by editor | Apr 29, 2012 | Lifestyle
There is a wonderful urban legend circulating about a man who is
trying to land a job as an assistant professor in a university. His
application was rejected and he writes the following response:
*”Herbert A. Millington
Chair – Search Committee
412 A Clarkson Hall, Whitson University
College Hill, MA 34109*
*
Dear Professor Millington,*
*
Thank you for your letter of March 16. After careful
consideration, I regret to inform you that I am unable to accept
your refusal to offer me an assistant professor position in your
department.*
*
This year I have been particularly fortunate in receiving an
unusually large number of rejection letters. With such a varied
and promising field of candidates, it is impossible for me to
accept all refusals.*
*
Despite Whitson’s outstanding qualifications and previous
experience in rejecting applicants, I find that your rejection
does not meet my needs at this time. Therefore, I will assume the
position of assistant professor in your department this August. I
look forward to seeing you then.*
*
Best of luck in rejecting future applicants.*
*
Sincerely,*
*
Chris L. Jensen”*
If it is true that you can tell how big someone is by what it takes
to discourage that person, then this is a man who must be massive. I
might say the same thing about a boy who, in real life, was not so
big. But he was difficult to discourage and so he showed himself to
be a giant on the inside.
Some 40 years ago, when he was only 11 years old, Morgan Rowe lost
his left arm and much of the use of his right arm. It happened when
he fell off a tractor at his father’s fence company in Valdosta,
Georgia, and was dragged beneath the machine. Morgan’s left arm was
destroyed and his right, mangled.
Young Morgan was released from the hospital after three-and-a-half
months. The first thing he set out to do was to help pay the
bills — $30,000 worth. That was a lot of money back then as it is
now. For a boy of 11 to accomplish such a task, the situation seemed
hopeless.
For five years Morgan scoured roadsides picking up cans and bottles.
He collected thousands of cans and collected and sold newspapers. He
never gave up hope. First, he paid off the $455 ambulance bill. Then
he put $2,500 down on the hospital bill.
He was still a long way off though his parents raised another $9,000
toward the debt.
People began to hear about the injured boy and eventually some 2,000
donations poured in, totaling $25,000. The bill was paid in full!
Morgan set aside the additional money for future education.
What then? Though the bill was paid up, Morgan kept his projects
going to collect money for the hospital so he could help others.
Someone forgot to tell the boy he was too injured for that kind of
work. Someone forgot to tell him that the situation was hopeless.
Somehow young Morgan didn’t realize that an 11-year-old boy could
never pay off a hospital bill so large.
Church reformer Martin Luther once said, “Everything that is done in
the world is done by the hopeful.” And entertainer Dinah Shore
observed, “There are no hopeless situations – only people who are
hopeless about them.” Morgan Rowe should know.
I will not always be young and strong. My life circumstances can
change in an instant. My health may leave me and I may lose people
who are important in my life. But there are no hopeless situations.
So I won’t easily turn loose of my hopeful outlook, even when things
seem bleak. Without hope, I’m lost. But with it, I suspect that any
situation can be creatively redeemed.
– Steve Goodier
__________
Find Steve Goodier here: http://stevegoodier.blogspot.com/.
Newsletter: http://LifeSupportSystem.com.
by editor | Apr 27, 2012 | Lifestyle
More electric cars come to the UK
Although they’ve been much discussed and anticipated, the number of practical EVs on the road has been fairly small. And with good reason, as the problems around finding a place to charge the EV battery, the range limitations and the lack of power and performance meant that the average driver might have liked the idealistic idea of owning an EV, but found the practicality not appealing enough.
Another problem thus far has been the expense. EVs don’t come cheap, but the prices are now set to come down quite a bit. The £5000 grant offered by the UK government to new owners of EVs or plug-in hybrid cars is one of the most appealing new car offers around, but even with that included, EVs are still expensive.
This year, Renault is introducing two EVs to the UK. The Renault Fluence will be available soon and will retail at £17,000 after the government credit. The Fluence will be far cheaper than two of its peers, the Nissan Leaf (£26,000) and the new Vauxhall Ampera (otherwise known as the Chevvy Volt in the States), which will cost around £30,000 after the government credit.
Renault has made the considerable price reduction possible by changing the model of ownership for the Fluence. Instead of buying the battery with the car, owners will instead lease the battery from a kind of swap shop scheme. When the battery needs replacing, they will simply exchange it for a new one. The cost of leasing the battery will be approximately £1,000 a year, according to mileage. The residual value of the car will be improved as the battery – one of the most expensive components in an EV – will never need to be replaced by any of its owners.
