enjoy. Asking might not be the most exciting option, but it's a sure fire way of nailing your gift giving. It also means you have a great idea of what they might like next year!</div>
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<b>And if you're a minimalist who's buying for friends and family?</b></div>
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Don't be afraid to share your philosophy when buying for your loved ones. Of course, if you know they want something that you'd never buy for yourself, don't buy something 'minimal' for the sake of it: try and accept that you might be getting them something they really want, even if they have multiple versions! That said, all of the above gifts work well whoever you're buying for - minimalist or maximalist - so you're sure to find something that will bring joy without creating clutter!</div>
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What are your tips for a minimal Christmas, and what are your favourite minimalist gifts?</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095449105898121706noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971868645178354072.post-33968906535020376642016-05-10T16:45:00.001-07:002016-12-21T04:21:48.805-08:00KonMari, the capsule wardrobe, and the clothes rail that changed my life<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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'I've got <i>nothing </i>to wear'. This sentence, mostly uttered in conjunction with fists clenched and arms thrown down by my sides in toddler-esque protest was a long-standing ritual for me:<br />
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<li>whilst running late to meet friends for dinner</li>
<li>trying to get dressed for a Sunday saunter down the King's Road</li>
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And if the thought of a 33 year old woman having a tantrum over what to wear wasn't bad enough, the scene was made all the more absurd when we factored in the sheer volume of clothes before me as I bemoaned my lack of options. Totally ridiculous.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from http://elisabethheier.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/jenteweekend.html </td></tr>
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Yet over the past few months, dressing has become straightforward, swift and most surprisingly, pretty darn joyous. I find myself enjoying what I wear in a way that I never have before, and for the first time ever, I feel I have a style that absolutely reflects me. Achieving this wardrobe nirvana has been an interesting process, notably because it's involved marching about 70% of what I owned to the charity shop (in total, nine bin bags full). So, how did I get there?<br />
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It all started after a trip to see my lovely friend Al, who told me about a book she'd been reading - the now-ubiquitous<em> <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0091955106?keywords=the%20life%20changing%20magic%20of%20tidying&qid=1450973787&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Life-changing Magic of Tidying Up</span></a> </em>by Marie Kondo - and then proceeded to show me her beautiful sock drawer, and tea-towels folded perfectly and stored <em>vertically </em>in the cupboard ('How can they stand up like that?!'). We talked more about the <em>KonMari Method,</em> and I was left in no doubt that I needed to read the book myself, if only so that my towels felt a similar sense of purpose to Al's! I won't recount the detail of the Method, but suffice to say that the take-home message is that we should only own items that spark joy, and anything that doesn't needs to be moved on. That simple idea really resonated with me, and I made a start from there.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from https://laurenconrad.com/blog/post/how-can-i-be-the-next-chic-of-the-week?crlt.pid=camp.wVB0tPaADcjv</td></tr>
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It was clear that I needed to start with my clothes, and I started to think about what I really wanted to achieve from this process. I quickly realised that, not only did I want to make better use of what I had (and let go of the things I no longer loved), but that I've always longed for simple storage that allowed me to see my clothes and 'shop' my outfits. Instead, everything I owned was hidden away in wardrobes and drawers, and the number of items meant that there were many pieces that seldom saw the light of day. So before embarking on the mammoth task of sorting through my clothes to work out what brought me joy and what didn't, I decided that those special pieces that made the cut deserved to be displayed, so I popped out to buy a cute wooden clothes rail (I got <a href="http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3392155.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">this one</span></a> from Argos). Little did I know that that small purchase would be instrumental in cementing my style. </div>
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I arrived home with the rail and assembled it straight away. I collected all my wooden hangers together (so satisfying!) and set about emptying all my wardrobes and drawers to assess what I had. Clothes were sorted into categories (tops, dresses, skirts etc) and then I began the task of holding each piece. The question 'does this spark joy?' seemed trite initially but it's amazingly liberating. Items that I'd hung on to after wearing them once (and critically, felt guilty for never wearing again), were easy additions to the charity pile because it finally felt like I had a reason to let them go that was based on my happiness, rather than on my guilt at having wasted money or been frivolous. More than that, handling the things I really did love was affirming in a way I hadn't anticipated. Here were things that were special to me, that had a story and that were now going to be displayed in a way that meant I could enjoy them every day. And then as I started to add things to the rail, something funny began to happen. I slotted in something that I'd thought was too good to give away, but its presence on the rail was so jarring: it didn't go with the emerging palette of black, grey, blue and white, and it stuck out in a way that screamed 'I don't belong here!' I removed it from its hanger and the order of the rail - the wonderful, self-editing thing that it is - was restored. Once the process was complete, and from that point on, I knew that not only would new items have to spark joy, they would have to fit with their fellow rail-mates, meaning that the number of outfit options I have multiplies with every new piece I buy. With this stricter entrance policy and my satisfaction with what I have, shopping trips have reduced dramatically, and only happen when I find a gap or need to replace something. This truly is the stuff that capsule wardrobe dreams are made of.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from http://nordicdesign.ca/monochrome-perfection-in-finland/</td></tr>
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Through this process, what's been most interesting for me is how my attitude to my clothes has changed. Now that I have a wardrobe consisting entirely of pieces that I love, not only do I treat them better (everything is hung up at the end of the day or put straight into the washing bag, which has meant my home feels more orderly), but my expectations of them has increased: having less means that things are worn more frequently, and as such, they need to perform well. Alongside this, shopping less often has resulted in me having a much easier time with the concept of investing more when I know that I'll get a lot of wear out of something, and critically, when the quality justifies the outlay. That said, I've not made a 'big' purchase since this method, but I've thought more about quality and longevity than I ever have before.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivnV5nV-Q8aMwujH_GyOSFUUwHSuV9SOKDgpA7qX1PjpXNlNannjK7EBVcffIgsVGk23obgjeZtCrNY5Zr0mCrhjI7cmonr7ZVzgYejRtk4ckGsfEgyPHgt9Loz5CUcgq2RHDWFUH_AGob/s1600/capsule-wardrobe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivnV5nV-Q8aMwujH_GyOSFUUwHSuV9SOKDgpA7qX1PjpXNlNannjK7EBVcffIgsVGk23obgjeZtCrNY5Zr0mCrhjI7cmonr7ZVzgYejRtk4ckGsfEgyPHgt9Loz5CUcgq2RHDWFUH_AGob/s1600/capsule-wardrobe.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from http://www.myscandinavianhome.com/2016/04/the-transformation-of-swedish-space.html</td></tr>
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On a more basic level, I've learned the following over the past few months:<br />
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1. You really <em>can</em> have too many basic pieces - I owned near-countless grey marl t-shirts, was forever tempted to buy more, yet I wore the same two over and over again. Same for black dresses. Bringing them all together was what I needed to ensure that I steered away from those items when I was shopping as I finally realised that I had plenty to fall back on<br />
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2. Having a style uniform is kind of a good thing - I've always known that I like wearing black, grey, blue and white, that I like playing with proportions, that black leather with gold hardware will always be my catnip, but now I know that having the clothes to do all of that is pretty nice: anything more is just unnecessary fluff<br />
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3. Similarly, I'm less bothered about wearing variations of the same thing day in, day out. I get genuine pleasure from what I wear, and if you're ever worried about people thinking you always wear the same, try to remember what three of your colleagues or friends were wearing three days ago. When you can't, ease up and wear what you want, safe in the knowledge that nobody is really thinking about it!<br />
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4. Fewer clothes = more options. This is the most surprising thing. Having everything carefully edited, easily accessible and knowing that it all matches means that outfit selection is as easy as *grab this* and *pair it with that*. I could do it with my eyes closed, which is an amazing thing when you're in a rush</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095449105898121706noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971868645178354072.post-84988142579371958802016-04-24T09:09:00.002-07:002016-12-19T14:32:36.253-08:00Essentials: Fitness at home<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Back in January, I joined a gym close to work. I figured that it'd be the perfect motivator to get me out of the office during my lunch break and free up the time I used to spend working out at home in the evenings. Since joining, I can count on both hands the number of times I've been, and what's more surprising, I found myself missing my evening workouts at home. For me, 30 minutes of yoga or cardio when I got home from the office was the perfect antidote to a stressful day, and is a routine that I've really relished reviving. Needless to say, I've cancelled my membership, and thought I'd share with you my essential kit for the perfect home workout. More importantly, all this works out at less than my monthly membership!<br />
