I Heart Natural Beauty

2012, We Love You

2012-01-12T03:19:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! Hope you are feeling refreshed and in full on detox mode. I haven't yet encountered a woman who isn't employing some kind of major health overhaul this month.

I enjoyed an extended break this year with a trip to Lyme Regis to bring 2011 to a close (look how gorgeous this beach is), before heading to a boathouse on the Norfolk Broads to celebrate my sister's birthday in the new year.

Being in the fresh air and especially to be by the sea is such a cleansing feeling. We enjoyed long cliff top walks and got covered in mud of course, par for the course when you holiday in Dec and Jan in the UK. As for 2012, I've made my Masterplan and I'm ready to take on this year with achievable goals.

For tips on working out an achievable goal, here is the SMART approach. They say it's important to be able to qualify what success will mean - clear, realistic objectives. That way you get to feel good about yourself each time you reach a milestone.

Visualising and affirming is becoming more and more acceptable and I'm finding that many problem page therapists in the Sunday magazines are recommending this approach now. Visualising what success looks like and, importantly, the steps to get there is important. It can take less than 5 minutes as you come to in the morning. Maybe we can learn to multi task the visualising whilst pulling a few pelvic floor contractions?!

Matcha Tea

2011-11-09T02:43:00.000-08:00

Image and more info here

Have you heard about Matcha tea? It seems that Teapigs have cultivated and produced a posh green tea concentrate with one helluva lot of health benefits. Apparently Buddhist Monks and many Japanese have been drinking this type of tea for years, but now it's come to the west, and people are singing about the health benefits.

This is what Teapigs have to say: 'We like to think of matcha as a sort of superhero amongst teas, as it’s super-concentrated and packed full of the goodness we need to help keep us looking and feeling happy and healthy. The tea leaves are grown under cover for the last two weeks of cultivation to produce lots of chlorophyll (the bright green good stuff).'

I'm certainly keen to try this. At £25 a pop this ain't cheap, but the powder is only used in small quantities and is tres versatile.

Falun Gong

2011-11-03T05:07:00.000-07:00

First of all I'm very sorry not to have posted for so long. Various changes were going on in my life (don't our priorities and tastes change when shifts occur in our environments?) and I've been thinking about developing a new blog in line with my evolved areas of passion.

I am passionate about health and beauty, but I'm not only about 'natural' things in the purest sense of the word, because I think balance is crucial. So it may be that I develop a new blog to reflect these changed views in the future, but for now I want to say 'thank you' for your lovely emails and messages asking me when I'll blog again. You gave me a lovely warm feeling. Aaawww.

You may already know about Falun gong. In fact, there are free classes across the UK, so I'm going to check one out next week. Meditation in an exercise sequence sounds good to me. To find a local class, look here.

On a serious note, one of the things I've discovered of late is the plight of people involved in Falun Gong in China.

Falun Gong is not a cult or a religion, and in fact this is an apolitical group. However, the Chinese Communist Party feel so threatened by this massively popular spiritual group and practice, that many have been raped, tortured and killed for their organs as a punishment.

If you are interested in learning more about this, please look here. I'm doing all I can to get involved with campaigning on this. I completely took my right to a spiritual identity for granted until I learned about this.

Until next time xox

Eyes Wide Open

2011-07-22T08:55:00.000-07:00

Via

If your lashes don't curl up naturally as you apply mascara, check out Shu Uemura's lash curlers. Girlfriends tell me these are the absolute best and no self-respecting supermodel would be without them. If, on the other hand, your lashes are naturally open, there is no point in investing in a pair at all.

These days I like my make up bag to be as minimalist as possible. There were days when my beauty products were like ornaments adorning my dressing table, but I've learned that less is always, always more.

Via

Dr Nick Lowe

2011-07-12T08:54:00.000-07:00

Via

I've been using this Super Charged Day Cream by Dr Nick Lowe and I love the scent, texture and results. Generally I like to stick with natural skincare products, but I'm also keen to find products which do the job and give value for money. I think this pot of cream ticks a lot of boxes.