The other EV that Renault will introduce this year is the Zoe. This is a supermini that will go on sale in the autumn at £13,650. It has a 130 mile range – longer than any other EV on the road in the UK. Obviously, it’s not the most economical choice for a supermini, but considering it ticks the environmental box, it’s not a bad price.
So, 2012 may be the first year that we start to see a real increase in EV ownership in the UK.
by editor | Apr 18, 2012 | Lifestyle
You can find the full range of Charlie Browns Menswear at
Charlie Browns Menswear is a leading independent menswear chain that has been providing high fashion menswear for over 21 years.
Charlie Browns Menswear has built its reputation in providing the latest ‘on trend’ fashion labels at affordable prices.
Brands stocked include Armani Jeans, Boss, Bench, Claudio Lugli, Converse, Criminal Damage, Duck and Cover, Eto, Firetrap, Fred Perry, Gio Goi, Henleys, Jack & Jones, Lacoste, Money Clothing, Nicholas Deakins, Police 883, Stone Island, Voi Jeans to name a few.
Charlie Browns ranges are constantly changing as they strive to deliver the latest trends to the high street and on-line.
Through the Charlie Brown website they aim to provide an enjoyable shopping experience through excellent customer service in a secure and trusted environment.
Charlie Browns Menswear offer free delivery on all UK orders.
by editor | Apr 18, 2012 | Lifestyle
Fab UK Cottage Getaways
From Under £20 p.p A Night
16 Apr 12
New Forest Living features some fabulous holiday cottages starting at under £20 per person per night during May. For a group of chums seeking a stylish break away with every creature comfort and not a candlewick bed spread or old fashioned telly in sight. Think I pod docking, Wi Fi, flat screens, Jacuzzi tubs and more.
The Old Post Office at Emery Down, New Forest ; Sleeps 7 + doggie. Great village house, plenty of living space, linger with a sun downer and enjoy the great views across the valley. Lovely forest walks or just as far as the village pub, stroll down the footpath to Lyndhurst Village, great choice of restaurants.
May 2012 price guide
7 night week £925, just £18 p.p. per night
4 night mid week break £795, just £27 p.p per night
3 night weekend £795, just £37p.p. per night
More info view The Old Post Office
The Foresters Lodge at Bramshaw New Forest. Sleeps 8 + child. Featuring a huge Jacuzzi bath, garden games room with slate bed pool table, football table, table tennis + own kitchen for cooling the beers. Only five minutes to join the 100 miles of networked off road cycle tracks, watch the deer as you make the breakfast.
May 2012 price guide
7 night week £1115, just £19 p.p. per night
3 night weekend £895 just £37 p.p. per night
4 night mid week break £895 just £27 per night.
For more info view The Foresters Lodge
View our Spring blog :
by editor | Apr 18, 2012 | Lifestyle
Little Ones Can Make Waves
With Eurocamp’s ‘Learn To Swim’
16 Apr 12
This week (18-22 April) will see the nation’s top synchronised swimmers take to the water in their bid to quality for the world’s biggest sporting event – but while attention is turned to the crème de la crème of aquatic sports, parents of little ones will perhaps be thinking of encouraging their pre-schoolers take their first strokes. Leading operator Eurocamp has just the solution with its free Learn to Swim sessions, now available at 11 of its most toddler-friendly parcs across Europe.
Run in partnership with the Swimming Teachers’ Association, the lessons are ideal for safely introducing tots under five to the water; plus not only are they splashing good fun for children and parents alike, but with up to 25% off June breaks there’s never been a better time for families looking to take the plunge.
Seven nights in the Vendée, £341 (accommodation only)
Situated on the Atlantic coast, with the magnificent Merlin Plage beach just a short walk away and an impressive swimming pool complex at hand, Eurocamp’s Le Clarys-Plage is a lively parc with plenty going on for waterbabies of all ages, particularly those with little ones.
One of Eurocamp’s 26 Mini Fun Station parcs, which have been specially selected to provide the ultimate toddler holiday, as well as Learn to Swim, the parc offers a range of free toddler activities. These include Mini Fun Station club, accompanied play for those aged six months to five years, plus free Tumble Tots sessions, and Learn to Ride lessons to help get tots on two wheels through free sessions with trained couriers.