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I've accumulated this equipment over a number of years as I've realised what works for me and will help me get the best from my training, so if you're looking to build a home routine, please don't rush out and buy everything here! Instead, take some time to work out what you enjoy and take it slowly from there. I consider these things <i>my</i> essentials: yours may look completely different, but hopefully this provides you with a bit of inspiration.<br />
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My fitness routine is a blend of weight training, cardio and yoga, and the combination is more to keep things interesting for me than some expertly crafted blend of exercises. For me, finding what feels good and what you enjoy is the key to a successful fitness routine, as you need an iron will to stick with a training programme that you don't enjoy! I try and run once a week, do at least one session with my kettlebell and one 30 minutes session of yoga - although I make time to stretch everyday. I'm definitely a solitary exerciser which makes working out at home perfect for me. Plus you can get as sweaty, red-faced and noisy as you like without ever feeling self-conscious!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61I_IBRp3KwzDsdYjV_lzQ0V5o7-bGsJjqHFSSAQArK5Gyqv7a-f69g08KtAkOgrsxJVs_hGwSlFTwSFmlnjcOl4Rx9Mdm_0GAwPtmbViDWNTpWGG-6j9wFvPbOXr7TOat-10z1tq8yOl/s1600/IMG_2591%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61I_IBRp3KwzDsdYjV_lzQ0V5o7-bGsJjqHFSSAQArK5Gyqv7a-f69g08KtAkOgrsxJVs_hGwSlFTwSFmlnjcOl4Rx9Mdm_0GAwPtmbViDWNTpWGG-6j9wFvPbOXr7TOat-10z1tq8yOl/s1600/IMG_2591%255B1%255D.jpg" /></a>So, onto the kit! The picture above shows (clockwise from bottom left) an 8kg kettlebell, Magnesium Oil spray, an Everlast 3lb hand weight, and a Gaiam yoga block. The kettlebell is by Matt Roberts (unfortunately, they're not available anymore), but you can pick them up from <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/York-Fitness-10004-Vinyl-Kettlebell/dp/B0028RZ72Y/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1461510496&sr=8-2&keywords=8kg+kettlebell" target="_blank">Amazon from around £15</a>. This is honestly the best bit of home exercise equipment I've ever used, and I saw a massive change in my physique within a couple of weeks of training with this. I read some time ago that 8kg is the perfect weight for women starting to train, but I was pretty sceptical that I could do anything with it when I got it - it was so heavy! Although the first few sessions were very tough, I pushed through and am so glad I got that weight, as anything less would have quickly become too light. As well as resistance training, it really gets your heart rate up, and is therefore the perfect cardio exercise if you live in a flat, and don't want to be leaping about the place and disturbing your neighbours!<br />
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The <a href="http://www.betteryou.com/magnesium-oil-original-spray" target="_blank">Magnesium Oil</a> is a recent additional and one that I know I will now never be without. Most of us are deficient in magnesium, but this mineral is essential for muscle repair. I find spraying this onto my body after I've showered helps keep almost all the post-workout aches at bay and it's improved the quality of my sleep considerably. This one is from Better You and costs around £12.00.<br />
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Next are the Everlast hand weights, which I've had for years (again, these have been discontinued but <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Calmia-Womens-Soft-Grip-Dumbbells/dp/B00Q2U00OS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1461511111&sr=8-1&keywords=hand+weights+3lb" target="_blank">Calmia have an almost identical set of two for £6.99</a>). I tend to use these when I'm doing sit ups or lunges at home, which helps up the intensity of your workout. Lastly, I think a yoga block is a fantastic addition for all you at-home yogis. It really helps you to progress into slightly deeper stretches, and is great to help stabilise you. Having two is probably more beneficial for certain postures, but I've never struggled with one. It's also great if you need to get something down from a high shelf! You can get the same one I have for £5.30 <a href="https://www.athleteshop.co.uk/gaiam-yoga-block?gclid=CNmJ4_rJp8wCFdgaGwodS9kGdw" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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If you're going to do yoga at home, it goes without saying that a mat is essential. I haven't photographed mine, but again, it's from Gaiam and it retails for £24.99. You can pick them up much more cheaply than this (I was sent this to review a few years ago), but I'd say it's worthwhile investing in a mat that's at least 5mm thick, as they're much more comfortable to work on.<br />
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The photo above shows my beloved Bed of Nails pillow (I also have the mat), which is the perfect way to de-stress. The pillow and the mat are covered in plastic 'spikes' to deliver the most heavenly accupressure - don't worry; you want be full of holes when you stand up! Just don't make the mistake of wriggling to the side while you're lying on it, as it does scratch! I got both of mine from Amazon (the pillow was £19 and the mat was £35). You can read more about <a href="http://bedofnails.org/" target="_blank">Bed of Nails here</a>.<br />
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Next are my Gaiam grippy yoga mitts (if you're prone to a sweaty paw, these are for you!) and a yoga strap to help stretch out my hamstrings and back, but you can use this to help you deepen into all sorts of postures. I picked both of these up from TK Maxx for next to nothing, but they can both be found online cheaply (and you can use a belt or scarf instead of the yoga strap!)<br />
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Lastly, I have a few videos I go back to time and time again. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pDMOIlPLFE" target="_blank">This kettlebell workout</a> from Fitness Blender is incredible, but boy will you sweat! For yoga, it's anything and everything from <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene" target="_blank">Yoga with Adrienne</a> - she's got such a great, easy style, but her videos are still a great challenge.<br />
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I hope you found this useful, and do let me know your favourite workout resources and at-home kit in the comments below!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095449105898121706noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971868645178354072.post-32256662790672635562016-03-25T16:34:00.001-07:002016-12-21T09:24:53.805-08:00Craft | Pom pom wall hanging<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This is something of a departure from my usual posts, but I've been doing a lot of sprucing in the flat lately. After reading <i><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Life-Changing-Magic-Tidying-effective/dp/0091955106" target="_blank">The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up</a></i> late last year, I've thrown out so many things that failed to 'spark joy' (which is the foundation of author Marie Kondo's approach) and steadily started to introduce a whole host of new things that I really, really love. Careful sourcing of new furniture has brought new pieces into my life that I would previously have discounted on the basis that they felt too indulgent, but the happiness they've brought has convinced me that the investment has been worthwhile. I've spent so many delightful hours on Pinterest in recent weeks, and the fact that my home looks so much more like I want it to has meant that I've been much more keen to add things that I find really beautiful. What's been a revelation to me is that, despite my belief that I had a complete lack of artistic flair, I've managed to create something that has absolutely delighted me since I hung it last week: meet my pom pom wall hanging.<br />
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Before I get into the how, I can't pretend that this was a purely creative endeavour. I rent a very lovely Georgian flat in London, but one of the walls in my bedroom is blighted by quite a long, horizontal crack. Fellow renters will know the pain of finding common ground with one's landlord on what constitutes 'essential maintenance', so something needed to be done to conceal it. After hours browsing 'wall hangings' on Pinterest, I stumbled across a sweet pom pom creation, and skipped out to Crystal Palace's newly-opened wool and fabric shop to grab a couple of balls of wool: one grey, and one black for £4.95 each. My next destination was the garden centre to pick up an eight-foot bamboo cane for the bargain price of 60p! I had a spool of black cotton and a needle at home, so investment for this project was a very manageable £10.50. To make the pom poms, you also need a regular dining fork and a pair of scissors.<br />
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I followed <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0q-QHC_2cw" target="_blank"><b>this</b></a> pom-pom making tutorial which involves wrapping wool around a fork 50 times, and then tying the yarn around the centre so the bundle is held together. You tie an additional loop around the middle and snip along the circumference, and you're left with a very fluffy little pom pom which needs to be trimmed down. The trick here is to be bold as bold as you dare with your trimming as it gives a much better result. You'll see below that the grey ones on the left are much fuzzier than the black ones towards the front, and this is all down to braver trimming of the latter!<br />
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To make the black and grey pom poms in the middle, I alternated ten wraps of each colour up to the regular 50 wraps. After a few practice runs, I was whipping up both plain and mixed poms in a few minutes. I found it much easier to create batches of the tied-off proto-poms, and then return to trim them down, as the latter stage is definitely the more labour-intensive step, requiring a bit more focus. You'll also get completely distracted by your finished poms which slows you down: they're so satisfying to hold! In total, I made 12 black, 12 grey, and eight mixed, which took me about 1.5hrs.<br />
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Once the poms were complete, the next step was to start threading the finished articles. I measured and marked even spaces along the length of the bamboo (8.5 inches apart, with space at either end) and started to thread the pom poms onto my thread using a sewing needles. I used regular cotton, measuring 36 inches in length, and spacing the poms 7.5 inches apart. You'll see that, despite trying to measure accurately, the pom poms at the bottom of each line are at slightly different heights. This is entirely accidental but I quite like the effect! I made an effort to line the top row up as evenly as possible, but there's definitely room for creative license here. I tied a double knot under each pom pom, hanging four to each thread. I attached them to the bamboo by looping the end of the thread a few times around the cane and tying them off with a double knot. I fixed three gold nails into the wall (from a picture-hanging kit from Ikea), and balanced the bamboo on top, tying strands of cotton around the bamboo and then around the head of the nail to ensure it was securely fastened. </div>