You might enjoy this interview with Dr Nick Lowe. He is asked the all important question - what is his view on organic and natural products? - which is as interesting as his tips on skincare.

Loving lemon right now

2011-05-27T07:52:00.000-07:00

Via

Like most people I've known about the benefits of warm lemon water for some time. Sometimes I've stuck to it and at times I've rebelled. But since getting over my poorly patch I'm doing all I can to get well and stay well (complacency is a bugger, no?).

Shazzie recommends a litre of warm water with the juice of one lemon. This worked better for me than a mug with a slice of lemon in it. I'm sipping this first thing in the morning and then waiting about 20 min+ before I eat anything, as of course too many fluids are supposed to impair the digestion of food. This is supposed to be good for your liver.

There are lots of health benefits, namely peristalsis! Improved skin and a diminished appetite are other bonuses. It tastes lovely with ginger too. I use ginger if I'm out of lemon.

Your body is super thirsty first thing, so it's easy to overeat if you don't first drink water.

She's back in business...

2011-05-25T03:43:00.000-07:00

Ola. It's been a long time. I hope this finds you full of vitality.

Thanks for bearing with me while I had my break. I felt run down for ages and it turned out that I had a virus. I was sleeping early in the evenings, so there was little time at the end of a working day. I'm thanking heaven for modern medicine, as it's so ruddy helpful.

So, I'm back in business and on a mission to feel good fast. I've been juicing recently as I have a new juicer and - oh boy - I'm feeling the effects after only a few days. Brilliant.

Via

I've got quite into this cheap and cheerful eye make up remover of late. Organic, Boots own, at £4.07. I had used sunflower oil for a while, but I thought I was starting to get a build up so I've switched to this. It's rarely worth splashing out a huge amount for an eye make up remover, but it does need to be able to do the job of course. This seems to be able to take off lashings of mascara and eyeliner.

A little break

2011-04-15T07:49:00.000-07:00

Via

Hello and apologies for being so quiet on the blogging front. I've been working on a few projects and I've become a little run down so trying to take it easy - a girl's gotta be kind to herself, after all.

Thanks as ever for reading, I'll be back soon.

How to be a demanding but fair consumer {Part One}

2011-03-18T02:47:00.000-07:00

Via

Give feedback, good and bad, to make the world a better place

Customer service is a big passion of mine. I probably take my quest for good service a little too far at times, but I like to give companies my feedback, good and bad.

In my local Sainsburys the staff are always very helpful and friendly. They're well trained on small talk and ask me how my day is going, plans for the evening and so on. It seems totally genuine as they seem to have hired fabulously nice people. I enjoy the little chats and get the impression that Sainsburys staff find their work all the more satisfying for the interaction with their customers. I'm sure that they provide an invaluable service to elderly people who may have little contact with the outside world.

I wanted to tell Sainsburys how valuable their staff are, how hard they are working. I asked for a contact and was given an email address. Sadly, although I was eventually thanked for my feedback, nobody at Sainsburys told the people in question about the praise I'd given, despite that fact that I'd named the employees who had helped me. I felt sad that Sainsburys had missed this opportunity to let their staff know what a great job they were doing. I made sure the staff members knew that I'd given excellent feedback on them and that I appreciated all they were doing.

This seems to be a problem with large companies: getting a message through to the right line manager can be tricky. If a manager in Sainsburys had been prepared to see me I could have told them personally and perhaps there would have been a different outcome.

A similar thing happened with DHL - I regularly use DHL and the chap who looks after me is always friendly and enthusiastic, despite the fact that his working morning starts at 5 a.m. and ends long after mine does. I emailed DHL about him twice but didn't receive a reply. Again, I told him that I'd tried to feedback to his management. And I tell him frequently what a great job he does.

Ideally, companies would recognise the importance of valuing the people who work so hard for them; those who interact with the public and represent the brand. Sadly, it's all too easy for these little details to be lost.

As consumers, we can certainly make the world a better place by telling people what a great job they're doing. I give positive affirmations whenever I can to the people who look after me.
Let's spread the love around.