Meanwhile, to help lighten the load and ensure that those first family holidays are as easy and stress-free as possible, a host of free handy extras and safety features are also available in all accommodation, including high chairs, potties, baby baths, changing mats, safety gates and socket covers – all pre-bookable in advance.
A seven night break at Le Clarys-Plage arriving 15 June 2012 costs from £341 per party – a saving of £114 – staying in a 2 bedroom Horizon Midi mobile home (sleeps 7, maximum 4 adults), accommodation only.
Ferry crossings and fly-drive packages can be arranged through Eurocamp at a supplement.
For further information on Eurocamp, please call 0844 406 0552 or visit www.eurocamp.co.uk.
by editor | Apr 18, 2012 | Lifestyle
CityPASS: Save Big on a Visit to Fun-loving,
Freewheeling San Francisco
16 Apr 12
San Francisco — San Francisco consistently dominates top travel lists around the world, including those for best U.S. city, best dining city, best walking town, most creative, happiest, and, well, the accolades and honors go on and on. And that’s no small feat, considering how many great cities there are in the U.S. But, then again, no other city can quite compare to San Francisco’s fun-loving, freewheeling, dance-to-my-own-beat élan.
And San Francisco CityPASS, which saves 48 percent on attraction admissions, makes planning a getaway to this perennial American favorite a breeze. In addition to a Muni and Cable Car 7-Day Passport, which lets visitors enjoy an unlimited number of rides on the city’s iconic cable cars, CityPASS covers prepaid admission to the California Academy of Sciences, a Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise, Aquarium of the Bay and San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, as well as a choice between the Exploratorium and the de Young and Legion of Honor Fine Arts Museums.
2012 visitors won’t want to miss the California Academy of Sciences, the world’s first “Double Platinum” museum, as rated by the U.S. Green Building Council. Prepare to be moved when a major new Earthquake exhibit and planetarium show rumble into the museum on May 26. The exhibit will feature a walk-through model of the Earth, an enclosure for live baby ostriches (there are surprising connections between earthquakes and ostriches), an earthquake simulator designed to resemble one of San Francisco’s graceful Victorian homes, and lots more.
Another San Francisco must-see is the Golden Gate Bridge, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. For an up-close look at this historic landmark, catch a one-hour, narrated Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise, which sails right under the bridge.
San Francisco CityPASS costs $69 for adults (a value of $132.90) and $39 for kids, 5-12 (value $83.90). Passes, which can be purchased online at CityPASS.com or at any of the CityPASS attractions, are valid for nine consecutive days, beginning with the first day of use.
For 15 years, CityPASS has been the premier product for travelers who want to visit a destination’s top attractions while enjoying savings of up to 50 percent. CityPASS, which has a 99 percent customer approval rating, is also available for New York City, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Hollywood, Houston, Philadelphia, Seattle, Southern California and Toronto. Visit CityPASS.com.
by editor | Apr 17, 2012 | Lifestyle
Great ideas for summer events
The annual sales conference or team building away days are always great fun for everyone who takes part. It’s a chance for employees to let their hair down, break free from the office routine, yet it still allows for cooperation and working together in a different and interesting setting. People come back from these kinds of events renewed and refreshed, inspired and ready for new challenges at work.
There are, of course, numerous venues for hire for this kind of event. But, if you want to do something really different, it’s probably best to leave the details of the events to the experts – ie. get a professional company to organise your day for you. Of course, you’ll have input into what kind of theme you want the day based around, but why take on the headaches when it’s not your specialism?
Just to give you a few ideas of what’s out there, here are some of the more interesting themes we’ve come across.
Leaving the stuffiness of traditional conference venues behind you, why not make the company away day an ‘It’s a Knockout’ team builder. Remember the old TV show that even the Royal Family took part in, where people got to dress up in outrageous costumes, carry out a series of silly obstacle courses, and have a heap of fun at the same time? Companies can now do this kind of thing as a team building activity, and it’s proving really popular.
Another trip down memory lane is the School Sports Day team builder. You go back to the old favourites like the relay race, the egg and spoon, the high jump. Departments are mixed up and new teams are formed for the day’s activities. Oranges at half time!
And if you’ve got a boss who seems to hark back to his army days all the time, why not pick a Boot camp theme for the company team away day? Ex-soldiers are cashing in on their army experience and knowledge to design fun but exhausting team builder days for companies. You even get the camouflage and fatigues to wear for the day…
Of course, all these team builder events are outside – and therefore better planned for the summer – but if you have to have your away days in the winter, there are lots of indoor options on offer too.
by editor | Apr 15, 2012 | Lifestyle
ONE OF THE BEST THINGS I CAN DO WITH MY LIPS
I am told that the muscles of the face are capable of over 250,000
different combinations of expressions. And one of the most useful is
a smile. And though I’m a fan of kissing, I appreciate that smiling
is still one of the best things I can do with my lips.