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And here's the finished article! It started out as a project to conceal an unsightly patch on my wall, but it ended as something I really love, and that I can't quite believe I created. In total, this probably took me four hours (the measuring, threading and hanging definitely took the bulk of the time), so it's a great rainy day project. I'm already pondering what's next for my pom pom endeavours as I have so much wool leftover, and have a feeling that if it doesn't move, it may end up with a pom pom on it. I've told family and friends to keep moving if they see me clutching the wool!</div>
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So, hurrah for my first craft 'tutorial'! Please do let me know if you fancy seeing more of this kind of thing, and if you're looking for more inspiration, you can follow me on Pinterest <a href="https://uk.pinterest.com/thebeautyhall/" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095449105898121706noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971868645178354072.post-277165798490310772015-11-09T15:08:00.003-08:002016-05-01T13:51:14.320-07:00The simple things<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The greatest truth about blogging is that it's a thing to be done when the mood is right, and as you'll see from the lack of posts in 2015, I've not been especially inspired. I've long battled with the fact that I started this blog to write about beauty (on day one, this site was called <i>The Beauty Hall), </i>but in recent years, I've become less and less enamoured with the image-obsessed world of social media (hence I had a slight re-brand to <i>Beyond the beauty hall) </i>and I yearned to do something different<i>. </i>But finding a new niche away from beauty was trickier than I thought, and that change of name still didn't feel entirely right. I agonised over the decision to edit out all of the beauty content here, or whether to abandon it all and move to a completely new blog for a fresh start. I chose the latter option, hoping for inspiration, but I wrote a grand total of one post. Now I find myself back here, right where it all started. <br />
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I'd thought returning to this blog might feel like an admission of failure, but in a way, it makes complete sense for me to be back. The way this blog has changed in the five years since it was created is <i>part </i>of the story, and where I want to go next is informed by everything that's gone before. Leaving and starting afresh just didn't feel quite right, and perhaps the simplest option - to just keep going - was always going to win out in the end. As I said at the start, if the mood takes you, it's probably best to just go with it, and that's exactly what I'm doing.</div>
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That same desire for 'newness' that motivated my decision to create a new blog is a cornerstone of beauty blogging. Yet 'new' has a short lifespan in beauty, and the PR machine behind the biggest brands means that there are now mere moments between release and total ubiquity. The latest product, the exclusive pre-release, the innovative new technology, and the sea of bloggers covering every launch, often reviewing products before their release, means that things get old pretty quickly. Those products that are deemed 'holy grail' today will often be ousted in favour of the next big thing tomorrow. Nothing is forever, and that's never been more true than in an industry expected to turnover $265 billion by 2017. </div>
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What I want to pursue here is the idea that 'new' doesn't equal 'better'. I want a site that makes people feel good about what they have and who they are, rather than something that reinforces or creates anxieties and insecurities. What we see on blogs is a tiny, idealised part of people's lives, but it's presented as a glossy and complete world. We see edited photos, the latest products sent for free, expensive wardrobes, and an endless stream of events and parties, and our own lives look less by comparison. We see young woman speak with authority on diet and exercise routines, posting pictures of toned bodies and green smoothies, with little thought about the impact they're having on the attitudes and outlooks of girls for whom instagram isn't just a place to look at pretty things, but the lens through which they view the world: a world that is filtered and manipulated to such an extent that it can no longer be considered real. The message that there will always be something to make you look prettier or younger never stops, and I'd like this site to be a bit of a break from that. </div>
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So at last, I'm finally confident to say that things really will look a little different around here. I will never again stop myself from blogging because I haven't got a photograph to accompany the post; I won't be driven by what's happening in the beauty hall, and will instead just write about the things that I think, like or dislike, and if you enjoy that, I'm very happy. But for the first time ever, I can finally say that this site is for me, and that feels pretty good.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095449105898121706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971868645178354072.post-83204398758153095972014-03-24T15:41:00.002-07:002015-02-15T15:20:31.913-08:00Slogans<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Synopsis of life of late: work has been <i>insane</i>, and I have invested far too much of myself and my sanity in it at the expense of almost everything else. I say 'almost' as I have successfully managed to cultivate a Wahaca habit and completed a wardrobe overhaul to the tune of <i>seven bags to the charity shop</i>. *Smug satisfaction at decluttered living coupled with terror at discovering that I had retained a Lily Allen-era prom dress* #horror<br />
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Speaking of being so five minutes ago on the fashion front, I have returned to my most-beloved teenage trend: slogan t-shirts. After spotting a picture on ASOS's instagram some months ago which made me <i>gasp</i> aloud on the commute (shame), I found myself hauling all the tees that I'd seen on fashion blogs about a hundred years ago: FELINE MEOW, More Issues Than Vogue (thanks, <a href="http://www.buynowbloglater.com/" target="_blank">Laura</a>) and the daddy of them all, the double Cs Glen Coco affair. </div>
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Mature, <i>non?</i></div>
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I could insert a vague promise about blogging more, blah blah, but that doesn't make for good content. You all know I've been wrestling with the need to find my inspiration for my blog for ages, so perhaps the next few months ought to be a bit of a marriage guidance exercise. You know, spend more time together, rediscover the reasons you first fell in love, and try things that push your boundaries (I'm thinking maybe vlogging over role play, but you get the picture!)<br />
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Image (left): <span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/33847434674539055/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></span><br />
Image (right): <a href="http://ebay.co.uk/" target="_blank">ebay</a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095449105898121706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971868645178354072.post-60662818044283266132014-03-19T16:04:00.002-07:002014-03-19T16:06:45.856-07:00Life | Pink Sky<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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If I was starting to get the spring feeling in my last post, it has well and truly taken over this week. Stephen and I spent a long weekend in his home town of Sheffield, and we decided to spend Saturday in Whitby on the north Yorkshire coast. Just us, two dogs, and two enormous portions of fish and chips from the delicious Magpie Cafe. After a bracing walk, we dropped down to the beach just as the tide was starting to go out, and we had a rather eventful time: I misjudged the tide and found myself with ankle boots full of sea water, and he jumped up on some rocks, which turned out to be a mound of clay. We like to think of ourselves as tough northerners, but by the time our walk was over and we were wet through and caked in mud, it rather appeared that London has rubbed off on us a little too much!</div>
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On our walk back towards the town, we turned back to be greeted by the most beautiful sunset, which intensified with every passing minute. Utterly stunning.</div>
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We returned to London on Monday, and I was reminded why I love my street so much: who needs a trip to Japan when I have five cherry blossom trees (plus a magnolia) in full bloom. There are few things more beautiful to me than the soft pink hue of this fleeting blossom, so I'm making sure to keep my weekend clear so I can spend time reading my book and gazing out of the window, before they disappear altogether. Next week, I'll make sure to have my camera with me at all times, as last year, I was caught in a confetti-like swirl as the spent petals descended from the trees in the breeze. It was one of the most magical walks I've ever had.<br />
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While I adore pink, it seldom finds its way into my wardrobe, but I have to admit, this rosy haze has me feeling more than a little inspired.</div>
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<b>Clockwise from l-r: </b>Jonathan Simkhai top, £325; Linda Farrow sunglasses, £350; Lanvin silk top, £740; Elizabeth and James bag, £445; Nina Ricci skirt, £1000; Thakoon shorts, £430. All from www.net-a-porter.com<br />
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Oh, I should add that it pains me to always include such expensive clothing in my edits, but net-a-porter is, without question, the best site for images of <i>clothing</i> rather than models in clothing. I love my edits to be simple, which means that I'm constrained by what's available online. I promise that I will try and find another way to do this (maybe Polyvore?) to showcase some cheaper alternatives. I will try Zara next time, although their occasional grey backgrounds jar with my desire for a pure white background! Serious OCD alert.<br />
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Hope you're all having a wonderful week!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095449105898121706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971868645178354072.post-49664645992747635012014-03-01T09:28:00.001-08:002014-03-02T03:44:41.930-08:00Favourites | February<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's the first of March and I'm starting to get that spring feeling, and it goes a little something like this:<br />