Via

A pink Gedy moment

2011-03-16T08:32:00.000-07:00

Via here and here

There's clearly nothing glam about loo brushes. Except when you discover a pink Gedy loo brush and then it all gets a little more exciting. I've just ordered this one (above) because I think little touches of pink in an interior feminise the space beautifully. For objects which are clearly rather unglamourous, like loo brushes, it's worth splashing out and making them into a novelty item.

My rule for pink is that it's got to be an expensive splash of colour rather than wall-to-wall pink. Like a whole bathroom I painted candy pink in 2001. Biiig mistake. There are few things in this world more nauseating than a cheap pink trolley on wheels, cheap pink children's clothing or cheap pink plastic accessories. OK, that's me off my pink soap box.

Prenatal vits for long tresses

2011-03-11T02:46:00.000-08:00

Fancy growing your hair in a speedy manner? Prenatal vits will cost you a pretty penny but may be worth it if you want lustrous locks asap.

Via

Do you remember how long Gwn's hair was when she was expecting Apple? She wore it unusually long (in fact, in my opinion it probably needed a bit of a trim, but just because I'm not crazy about really long hair). Anyway, my point is that the condition was good. And Gwyneth processes her hair a lot to get it that blonde, so I was impressed. Speaking as a blonde, I know just how hard it is to maintain good condition when you're after that sun-kissed baby-blonde look.

At the time Gwyneth was kind enough to spill the beans on the cause of her amazing hair growth spurt:

"It's vitamins. Take New Chapter Organics' Perfect Prenatal. It doesn't matter if you are pregnant, I swear to God. I have double-processed blond hair, and it's so long and not damaged. Those vitamins, they are the trick!"

Via

I've never forgotten this tip from Gwneth. These babies aren't cheap at £35.33 a bottle. There are 45 caps in the pack, so each one costs about £1.25. But if you're growing out a hair disaster or looking to achieve a swish-swish mane in time for summer, these could be worth trying.

Yes! Yes! Yes!

2011-03-10T01:55:00.000-08:00

Via

If you've ever questioned what on earth you might be putting down below when it comes to sexy time, you are right to be cautious. Thrush is the bane of many women's lives and is thought to be in part caused by ingredients such as glycerine, which can be found in generic lubricants. To avoid pesky irritation there are some great natural products on the market to make loving a bit more, well, loving. Yes is approved by the organic soil association and according to Yes their product is as identical to nature as possible and 'actively nourishes mucous membranes'. Yes, there's even more nourishing and self-loving for us to do...

Via

Here's the science bit for the sex boffins out there:

'Mucous membranes are the moist layer of semi-permeable tissue lining the mouth, nose, eyes, vagina and anus. Because they do not have the protective layer found on the surface of the outer skin, mucous membranes can be damaged, irritated and penetrated by synthetic chemicals much more easily. Rectal and vaginal absorption is, generally speaking, many times greater than oral absorption.'

The Ecologist

Happy loving. xox

Oh so kissable lips

2011-03-07T08:18:00.000-08:00

Via

Kissing is one of the biggest joys in life, but it sure does dry out lips. That along with some of the biting winter winds means that a girl needs to keep on top of lip maintenance. I see so many women (and men) applying Vaseline and other generic lip balms. Although anything moist gives instant relief, many of these mineral oil based products simply sit on the skin's surface. They may well provide a barrier, but they don't permeate and moisturise. What's more, they can cause blemishes around the lip and chin area because the surrounding skin can struggle to breathe. For this reason I suggest a natural and inexpensive alternative. I'm loving Burt's Bees Mango lip balm. It's beautifully scented and works pretty darn quickly too. Perfect to pop into your handbag for top ups.

Via

Friday Favourite

2011-03-04T03:31:00.000-08:00

Via

I have a bit of a thing about Links of London at the moment. I love their take on casual teen style friendship bracelets. Simple, stylish and divine. Cat Deeley is the perfect poster girl for this cool and feminine brand.