Sometimes I hear or read something that is so true, I know I will
never forget it. One of those gems is an observation from Fulton J.
Sheen, who said, “A smile across the aisle of a bus in the morning
could save a suicide later in the day.” Over the years, I’ve come to
realize the magnitude and truth in that statement. People NEED the
healing medicine of the heart that just a smile, even from
strangers, provides. In fact, we all need it. And for some folks,
that medicine can save a life.
One psychiatrist puts it like this. Dr. Thomas Malone, of Atlanta,
Georgia, says, “In my practice at the Atlanta Psychiatric Clinic,
people sometimes ask me what psychiatry is all about. To me, the
answer is increasingly clear. Almost every emotional problem can be
summed up in one particular bit of behavior — it’s a person walking
around screaming, ‘For God’s sake, love me!’ Love me, that’s all. He
goes through a million different manipulations to get somebody to
love him.” (Thanks to Dr. James Moore for the quote.)
I think he says something I need to hear. He is saying that at the
core of our being is a need for someone to care. And if that itch is
not scratched, we go to great lengths to satisfy it.
But I’ve noticed something else, too. It appears to me that some of
the healthiest people around seem to spend less time trying to
scratch an itch to be loved, and more time looking for people to
reach out to. These are the ones who are most likely to smile across
the aisle of a bus. They understand that everyone is fighting some
kind of battle, even if they hide it well. And if they were to
express their personal life mission, it might include something
like, “I try to always love the people I encounter along life’s
path.”
They never say they can’t make a difference. They never say they
have nothing to contribute. They always know that, even if they have
nothing else, they can always give a smile, spontaneously and
sincerely. A smile may not seem like much, but it can be a warm
blanket on a cold night. And for a while, anyway, if can soothe the
itch to be loved.
My smile may not save a life, but it might save a day. And if not,
it’s still one of the best things I can do with my lips.
__________
Find Steve Goodier here: http://stevegoodier.blogspot.com/.
Newsletter: http://LifeSupportSystem.com
by editor | Apr 14, 2012 | Lifestyle
Renting out a furnished flat
If you were one of the many thousands of people who did a buy to let in the early 2000s and now have a flat sitting idle as there are just too many rental properties out there, the best thing you can do is get it let as quickly as possible.
If your flat has been vacant for a while, when others in the same area seem to get new tenants, there must be a reason. When did you last go round there and look at it with a stranger’s eyes? You may have decorated it really nicely a decade ago, but does it still look good, or is it tired and in need of a little TLC?
Potential tenants have so many places to choose from that they would be foolish not to choose the best decorated and cleanest flat that they see. And if they’re looking for a furnished flat, they won’t want to make do with somebody else’s cast off furniture.
Cast a critical eye over what you’ve got in your rental property, and if you find it hard to objective, ask someone who you trust to be candid. Anything that needs replacing should be binned rather than repaired. There is plenty of cheap furniture available today – there is a lot of competition amongst retailers and there’s always a sale on somewhere. Cheap furniture can still be reasonable quality. The important thing to remember when picking furniture for a rental flat is to choose robust items that will take a bit of wear and tear. Tenants can’t be guaranteed to treat the landlord’s furniture with kid gloves.
A leather sofa can be a good choice for a rental flat. They’re pretty hardwearing and retain their shape well. Any spills can be wiped up with a cloth and, unlike fabric sofas, they are less likely to get stained.
Once you’ve kitted out your flat with some new furniture, given it a spring clean and repainted it, you should find that a new tenant will snap the property up, meaning you can start to earn money from the place again.
by editor | Apr 14, 2012 | Lifestyle
Cinderella-budget beauty tips
Are you splashing out too much on serums? Or are you shocked at the price of your shampoo? Don’t worry; an effective daily beauty regime can be yours for very little cost. Check out DIY alternatives to expensive creams, serums and treatments, or find a supplier online who offers real value. Try not to be tempted by the beautiful packaging, celebrity endorsement and swanky ads that big brands use to lure you!