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<li>Commuting in daylight feels novel and exciting</li>
<li>However much black you've worn over the past few months, you feel an almost irresistible pull towards pastels</li>
<li>You have been shocked at how pale your legs are (reaches for fake tan)</li>
<li>You've got the urge for a new routine</li>
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I'm definitely feeling the latter point strongly, and the next few months is going to be focused on shaking things up, starting with the blog. If spring is a time for light and new life, so it should be here. So, without further ado, let's get started on my first monthly favourites!</div>
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<b><u>Nars Orgasm Illuminator</u></b><br />
<b><u>£22.50 at Nars counters</u></b></div>
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As much as I love a pretty cheek highlight on others, I've never found quite the right product for my pale skin. I bought this Nars tube last summer after I found myself powerless to resist the pretty rose gold sheen it imparted as I swatched it in Selfridges beauty hall (why is it that <i>everything </i>in there is irresistable?). Sadly, when I applied it over my blusher the next day, I found it lifted too much of the colour, and this tube was quickly relegated to the 'maybe I'll use this one day' cupboard. Following a recent stash-shopping extravaganza, I've been pairing this with Sleek's Flushed blush, and it looks <i>dreamy.</i> It's such a subtle effect that instantly brightens my face, making it perfect for the office.</div>
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<b><u>3LAB Perfect BB SPF 40</u></b><br />
<b><u>£72 at <a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/" style="color: magenta;" target="_blank">www.net-a-porter.com </a>and Harvey Nichols</u></b></div>
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The beauty blogging community is divided on BB creams, with many of the view that they're just glorified tinted moisturisers. As someone who will reach for a lighter base over foundation 99% of the time, I have found my nirvana in 3LAB Perfect BB, and in my opinion, the name is no exaggeration! The coverage is light, even and absolutely flawless. The masking-effect of foundation is not really something I enjoy for day time: I want to see my skin underneath and for my base to just look like really great skin. I've found myself reaching for this everyday for work, and I feel like it transforms my face immediately, evening out the tone whilst keeping a sense of the skin underneath. For the office, I will still lightly contour my cheekbones, but the difference between this product and foundation is that I would happily wear this without any additional makeup, whereas I would look ridiculous with a blanked-out foundation face. The only draw back is the price, but initial outlay aside, this tube has lasted over a year as you need such a tiny amount. Having spent the past few weeks working through a large pile of samples to see if I can find a dupe, I've found nothing that comes close. It's looking like I'll be repurchasing when this tube finally runs out!</div>
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<b><u>Dybrow by Eyelure</u></b></div>
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<b><u>£7.50 at Boots and Superdrug</u></b></div>
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The only thing that irks me about this product is the lack of an 'e' in Dybrow. Dye has an 'e', eye ends in 'e', but I'm being pedantic as this product is <i>amazing.</i> I was into a great routine of dyeing my brows a few years ago and then for some reason, I stopped. I was then <i>paying</i> somebody to dye my eyebrows, which is truly the most ridiculous thing to spend your money on. From opening the box to brushing out your finished brows, this takes all of ten minutes, and although the prospect of a Scouse Brows error looms large on your list of anxieties, taking it slowly and wiping the dye off every couple of minutes to check the tone removes the risk of them getting too dark. I use brown which is sufficiently ashy to suit most complexions, and can of course be left on longer for a darker shade. </div>
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<b><u>Lasting Perfection Ultimate Wear Concealer by Collection</u></b></div>
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<b><u>£4.19 at Superdrug</u></b></div>
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I first heard about this product in one of Tanya Burr's tutorials, and if Tanya says she loves it, it's pretty certain I'll buy it. Even with her seal of approval, I am absolutely astounded by the quality of this concealer: it beats absolutely everything I've tried, well, <i>ever. </i>Prior to buying this, I had been using a combination of high end corrector and concealer that had worked well for years, but had begun to exaggerate those fine lines around the eyes that come from 31 years of life. My assumption had been that the Collection concealer would be better for younger skin, but boy, was I proved wrong: it never creases, lasts all day (I haven't worn it for the 16 hours it promises but I don't need to touch up at all) and absolutely annihilates dark circles. There's a tiny bit of luminosity in there, meaning it's great for under eyes, and the overall effect is one of being exceptionally well rested. The doe foot applicator is ideal for under eye use, and I always finish with a bit of Rimmel loose powder. In my makeup-obsessed life, I've always found high end concealers to be much better than their drugstore counterparts, but this one bucks the trend and beats everything I've tried hands down. </div>
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The <i>only</i> downside to this product is the quality of the ink on the tube which always rubs off over the first few weeks of use. I've taken to scrubbing the tubes as soon as I buy them so I don't end up dotting myself with ink smudges! Needless to say, I bulk buy this when it's on three for two: I know it's cheap to start with, but it's even better when it's cheaper!</div>
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<b><u>Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butters</u></b></div>
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<b><u>£6.99 at Boots and Superdrug</u></b></div>
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I should start this section by saying that I have never been a lipstick wearer. My Mum, by contrast, is a lipstick fiend, operating something akin to her own Estee Lauder counter at home, and could never understand why she didn't pass on that particular gene. I have always felt that lipsticks wear me, and have instead gravitated towards peachy pink glosses and balms: boring. All of that changed when another Tanya Burr tutorial led me to Revlon's Lip Butters, and Pink Truffle in particular. It was, of course, sold out for several weeks before I managed to get my hands on it, but when I did, it was love. These butters seem to sink into the lips, staining them ever so slightly and giving great longevity of wear, but are just as moisturising as a balm. As many other reviewers have said, their texture is somewhere between a lipstick and a lip balm, but the colour pay off is so much more than a balm could ever impart. I asked Mum to choose a few shades for me at Christmas as she bought Berry Smoothie and Wild Watermelon, both of which I adore. She followed these with Cotton Candy, Sweet Tart, Candy Apple and Peach Parfait, the latter being my favourite of the whole collection. I now have ten shades and plan to swatch them all for a full review soon. If you want to add a bit of colour to your lips but hate that heavy lipstick feeling, these are definitely for you. They're nearly always on three for two at Boots and Superdrug, and who doesn't love a freebie?</div>
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<b><u>Beauty Blender sponge</u></b></div>
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<b><u>£16, available <span style="color: magenta;"><a href="http://www.beautyblender.co.uk/"><span style="color: magenta;">o</span></a>nline</span></u></b></div>
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I can't believe I haven't blogged about this yet, but whether you're a foundation or a tinted moisturiser/BB kinda gal, this is a brilliant bit of kit. This tear-shaped sponge should be used damp, and I find that I get the best results from putting a pump of base product onto the back of my hand and then dabbing/bouncing the sponge over my face. It gives skin an almost airbrushed finish, and the narrow end of the sponge is absolutely perfect for applying concealer. The fact that it's used damp means I give it a good wash every morning, which makes me feel much happier than using a brush that is cleaned only weekly. I haven't tried the Real Techniques version which is much cheaper, so perhaps I'll pick one of those up soon and do a comparison post. This definitely isn't an essential, but if like any other beauty obsessive, you find yourself day-dreaming about makeup brushes, this is certainly worth a look.<br />
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Well, I hope you enjoyed my first monthly favourites! I'd love to hear whether you'd like to see more of this kind of post, and even if you might like a favourites video at some point soon...!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095449105898121706noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971868645178354072.post-88630696727430158092014-02-17T13:11:00.002-08:002016-05-01T13:52:58.336-07:00Review: Edward James salon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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There are relatively few universal truths, but I think we can probably all agree with the following:<br />
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<li>Triangular sandwiches taste better than square ones</li>
<li>Putting kittens in the oven doesn't make them biscuits</li>
<li>It is impossible not to feel better after some good quality pampering/grooming</li>
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While I tend not to dabble in the baking of felines, at-home or salon maintenance is a non-negotiable for me, particularly when I'm busy. When work is hectic, life can feel as though it passes by in a haze of meetings and deadlines, punctuated by the occasional nap in front of <i>Gardener's World </i>or some other televisual tamazepam. Although taking time out can often seem like too great a luxury, treating yourself to a salon visit almost forces you to relax: there's nothing to do, nothing to think about. You can just be.</div>
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This was just the experience I had when I visited Edward James London salon in Clapham last week. After an immensely busy few weeks, and on the night before a big presentation, I stepped off a perishingly cold Northcote Road and into the warm, Aveda-scented glow of this small yet bustling salon. As soon as I'd made myself comfortable, restorative glass of prosecco in hand, I was greeted by Craig, the salon manager, who was to provide one of the bounciest blow dries I'd had for a long time. After a chat about my hair and the products I normally use, he gave me some excellent insights into my hair type that have been entirely absent from previous consultations. We agreed that a blow dry with some movement was the order of the day, and then I settled back to enjoy a wonderful head, shoulder and neck aromatherapy massage which is included with all treatments.</div>