Have yourself an amazing weekend. You are lovely. xox

Cosy just got cosier

2011-03-03T01:45:00.000-08:00

Via

Would you wear a OnePiece? I'm not sure I would...pretty 80s and not quite the calm aesthetic I'd want for a cosy night in...plus I sure as hell wouldn't want to shiver on the loo in the night like I had to as a kid in my all in one PJs! But they do look pretty darn cosy all the same...

I heart this...

2011-03-02T03:43:00.000-08:00

Via

Totally heart this image of Kate Winslet. She looks strong and beautiful. She claims there is nothing about herself she hates or wishes she could change. If that's true, given the lifestyle she leads, I'm uber impressed.

Become a politician...and rule your inner world

2011-03-02T01:56:00.000-08:00

Via

In The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, one of the recommended exercises is to write a manifesto for yourself. Imagine yourself as the politician of your own inner world. You might be Cameron bringing in tight new spending cuts and a healthy new eating plan. You might like to be a little more Liberal because you feel you need to stop worrying and relax and enjoy yourself more...whatever works for you.

Draft some ideas down and then put it together as a pertinent, concise manifesto of how you want to live your life right now. This can be revised over and over; our priorities change all the time, and that's because we're always growing and changing.

An example of a manifesto...

I will make time for my meditation daily.

I accept that I need a day to myself so Sundays are now dedicated to pleasure.

I am working towards my payrise/new job/qualification with the following actions...

I am putting more time into connecting with my loved ones by...

You may want to put it all into the present tense because this can be more powerful - it's no longer aspirational language for the future but a reflection of what your life is now - so by saying it is, it is...

I meditate daily when I awake

Sundays are for pleasure

I'm enjoying my payrise/new job

I connect with loved ones during quality family time each week...

Enjoy writing your manifesto; be the politician of your inner world; you are the architect of your own life. What an awesome thought.

Are you a Care Bear?

2011-03-01T09:17:00.000-08:00

Via

I've just noticed that this cute little fellow has a heart tattoo on his butt. Nice. Anyway, the reason I'm talking about care bears today...is because they are a useful analogy for our purposes. The Care Bears were all about being loving and cuddly...and that's a great place to draw inspiration from.

My point, my friend, is this. Sometimes we are not very caring or kind to ourselves. There is a fine line between self indulgence and self sabotage. There are the easy ones; a soak in the bath, relaxing with a book, laughing with a friend - all enjoyable, healthy and self-loving things to do. But then there are the other temptations which come our way; alcohol, food we know isn't good for us, illicit encounters which seem like fun at the time but can wreak havoc on many lives. Some quick fixes leave a feeling of utter hollowness.

It's always a difficult balance, and for most of us, there will be times when we choose a quick fix or a 'treat' and then pay the penalty, whether the price we pay is bad skin, a sore tummy or a feeling of remorse and self-loathing.

There is no divine answer unless you're prepared to live in an ashram. But it is worth taking some time to redress the balance when you feel you've gone overboard. Take the time to re-connect within, spend a few days focusing on vibrant and healthy food, or dedicate a few days reaching out to friends and family...all good ways to restore and self-love.

In life, we can ask ourselves: what would the most caring option be now? That is, the most caring option for you personally. Ironically, that is often the option that would also be kindest to those around us, because when we nurture ourselves, we automatically become more loving and calm as we interact with others.

If we look after ourselves in the way we would a child or a best friend, we are going to tow the line a lot more. Sometimes it might mean feeling like a killjoy and not having that additional glass of bubbly. But sometimes the caring thing is to try something that might not make you feel great, just because you need to have that experience and learn from it.

So as I say, it's not fool proof, but when you're feeling a little low, tired out or that you've put yourself in emotional danger, ask yourself what a care bear might do, were she (or he) in a similar situation.

Or...you could get a heart tattoo on your butt.

If it's good enough for Marilyn...

2011-02-17T03:54:00.000-08:00

Via

Have you heard about the new trend for women shaving their faces??!! Apparently stars like Marilyn Monroe did it and it's now back in vogue. The theory is that shaving exfoliates and removes the fine fuzz which all women have on their faces. The completely naked skin is more light reflecting and therefore looks younger. They say that stubble is not an issue with this. I am highly skeptical and will not be trying it.