If you have a favourite brand and are a devotee of their products, the first money-saving step is to see if you can get them for less. When you see BOGOF offers, buy in bulk. Or make the most of your internet connection and head to Ebay, buy online using price comparison websites, looking out for voucher codes, and checking the company’s website. Brands like oil of olay, for example, usually have a club which is free to join; members often get samples sent through the post and are informed about special offers, as well as news about product releases.
For a viable alternative to shop-bought beauty aids, head no further than your kitchen. Use inexpensive store-cupboard ingredients and create homemade beauty preparations. These will save you buying expensive branded products and you will not be forking out extra for the fact that they are natural, contain no harmful additives and smell good enough to eat (this isn’t recommended, however!). Many tips can be found online at websites like supersavvyme.co.uk.
You may also find that you can make your beauty products go a little further by watering them down. If your shampoo bottle is half-full, try adding some water and shaking the bottle to mix it together; you’ll get a product that lasts longer but gives virtually the same results. This can be applied to liquid soap, and shower gel, too. Lastly, if you get given a beauty product as a gift or freebie and it’s something you won’t use, sell it on Ebay and use the money for a more useful product; don’t clutter up your dressing table with products that do nothing but gather dust!
by editor | Apr 7, 2012 | Lifestyle
How To Avoid Holiday Snap
Cringe – Hairstylist Errol
Douglas MBE Shares Hair
And Photo Advice
26 Mar 12
Despite a holiday being the time when we’re at our most tanned, relaxed, dressed (or undressed), there’s that familiar sinking feeling that we don’t quite look as hot in the snap as we felt when we posed for it! It’s a cliché for a reason – because it’s often true: Disappointment with how we look in our holiday snaps.
Top hairstylist Errol Douglas MBE , with over 3 decades working with A list celebrities and on session styling shoots with the likes of Rankin and Andrew O’Toole, suggests the solution is in adopting a few simple on location haircare habits and a couple of tricks when taking the actual picture. ”The common hair mistakes we make when travelling are exposing hair to sea salt and UVA” says Douglas ” When we pose for shots in bright sunshine or at restaurants at night, we fall victim to a potentially unflattering device – the flash. Both are easy to correct, anyone can look as hot as they feel in their snaps with a few simple changes” Hot holiday hair starts, Douglas advises, with:
1. PRE DEPARTURE PREPARATION: Before travelling, if you’re going to have a colour, do it at least two weeks before leaving. The sun naturally “lifts the colour” leaving it looking washed out. Douglas recommends a salon Illuminating Colour Gloss by Matrix: “It ensures not just colour but a healthy shine pre-flight”
2. ON LOCATION PROTECTION: Salt, great on food not on hair. Tie it back and use a protective spray in and out of the water. With a centre parting it’s very SS12 catwalk. Good products for sun protection, avoidance of pool chlorine build-up and moisture infusing include: Biolage Sunsorials range by Matrix, Morrocan Oil Intense Hydrating Mask & Kevin Murphy “Born Again” Mask
3. SUN AND SAND FRIENDLY STYLING: For long hair on the beach, ask your stylist how to create a twist up bun or a Fishtail French Plait – both prepare hair for the evening and protect excellently. Additionally, be careful of sand, it’s corrosive, and for anyone with a scalp issue it’ll aggravate.
4. FRIZZ FREEDOM: For tropical and humid destinations, there are lots of products on the market that can prevent hair from frizzing and add weight. Pack them – they’re a passport to evening glamour and better snaps. Try: Sleek by Matrix, Moroccan Oil Frizz Control or Treatment Oil Light
5. SEEK GLOSS OVER GREASE: Hair looking lank in the pictures when it felt soft in the flesh? That’s a sign of over active sebaceous glands. Not confined to shiny face, over stimulating the follicles on the scalp in hot climates by washing out sea water with hot water leads to greasy locks. Wash hair in cool water and preening to a minimum, it’ll allow follicles to rest and lie smooth.
6. ON TREND AND ON LOCATION: For a great catwalk to boardwalk/day to night look, Douglas suggests a reveal of the up do from the day “When you take out the braid it leaves a great red carpet wave with great movement evening glamour”
And to the snaps: for doing holiday hair efforts justice without turning the whole affair into a long shoot, Douglas suggests just two quick and simple tips:
MOVE IT: Shoot the person from different angles. 3 simple clicks of centre, left and right gives a surprisingly different image and choice. LET IT MOVE: Avoid overuse of product in the hair, it’ll look more attractive with natural movement SUNSETS ARE SEXY: Dusk offers a very flattering light for the face, refreshed, rested and back lit GET FLASH RULES RIGHT – OFF AT NIGHT, ON IN THE DAY (YES THAT’S RIGHT): Flash indoors produces harsh, cold light and is the most common cause of unattractive “red eye”- it feels counterintuitive but switch it off. Similarly, daytime outdoors is where the flash is your friend, eliminating shadows and diluting the contrats that create unattractive facial shadows.