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The stresses of the day already dispensed with, I was then seated in an incredible massage chair while my hair was washed and treatment applied. The chair creates the feeling of floating on a gently undulating sea - chairs which just enable you to have your feet up are now very much yesterday's news in my book! It was then back to Craig, via a chat with Edward, the salon's charming owner. I'd noticed Edward chatting to all of the salon's 'guests' (everyone in the salon uses this over the slightly seemy 'clients'!) and it all felt like we were at a rather laid back party; the ever-present host ensuring that we were all enjoying our experiences. I felt so welcome, something which I'd never really thought about when visiting a salon, but Edward's easy manner creates the most wonderful, friendly atmosphere, something that is extremely rare in salons of this standard. It feels very much part of the community, and it is easy to see why the salon recently won a Best New Business award. Being there really made me want to move to Clapham!</div>
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Finally, it was back to Craig to impart as much gloss and bounce into my hair as I've seen in a very long time whilst we swapped stories of being northerners in London, and I was subject to yet more relaxation in the form of a hand massage. If I wasn't sufficiently fond of him for giving me great hair, I will love him forever for telling me that he liked <a href="http://www.thebeautyhall.co.uk/2013/02/life-bit-about-me.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">this hat</span></a>!</div>
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After saying my goodbyes, I stepped back into the cold feeling altogether restored, and after looking at the time, I was shocked to see that little more than an hour had passed. It reminded me that it really doesn't take long to bring some balance back to your life, and when it leaves you coiffed and confident, so much the better.</div>
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<a href="http://www.edwardjameslondon.com/" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Edward James London</span></a> is at 18 Northcote Road, Clapham. Blow dries start from £28.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095449105898121706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971868645178354072.post-27569000559851466902014-02-03T14:00:00.001-08:002014-02-06T15:10:45.123-08:00Life | Be Grateful<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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*Blows dust off blog*</div>
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2014 is 34 days old and yet here I am, only just putting finger tips to keyboard. It's taken some time to figure out, but I want this to be the year that my blog changes direction: less about <i>things</i> and more about things that matter. My passion for writing is stronger than ever, and that means exploring new subject matter, becoming inspired again, and feeling like I'm doing something that contributes more to the world than just recommending a new shade of lipstick (not that a new lipstick can't make you feel great: it's some of the best medicine there is).</div>
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So, today's post is about gratitude. Watching this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtBsl3j0YRQ" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">TED talk</span></a> earlier gave me an amazing insight: that in choosing to be grateful, we put ourselves on a fast track to happiness. Yet how many of us practice gratitude with any frequency (beyond saying 'thank you' for the things others do for us) and how often are we truly grateful for the things we have? I know that I spend a good portion of my time getting stressed about the things that concern me, or the things I haven't yet achieved, so my challenge is to start acknowledging where I am, and why it's a great place to be. Here are a few tips from a range of sensible people (only one of them is from me!) to help get you started:</div>
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1. Every day, write down something that you are grateful for. Read it after a month and realise that there are a lot of wonderful things in your life<br />
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2. Be mindful. Take a few moments every day to stop and appreciate what's going on, whether it be a peak of sunshine on an otherwise grey day, or the feeling of finishing work on a Friday evening<br />
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3. Stay in touch. Speak to your friends and loved ones often, and listen as much as you talk. Always send birthday cards: texts aren't nearly as much fun to receive<br />
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4. Do something good. Volunteer your time for a good cause, give to charity (even if it's just donating some old clothes), or go and help your friend put up their latest Ikea purchase</div>
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What are you grateful for today? </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095449105898121706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971868645178354072.post-18994082674956963242013-11-24T15:19:00.002-08:002013-11-24T15:19:21.050-08:00Beauty: Minimalism<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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If you're a product junkie, you'll know the feeling of having a multiplicity of products in almost every room. Some things make it to those hallowed spots reserved for products in daily usage - see bathroom shelves and dressing table - while others are left strewn in drawers, wash bags and cupboards, just waiting to be rediscovered. A quick scan of my designated beauty zones (i.e. every room in the house) turns up bottles, jars and tubes for just about every skin and haircare concern: my routine is anything but minimalist.</div>
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Despite my accumulated <strike>stash</strike> product arsenal, I still hold the view that there is untold beauty potential in pharmacies and department stores across the world and my quest to uncover them knows no bounds. I want to try everything, but secretly, I crave a simple, paired back routine of beautifully-packaged products. Oh for a life without clutter and a bathroom shelf that looked this chic.</div>
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Clockwise from top left: Parsley Seed Mask £27 by Aesop, Mustard Soak £8 by Fig & Yarrow, Ocean Mist £18 by Sachajuan, High Potency Eye Lift £78 by Perricone MD, Nourishing Repairing Mask £16.94 by NOUNOU</div>
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<i>All from <b><a href="http://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/">www.cultbeauty.co.uk</a></b></i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095449105898121706noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971868645178354072.post-35679207062755494592013-11-20T15:44:00.002-08:002013-11-20T15:51:21.014-08:00Style: Winter Boots<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have two superficial wishes in life:<br />
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1. That I was still young and foolish enough to bear the pain of commuting in attractive footwear rather than comfy flats/clunky wedge boots</div>
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2. That I could afford to take taxis everywhere, thus rendering all footwear choices curb to cab decisions - that distance can be covered in six inch spikes <i>no problem</i></div>
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This frustration comes from having invested in a long, belted, black cashmere coat. It's grown up and the stuff of winter in the city dreams. It's begging to be paired with a slim, equally elegant heel, and yet practicality wins out every time, and I find myself lacing into my trusty little wedges. Worryingly, these past few days have had me checking my reflection and wondering if I'm clomping headlong into goth town. Not the look I was going for. </div>
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A few years ago, I bought <a href="http://www.thebeautyhall.co.uk/2011/10/style-winter-boots.html" target="_blank"><b>these</b></a>, and was mocked endlessly by the Yorkshireman for referring to them as 'winter boots'. He was clearly expecting something slightly more practical. He was right (as he usually is): weekly trips to the cobblers and aching feet meant they were consigned to the wardrobe for 'occasional wear' pretty sharpish.</div>
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So, my question is, what is the perfect boot for this time of year, factoring in the bleak English winter of rain, snow, ice and the ever-present burden that is having to leave the house for work? Do you plump for fashion over functionality, push through the pain for the love of a cute heel, or just forget the elegant commuter ideal and stick with something cosy?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8WmTu7BV5zIUkibESxyZAdY3zRSXqoK2oBxvPmwFEZs1N-64MJ9knpIFI4HbAwGDeDivP6wGKIjK7ybjmQRfEihVPsRYfzsx31wWk2IEWOaVkZwtqpLTCas8kVNNLLr8HuGFjnYsmeZgu/s1600/long-fur-coat-street-style-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8WmTu7BV5zIUkibESxyZAdY3zRSXqoK2oBxvPmwFEZs1N-64MJ9knpIFI4HbAwGDeDivP6wGKIjK7ybjmQRfEihVPsRYfzsx31wWk2IEWOaVkZwtqpLTCas8kVNNLLr8HuGFjnYsmeZgu/s1600/long-fur-coat-street-style-002.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAb8erm8BIdaUr9UUY4AOp_ySo40OGHW0G9YBcwEV6zERy_ewZonxcPpdQ_I7DzmCA3F_mnQ5tzQnPkK3IXPnh8XA-g_Yp-PVwN7Kh8R0DhPl4Ul8zp2KNRjdgmeN7KU9zaNXqYqlfAAdL/s1600/long-fur-coat-street-style-004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAb8erm8BIdaUr9UUY4AOp_ySo40OGHW0G9YBcwEV6zERy_ewZonxcPpdQ_I7DzmCA3F_mnQ5tzQnPkK3IXPnh8XA-g_Yp-PVwN7Kh8R0DhPl4Ul8zp2KNRjdgmeN7KU9zaNXqYqlfAAdL/s1600/long-fur-coat-street-style-004.jpg" /></a></div>
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I'd be happy to leave it to the fashion week pros if only it didn't look so good.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Images from </span><a href="http://thefashiontag.wordpress.com/2013/10/09/fur-coats-2014-trend/">http://thefashiontag.wordpress.com/2013/10/09/fur-coats-2014-trend/</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095449105898121706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971868645178354072.post-38552236371776863882013-11-11T11:56:00.002-08:002013-11-13T10:30:08.650-08:00Hair: Focus on Phyto<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My quest for long hair came to a screeching halt at around 7pm on Friday when hair that fell past my shoulders was chopped into a jaw length bob, which notably, embraces my natural curl. I have been a life-long straightener, so this feels <i>new</i>, but I'm happy to say I'm no long phased by the rain: it's become something of an on-the-go styling product. Hurrah for being content outside in anything above 1% humidity.<br />