It's always difficult to know whether to bother removing facial hair in the first place. In the beauty industry there is often debate about whether waxing can diminish or exacerbate hair growth on the face. Of course bleaching and threading are great options if you need to de-fuzz. Personally I think if the hair isn't excessive, it can be easiest to leave well alone.

Would you shave your face???!!

Heart the storm

2011-02-17T03:41:00.000-08:00

I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.

Louisa May Alcott

Don't beat yourself up if...

2011-02-16T02:36:00.000-08:00

Via

Don't beat yourself up if... some days you fancy a coffee or a night out on the tiles and one too many cocktails. While yes, I believe that to maximise health and beauty it is a good idea to minimise the intake of toxins, the balance of head and heart is the most important thing to master.

If a client is stressed, having sleeping problems, skin problems or digestive issues, I'll always suggest abstaining from the things which put more strain on our bodies. In an ideal world I'd never touch alcohol or coffee, because I'm convinced neither do my skin any favours. But we're in the real world where sometimes a treat is too good to refuse.

I'd far sooner be able to have fun than become a complete health bore, so today, I'm sipping a coffee (fairtrade, natch) as I write this. Come join me for a gossip and a latte.

American Mom organisation

2011-02-15T01:31:00.000-08:00

This makes me think of American Moms with serious organisational skills...is it just me or are American Moms more organised than Brits?! Perhaps it's all the American parenting blogs I've seen...

Via

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T02:23:00.000-08:00

Via

via

Via

I'm back from Italia and raring to go after a change of scenery. I hope your February is going well - it can be a difficult month for some - the post Christmas winter blues can set in. But in England the weather has been pretty mild and I've spotted crocuses springing up in the village I live in. That along with a morning soundtrack of Barry White was enough to put a smile on my face.

I'm actually a big fan of Valentine's day. Yes, it's massively commercial, but there's a lot to be said for a day dedicated to appreciating a loved one. It doesn't have to be about expense. You can pamper your lover with a bubble bath, a massage or brekkie in bed. If you're lucky enough to be focussing on the relationship you have with yourself, this is a perfect day for self indulgence or to take yourself out on a date. Chances are that any unattached cuties in the local art gallery might be yours for the taking. But even if you don't spot a cutie, you can love yourself all the way home. No one will ever know you like you do. I've often delighted in baking heart shaped cookies for friends and family and sending and receiving cutesy home-made valentines to and from girlfriends. Romance comes in many forms.

Become an expert in giving yourself what you need and then you will need others less. Or, to quote Oscar Wilde:

To love oneself is the beginning of a life-long romance.

Italian break

2011-02-03T10:02:00.000-08:00

Via

I've been a little quiet on the blogging front this week as life has been a little hectic. I'm about to head to Italy to celebrate my birthday and to visit some lovely friends and my gorgeous brother. Lots of packing and prep to do! I'll be back soon. xox

Give yourself a verbal hug

2011-01-28T04:55:00.000-08:00

Via

Every now and then I gently remind myself where my focus should be. I'm lucky to have wonderful friends and family and I like to think I've equipped myself with the tools I need to be able to self-nurture. When I'm in doubt about which path to take, a few favourite quotes are usually the perfect medicine to send me in the right direction.

Right now I'm taking inspiration from the following:

Mind your own business

And watch your business bloom

Shazzie

If it doesn't feel good, that's your instinct telling you to put your energy elsewhere

Shazzie

Never make someone a priority if they consider you an option

(source unknown)

The only thing that can grow is the thing that you give your energy to

Ralph Waldo Emerson

It's important to remember that whether you focus on negative or positive, the result will be the same - what you are focussing on grows. When we choose not to indulge in negativity, judgment and criticism, but instead to look inside and self nurture, we become more vibrant, self loving and ultimately able to offer far more goodness to others.

Have yourself a joyous weekend and give yourself a little verbal hug with some good quotes.