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My desire for long hair is never outweighed by my pursuit of soft, healthy locks, and the products I'm currently using were selected to get as much nourishment into it as possible. Amazingly, they're all from the same brand: Phyto. Plant-based, mostly silicone-free, and crucially, <i>effective; </i>it's pretty much the answer to my hair prayers.</div>
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Here's what I'm currently using:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPXcgc2Ve3esjP3yH6pfTVgsoObf4YrUwgiPosxi2h2d-cncqTiP_BwCKbqmaMuV6o0Y7XKAXFeOfI2TI8zKKArRb4KrFKcVbs1Ojnp2mSAzoq0leqFbxnEyI5Rlro3sE92YpRCCCJcK1E/s1600/Phyto2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPXcgc2Ve3esjP3yH6pfTVgsoObf4YrUwgiPosxi2h2d-cncqTiP_BwCKbqmaMuV6o0Y7XKAXFeOfI2TI8zKKArRb4KrFKcVbs1Ojnp2mSAzoq0leqFbxnEyI5Rlro3sE92YpRCCCJcK1E/s1600/Phyto2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>Phytolisse shampoo £11.50, Phytophanere supplements £33.00, Phytokeratine thermal protectant spray £16.50, Phyto 9 day cream £14.50, Subtil Elixir £24.50 and Phytodefrisant straightening balm £14.50</i></div>
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<i>From <b>Phyto </b>available at www.johnlewis.com</i></div>
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The standout products for me are Subtil Elixir and Phytodefrisant. The latter has achieved cult status with those of us 'blessed' with coarse, thick hair and it's managed to significantly tame my frizz, even if damp weather. It promises straighter hair with frequent use, and although it hasn't unraveled my curls, it has made them much more defined and manageable. Always a winner in my book.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6gMf4EWsLQGLSbzijK-7oG6EomNMCEDYYptzdVu5ZtrAJ4We-NLqc-WahDHMDFYwlp1lm_v8vC5g5QRLXc664x1BgB48XOo2YVNK6F7vYmASQlqZDDAVKv_O_pQCVWForfKpChzfvRJNg/s1600/Phyto9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6gMf4EWsLQGLSbzijK-7oG6EomNMCEDYYptzdVu5ZtrAJ4We-NLqc-WahDHMDFYwlp1lm_v8vC5g5QRLXc664x1BgB48XOo2YVNK6F7vYmASQlqZDDAVKv_O_pQCVWForfKpChzfvRJNg/s1600/Phyto9.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit-g2ZapCqUaIe4rgXI3pMsQoLnUiIpVliyvzufMY5dAddCCYs7x3OGTsJjmtDuYTezwnRaA61bqg6233QV05-x-zTmgB8pTsvW04nyI88xSL2huk9chqbG-zrsfzr2o1zS5FTsUjH7aTb/s1600/Phyto13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit-g2ZapCqUaIe4rgXI3pMsQoLnUiIpVliyvzufMY5dAddCCYs7x3OGTsJjmtDuYTezwnRaA61bqg6233QV05-x-zTmgB8pTsvW04nyI88xSL2huk9chqbG-zrsfzr2o1zS5FTsUjH7aTb/s1600/Phyto13.jpg" /></a></div>
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Subtil Elixir (for dry and ultra dry hair) has been a revelation to me, and has filled the enormous hole left by the discontinued Phytonectar. This pre-shampoo treatment is a blend of camelia, corn germ, karanja and egg yolk oils (it is <i>all</i> about egg yolk when it comes to healthy hair) which regenerate and nourish the hair fibre. Camelia is a particularly light oil, so this isn't the kind of oil treatment that requires several shampoos to remove it all. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqEDQPE2iWHzqlVBaepU_soVsGrrmfLD5LaEi2B7qfMzpxjnINkWCnVNA4fxz-P18J-nMksomK3VgvGM7DE-Jr3utCmg-i8dCHNKwps3I-PhH5ChbbSM76ho2yqUydzhcEEJDd_uq58fed/s1600/Phyto6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqEDQPE2iWHzqlVBaepU_soVsGrrmfLD5LaEi2B7qfMzpxjnINkWCnVNA4fxz-P18J-nMksomK3VgvGM7DE-Jr3utCmg-i8dCHNKwps3I-PhH5ChbbSM76ho2yqUydzhcEEJDd_uq58fed/s1600/Phyto6.jpg" /></a></div>
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I'll be reviewing the other products photographed above soon, and in the interim, I'd love to know your Phyto favourites.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095449105898121706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971868645178354072.post-23887846319565154592013-11-10T05:26:00.004-08:002013-11-10T05:27:09.710-08:00This Week #2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwPrA0diLxwR4nsLW6DCo0tC6AaZVAvKWLeINGTeiIfjHl8vWX9Mga97Zg9CILo-ln_Ofg7zq9OKB1OSAdzTMavnsDrbJfhNFhEo8YMSG4KpZPqpCfy-g_0VcgXTS36_2E83D3QaxDH3X/s1600/instaweek2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwPrA0diLxwR4nsLW6DCo0tC6AaZVAvKWLeINGTeiIfjHl8vWX9Mga97Zg9CILo-ln_Ofg7zq9OKB1OSAdzTMavnsDrbJfhNFhEo8YMSG4KpZPqpCfy-g_0VcgXTS36_2E83D3QaxDH3X/s1600/instaweek2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new winter coat - a wool and cashmere French Connection number scored on eBay for £80; the Shard on an exceptionally grey day in London</td></tr>
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Oscar Wilde said that memory is the diary that we all carry with us: it keeps close the people we have loved and the things we have done. Time fades many things, but dear memories are something that, if we're lucky, are kept in sharp focus for a lifetime.<br />
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At times when life feels dull, it can be easy to forget that we are the authors of those diaries of memory. Try imagining yourself 20 years from now and picture the things that you would like to look back on. Now go out and write your history.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095449105898121706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971868645178354072.post-71857413274858499842013-11-05T08:11:00.004-08:002013-11-05T08:16:11.391-08:00Body: REN Moroccan Rose Otto range<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfx2_i2yGiwC-wMBCy8vVy31Kn-SvJf_udKGY3VFEGF5a6sf0IofBuVpO11q-56Dt7UHCujXilr3QvmccR17NqKfvBch-5kJ6T4_QgwAWNRI0Yc6VjY7l0rgeAXSpviUjEgFVDx4H72JvT/s1600/Rose6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfx2_i2yGiwC-wMBCy8vVy31Kn-SvJf_udKGY3VFEGF5a6sf0IofBuVpO11q-56Dt7UHCujXilr3QvmccR17NqKfvBch-5kJ6T4_QgwAWNRI0Yc6VjY7l0rgeAXSpviUjEgFVDx4H72JvT/s1600/Rose6.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>Moroccan Rose Otto body lotion £26, ultra-moisture body oil £34, and sugar body polish £32</i></div>
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<i>From <b>REN</b> available at www.marksandspencer.com</i></div>
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When it comes to scent, there are few aromas more luxurious, evocative and calming as rose. Alongside its historic association with love, fidelity and romance, it is widely used in aromatherapy to soothe anger, ease anxiety and alleviate depression. You may not find yourself the recipient of a beautiful bouquet of roses as often as you might like, but with REN's Moroccan Rose Otto range in the bathroom, you will be too calm, too pampered and too indulged to notice.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaYffTKn6DSwlYaZIgkYYvYmQRgohhvaQ_-nRWRSx9WF2coIS-o-i7DDBIQBfnc2xFy4Zlce54wsjAetXMg_D1ggYl9Z0C4BHGwpTAhWdlBJl-2_dOQnHuGmzU1jpk7Km1qcs5KETO3rAy/s1600/Rose4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaYffTKn6DSwlYaZIgkYYvYmQRgohhvaQ_-nRWRSx9WF2coIS-o-i7DDBIQBfnc2xFy4Zlce54wsjAetXMg_D1ggYl9Z0C4BHGwpTAhWdlBJl-2_dOQnHuGmzU1jpk7Km1qcs5KETO3rAy/s1600/Rose4.jpg" /></a></div>
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As the name suggests, Moroccan roses are the cornerstone of these products, and REN's famous bath oil (not photographed here) contains the essence of 10,000 petals. Those of you who have experienced a rose garden in the height of summer will recall the feeling of being enveloped in that deep, heady scent and feeling utterly soothed. Imagine adding that fragrance to hot water in a candlelit bathroom and you can only begin to get a sense of the seductive intensity of these products.<br />
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The standout for me is the sugar body polish which leaves skin silky smooth and wonderfully scented. This is most definitely not a product for a quick scrub in the shower, but one for those pampering winter ablutions where bathing transcends the functional and becomes almost ritualistic.<br />
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Marks & Spencer is offering some fantastic REN gift sets which start from £25 and include all the products in the photo above, as well as a body wash. Clever REN always make it easy for you to try their products before committing to full size purchases, and indeed, to make your travels more luxurious with their decadent minis. It will make the perfect gift for a loved one this Christmas, or as an indulgent treat for those of you who need to zap the stresses of modern life.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095449105898121706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971868645178354072.post-46744350981657139792013-11-02T17:15:00.002-07:002013-11-05T07:20:55.070-08:00This Week #1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAnTldnRvdC9zQDGQGMABHBAm7l19tWbmDFlg1fvbWDjMwZtBc1bIMqrr1Q2bTuitnsg2vl_7SfGN9UcMq975brfQAcGYJ7lj8QfLty1qNR9A0oEzZLOXpjrNuzmqg8T0e4QkVOVDsJUjK/s1600/Insta+week+1-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAnTldnRvdC9zQDGQGMABHBAm7l19tWbmDFlg1fvbWDjMwZtBc1bIMqrr1Q2bTuitnsg2vl_7SfGN9UcMq975brfQAcGYJ7lj8QfLty1qNR9A0oEzZLOXpjrNuzmqg8T0e4QkVOVDsJUjK/s1600/Insta+week+1-001.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can't get enough of my faux leather skirt from Zara; a flat white and Sunday Times Style catch up at Gail's in Soho; that feeling when you thought you'd brought your concealer and instead you've brought a scarlet lippy. Thanks, Nars packaging...</td></tr>
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Transforming a thought into an action takes little more than the will to do. As an idea begins to take shape, hands can be busy manipulating that cerebral gossamer into something tangible. Whether or not we choose to acknowledge it, we are constantly occupied in dictating our moods, shaping our environments and influencing our futures through the simple act of choice.<br />
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Practiced often enough, choice becomes habit. The activities we undertake daily - quietly, automatically, unconsciously - can be an open road to our hearts' desires, a pathway to contentment or a sheer drop into mundanity. It is said that 10,000 hours of practice are required to perfect a skill, but how many of us invest even a few moments' energy in pursuit of our dreams? </div>
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Aristotle said that we are what we repeatedly do: our actions - the good, the bad, and the ugly - define us. They make us who and what we are. It may seem an overwhelming task to break old habits and form new ones, but cast your mind back to the opening line of this post: <i>transforming a thought into an action takes little more than the will to do.</i> Act now, and you're already a step closer to where you want to be.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095449105898121706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971868645178354072.post-4445869873015462862013-10-14T14:27:00.003-07:002013-10-14T14:28:27.588-07:00Style: Knit on Pencil<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Motif sweaters and pencil skirts could very easily become my uniform - and oh how I wish I could justify everything from Marcus Lupfer! Here are my favourite sweaters and skirts from net-a-porter.
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUFSb0fu8Uvp-L9vQGVDWqqBbwsyUVdbd2SKsVVo3vpNqurLpKgqPYfDeV3VpgLsQmnE7z4JVcoK9zoVwKR9E0vILvIxFntByM0Ea3J570rjUxHwhPdf7K0jGc850p7LbXvBPCYg6FKNc/s1600/jumpers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUFSb0fu8Uvp-L9vQGVDWqqBbwsyUVdbd2SKsVVo3vpNqurLpKgqPYfDeV3VpgLsQmnE7z4JVcoK9zoVwKR9E0vILvIxFntByM0Ea3J570rjUxHwhPdf7K0jGc850p7LbXvBPCYg6FKNc/s640/jumpers.jpg" width="750" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R: Acne, Burberry Prorsum, Marcus Lupfer</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_o2h691lx-LZT5V2vtOQ_mNulke-4qp5XSN-EMKVaf2iGPVVrN4c7aFCArSUUUGxKpMSOtrV5MfbZvA6DMDhN2VK45tYSRlxreScZN9ssVbseFXQyWTXdRP8UsFd5iOIhoTJrbaM2KgUQ/s1600/skirts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_o2h691lx-LZT5V2vtOQ_mNulke-4qp5XSN-EMKVaf2iGPVVrN4c7aFCArSUUUGxKpMSOtrV5MfbZvA6DMDhN2VK45tYSRlxreScZN9ssVbseFXQyWTXdRP8UsFd5iOIhoTJrbaM2KgUQ/s640/skirts.jpg" width="750" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R: Dagmar, Givenchy, J Brand</td></tr>
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All items available on <a href="http://net-a-porter.com/">net-a-porter.com</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095449105898121706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971868645178354072.post-64069541487332649772013-10-11T00:00:00.000-07:002013-10-11T00:00:08.511-07:00Have a wonderful weekend <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAUiQDXGTjjfE6e4TA4tZ2RQNbsbqY7TapMeazszTwRn6VLUJnpiW4_LUM6tlm_I9S0zixgRTDNv-_SC9KpAhpYSgE0QHyalfb6jTru9vGzJI-xUACVnrzocK4I5gqlCIyTOhR2QDz-z1/s1600/Palma+136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAUiQDXGTjjfE6e4TA4tZ2RQNbsbqY7TapMeazszTwRn6VLUJnpiW4_LUM6tlm_I9S0zixgRTDNv-_SC9KpAhpYSgE0QHyalfb6jTru9vGzJI-xUACVnrzocK4I5gqlCIyTOhR2QDz-z1/s320/Palma+136.JPG" width="750" /></a></div>
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Taking inspiration from one of my favourite bloggers, <a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Joanna Goddard</a>, I'm going to endeavour to write a weekly link list to share what I've loved from the web this week.<br />
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This weekend I'm going to a knitting and sewing show with a friend (she's the expert, and I'm hoping I pick up some tips so I can <a href="http://www.thebeautyhall.co.uk/2012/05/craft-patchwork-cushion.html" target="_blank">build on my sewing experience</a>), having my autumn permanent blow dry and going for a Sisley facial (a brand I've wanted to get up close with for a long time - thanks, Mum!) What are your plans? Whatever you're up to, have a wonderful time!<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogilates.com/workout-index/butt/how-to-get-rid-of-cellulite-the-perfect-butt-lift-workout" target="_blank">How to get rid of cellulite (hint: creams don't work!) </a><br />
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<a href="http://www.sca.shiseido.com/skinMassageDetail.cfm" target="_blank">The facial massage technique I have been using for the past seven days. My stressed-out chops have already registered an improvement</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.pearlsandpoodles.com/2013/10/illamasqua-culminate-sheer-lipgloss.html" target="_blank">Lovely Milly of Pearls and Poodles has created her own lip gloss with Illamasqua</a><br />
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<a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/funny-bag.html" target="_blank">Finding out you have been using the wrong saying by seeing the right one on a tote bag (*this*, kids, is how you know you're old, and that you shouldn't be using the saying at all)</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2013/oct/07/top-10-romantic-movies" target="_blank">The Guardian's top ten romantic films</a><br />
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<a href="https://twitter.com/OlufsenAndBang" target="_blank">My favourite new Twitter account - Bang and Olufsen as you've never seen them before...</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095449105898121706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971868645178354072.post-91616525909321981042013-10-07T14:11:00.004-07:002013-10-10T09:09:11.276-07:00Beauty: Sweet Almond Oil<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig0MkYYHkBPH2PTll49xbqMAf8Bkq1lZV9DO9eR6KGd6q3WOp2bV4IIn_Beh8_x8AbAFMxgNEiNK_Z1KT3i1fqNhmqn4RC39weUwG0b4LmRr-4NzAuhJ-mLI3RP4kmGvpxSbHm9GIT1i90/s1600/blog+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig0MkYYHkBPH2PTll49xbqMAf8Bkq1lZV9DO9eR6KGd6q3WOp2bV4IIn_Beh8_x8AbAFMxgNEiNK_Z1KT3i1fqNhmqn4RC39weUwG0b4LmRr-4NzAuhJ-mLI3RP4kmGvpxSbHm9GIT1i90/s640/blog+004.JPG" width="750" /></a><br />
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Crumbs, I'm having some serious blogging issues at the moment. One minute I want to write, the next thing I'm writing myself out of writing, and then today, I find myself standing in Boots, eyes glazed, swatching everything in reach whilst my brain prances about in my head singing 'GIVE IN! YOU LOVE MAKE UP!'</div>
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It's true, I do.</div>
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My previous two posts, all questions, concern and confusion, proclaiming 'why am I writing here?! What's my purpose'; were the Angela Chase of blog posts (for those of you under 30, it's what Claire Danes did pre-Homeland. If you're in your teens, watch it and finally feel as though somebody understands you. Or just drool over Jordan Catalano; there's no judgement here).</div>
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Anyway, today's mood is simple: I am following my wise and powerful internal monologue which decrees, 'go forth and purchase makeup!' Hey brain, no need to shout. I'm on it, ok?</div>
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In the meantime, I can't say I'm entirely derailed from my slightly hippy mood of the previous two weeks, and that's because my skincare routine is now almost entirely oil-based. Oil for cleansing, oil for body moisturising and oil for my night time face massage, and one in particular: sweet almond oil is where it all started. I've been using this on my body for about 12 months and I can say, hand on heart, that no body moisturiser has ever come close to it. It delivers velvet-smooth skin in a few days, and I make sure that my supply never comes close to running low.</div>
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Now, you will already have concluded that this ain't no high end purchase. Never have I seen a svelte, blow dried young thing trot into Selfridges' beauty hall on her Manolos to request a litre of oil. But then that's possibly because they don't sell it (somebody's missing a trick, I tell you). The 500ml bottle above came to the grand total of £11.26 but I've since discovered an online stockist (l<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Litre-Sweet-Almond-Oil-Pressed/dp/B007MCXGO6" target="_blank">ink!</a>) which sells a litre of this cold pressed elixir for £6.99. We all know that things don't need to be expensive to perform well, but I won't be surprised if you need a little convincing to add a giant plastic bottle of oil to your beauty routine (focus on the soft skin I mentioned above). If the utilitarianism troubles you, you have my permission to buy a cute bottle and add in a few drops of your favourite essential oils. Lavender and lemon, anyone? After you get creative with scent, you'll probably still have spent less than an equivalent volume of your usual body moisturiser. Try <a href="http://www.aromaweb.com/articles/aromaticblending.asp" target="_blank">here</a> for some blending inspiration.</div>
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The biggest perk? For years I've suffered with keratosis pilaris: annoying little red bumps on the upper arms that aren't painful, just not especially cute. Since the almond oil, they have all but disappeared. Much better than the £40 AHA body cream that promised to banish them and failed to deliver.</div>
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I'll be blogging more about my experience with oils soon. I have so many to share with you, all of which have their own fantastic properties. Plus if you ever run out of something to dress your salad with, there's always something within reach...</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095449105898121706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971868645178354072.post-69744227249418088252013-09-23T16:16:00.001-07:002016-08-23T15:24:21.865-07:0030<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Here are some quotes on turning 30 that popped up on a quick Google search. If you're 29, you might want to pour yourself a G&T:<div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;"><i>When you’re a teenager, all you want to do is buy beer. But once you hit 30 all you want to do is to get carded</i> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;">- Carrie Bradshaw</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;"><i>After 30, a body has a mind of its own</i> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;">- Bette Midler</span></div>
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Depressed yet? Well, pin back your wrinkles, as old Francis Fitzgerald has something to finish us off:</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;"><i>Thirty – the promise of a decade of loneliness, a thinning list of single men to know, a thinning briefcase of enthusiasm, thinning hair</i> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;">- F. Scott Fitzgerald</span></div>
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As someone who's passed<br /><div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095449105898121706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971868645178354072.post-70512961833291638502013-09-21T15:10:00.002-07:002016-08-23T15:24:26.242-07:00Interiors: Beautiful beds<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095449105898121706noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971868645178354072.post-49896746486050037982013-09-21T11:56:00.002-07:002013-10-10T06:51:04.622-07:00Beyond the beauty hall: a new start<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYvlhl-ANTuZc78afof2j51vQQV9Q-1-5VMJdlF4OYeYRxSczED3A8fMwhyphenhyphenfq2o6QtUX2kDAFvowixPFRsohXJLcO_6MPHVyo8aDfa0uTTfRY6f4ASy__wqY_5BvjOkqCmhOYlv-mj-WY/s1600/009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNYvlhl-ANTuZc78afof2j51vQQV9Q-1-5VMJdlF4OYeYRxSczED3A8fMwhyphenhyphenfq2o6QtUX2kDAFvowixPFRsohXJLcO_6MPHVyo8aDfa0uTTfRY6f4ASy__wqY_5BvjOkqCmhOYlv-mj-WY/s640/009.jpg" width="750" /></a></div>
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Well, so much for me being an 'ex blogger'!<br />
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It feels strange being back here, and the past two hours have seen a jumble of words written and deleted on this page. My return boils down to the simple fact that I have missed writing here, but the struggle comes with the knowledge that what I wrote about before is less important to me than it once was. Let me explain...</div>
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My decision to stop blogging in June was motivated by a variety of factors, only some of which I declared. I was (and still am) much more focused on 'a quiet life' but I'd also reached my limit with the beauty industry. I looked back on some of the products I'd tested, and considered how many of them I was still using: it was very few. Certainly not the prized hair 'oil' that was actually full of silicones and ended up ravaging my hair. Or even the serums that cost three figures and made absolutely no difference to my skin. I was sick of the marketing; sick of being told that this product would make me beautiful, and even more, I was sick of telling you that you should buy it, too. I was sick of being part of what I felt was a myth, another non-expert reeling off what was essentially a list of today's likes and dislikes. Who knew what tomorrow would bring? So, I changed tack.</div>
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While I wasn't blogging, I started using all natural products, being kinder to my body, and it worked wonderfully. With my hair dryer locked away and only <i>real</i> oil and eggs for topical nourishment and a balanced diet for internal benefit, my hair grew long and glossy. Expensive cleansing balms were scrapped in favour of coconut oil and my skin was as clear and healthy as it's ever been. Then crisis hit at work, and the telltale signs of stress started to appear on my 31 year old face. I found myself craving laboratory beauty once more, but the sceptic who abandoned this blog in June couldn't be quieted and I couldn't quite bring myself to make a purchase that I wouldn't have hesitated over in the past. Maybe there isn't a cream for everything, and given the choice, I'm happy to get older. I think there's a balance to be struck, which is as much about stripping away the complexity of the quack science that's marketed to us every time we step into a chemist or a department store beauty hall as it is about me enjoying writing this blog. I don't want to write about things that aren't useful anymore, because these words are out there to be read and it's important to me that they communicate something of value.</div>
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And that's why this blog has had a change of name: I now find myself <i>beyond the beauty hall</i>, although where that is, I'm not quite sure! I guess the evolution of this blog will come as I start to develop a new voice about the things I have become more passionate about and I very much hope you'll tag along for the journey!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095449105898121706noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971868645178354072.post-55839042687816529952013-09-21T10:51:00.002-07:002016-08-23T15:24:30.827-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095449105898121706noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971868645178354072.post-48600112951507843222013-06-30T03:40:00.000-07:002013-10-10T06:51:46.223-07:00Life: A Quiet Mind<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeF3LpBgV5ueMc1csYIxP39Xc4or9TQI4ezFZ76u_nwBgo1qfMfk4fONh42XVblZPRuua4cIc23GXclgJvbtFL0TdTvqD81P-6SPhZWlvf-w1KVEFbSW_VlRZuKaEf6RzaPvmCQdAAo76u/s1600/clear-blue-sky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeF3LpBgV5ueMc1csYIxP39Xc4or9TQI4ezFZ76u_nwBgo1qfMfk4fONh42XVblZPRuua4cIc23GXclgJvbtFL0TdTvqD81P-6SPhZWlvf-w1KVEFbSW_VlRZuKaEf6RzaPvmCQdAAo76u/s640/clear-blue-sky.jpg" width="750" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">After a blissfully happy weekend that began with spending time with friends (and eating some very good cake), and is ending with yoga, a long walk and an overwhelming sense of quiet contentment, it's wonderful to feel like I've finally achieved my goal of a quiet mind. The things that I used to think and worry about are gone, and I realised just <a href="http://www.thebeautyhall.co.uk/2013/02/life-bit-about-me.html" target="_blank">how far I've come</a>. Yoga and meditation have played a huge part in this process, and have enabled me to remove everything toxic from my life and just enjoy being. I've grown stronger mentally and physically, removed all the pressures that I never realised I put myself under and life has just started to flow, which is something I'm enjoying very much.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-8621/5-things-to-stop-doing-if-you-want-to-be-happy-now.html" target="_blank">Mind, Body, Green</a> featured a really interesting piece on things to do if you want to be happy, and the list at the end of the article really resonated with me. Over the past two years, I've managed to incorporate each one of these things into my life and I feel infinitely better for it. If you're looking for a little more peace in your life, give the following a go and see how much it improves your outlook. </span></span></span><br />
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<li style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Follow your heart</span></li>
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<li style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Stop engaging in drama</span></li>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">This list may sound a little selfish but by tackling what's inside, everything outside seems to magically follow. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #333333;">"</span><span style="background-color: white;">When you are discontent, you always want more, more, more. Your desire can never be satisfied. But when you practice contentment, you can say to yourself, 'Oh yes - I already have everything that I really need." Dalai Lama</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">It's for all the reasons above that I've decided to take a bit of a break from blogging to just enjoy what's happening now. I love the products I'm using (in which almond oil plays a starring role as cleanser, moisturising and deep conditioning hair treatment) so I don't want to disrupt that by trialling tonnes of new products. My makeup is a happy parade of neutrals and I've stopped spending half my salary on new clothes and am instead focusing on the healthy body that's inside them. I feel like there's less of a place for 'things' now, so there's less for me to talk to you about here.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">I may be back at some point, but for now, I'm happy to report that my evenings will no longer be spent on editing photos and drafting blog posts way into the small hours, and will instead be about good food, friends, yoga, and plenty of relaxation which is just what this 30 year old wants from her life.</span></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Thank you for reading, contributing, and making my blogging years very happy. Maybe see you again one day.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">x Rachel x</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095449105898121706noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4971868645178354072.post-72737045857038851492013-06-30T02:31:00.001-07:002016-08-23T15:24:43.973-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuW5J5-9tg8ysSp25n78wAYYgV3Urbn0MrwjCexHeY_VuNxAr2QNSSgBSilm5hZ4OxTZCYUBTpExxZa7xu-Kn8QbfmQPaghKZSIPbjNFoCnT9RFxsy9UIuZW6bLq6l_02rH0yb9JKnkDT/s1600/IMG_20130502_154821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuW5J5-9tg8ysSp25n78wAYYgV3Urbn0MrwjCexHeY_VuNxAr2QNSSgBSilm5hZ4OxTZCYUBTpExxZa7xu-Kn8QbfmQPaghKZSIPbjNFoCnT9RFxsy9UIuZW6bLq6l_02rH0yb9JKnkDT/s640/IMG_20130502_154821.jpg"> </a> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13095449105898121706noreply@blogger.com0