Douglas advises his clients to consult his quick checklist when packing to ensure that bad hair doesn’t eclipse holiday outfit choices:
· A wide toothed comb
· A great shampoo and conditioner with a strong UVA component (don’t rely on those provided at the hotel)
· A mousse or oil to combat a drying atmosphere
· A cool Alice band – simple but a suprisingly dramatic look changer
· A scarf – covers a multitude of sea, sun and sand sins for old school glamour
by editor | Apr 7, 2012 | Lifestyle
Clay & Herbs – New Natural
Skincare Range Launched
23 Mar 12
Patricia Ferguson – Medical Herbalist BSc (Hons) CPP launches her own range of natural skincare products, Clay & Herbs using only pure Argiletz Clays, Zeolite, herbs and essential oils. The feedback from clients has been brilliant. Professional make up artist Emma Carevlle says, “I tried the face scrub and the body scrub – comparable to Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant, which I love.”
Fiona McBride from Glasgow says, “Normally these types of masks are too strong for my skin and cause redness and itching. This one was gentle yet effective. It was easy to use and mix and left my skin really smooth. The next day blemishes were gone or diminished and my teenage daughter also tried it and found same.”
Shae Duncan South London says, ”Patricia has helped me significantly with my acne problem. I used her Purifying Acne Masque once a week for a month and have noticed not only has my acne dramatically, reduced, but my skin feels softer and has a healthy glow. The masque is very easy to use and very gentle. I like the way it goes hard on your face but then it is very easy to wash off with warm water. I will most definitely be continuing my use with this product and all of the products Patricia has recommended for my skin, they all seem to be working.”
How Clay & Herbs Products Benefit your Skin:
100% natural ingredients
High mineral content of clay nourishes, balances, protects and revitalizes skin
Superior absorption to remove impurities, excess oil, dirt and pollutants
Rebalances and corrects excess oil production when used regularly; especially beneficial for acne-prone skin
Refines the texture of the skin and improves tone
Exfoliates, smoothes and softens the skin
Revitalises and stimulates, bringing radiance to a dull complexion
Founder Patricia Ferguson explains, “My products are made from dry ingredients and so I do not need to use preservatives, natural or otherwise. Other ready-to-use wet products are more difficult to preserve long term, as bacterial growth will be an issue.”
Patricia advises that the French clays she uses are among the best on the market today. They are living, active clays, sun-dried for optimum results and containing a myriad of minerals and trace elements. Their purity is also guaranteed, having conformed to strict European legislation. Zeolite is able to absorb 3 times as much as clay. It is even being investigated by the pharmaceutical companies and holistic practitioners for its potential use in neutralising cancerous tumours.
Zeolite’s ability to remove toxic wastes, chemicals and bacteria also make it a useful addition for detox and acne treatments. Zeolite has been added to enhance the action of the products.. There are two types of zeolite used in Clay & Herb products, Crystalite Pink and Crystalite Gold. The gold variety is the more absorbent of the two. Zeolite is used in all products. Essential oils are concentrated, aromatic compounds extracted from plants by steam or water distillation. They have medicinal and cosmetic properties which enhance the action of the products.
Clay & Herbs products are a blend of:
Superior quality, pure cosmetic French Argiletz clays, each clay having affinity with a certain skin type
Carefully selected organic and wild-crafted herbs
Zeolite – a unique mineral with an exceptional ability to absorb and remove impurities
Essential oils
There are currently four products in the range:
Purifying Acne Masque
Gentle Facial Scrub
Exfoliating Body Scrub
Peppermint Pumice Hand & Foot Scrub
Herbs used in our Products and their Benefits:
Marshmallow Root & Slippery elm – Softens, revitalizes and hydrates. Draws impurities from the skin. Has soothing, anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Controls oily skin and soothes allergic reactions.
Chamomile – Its healing properties are used in dermatitis, eczema, acne and rashes. Treats sensitive, dry and inflamed skin.
Peppermint – Has a cooling effect on the skin.
Aromatic Waters – We recommend for use with our products, a range of plant-based, therapeutic distilled aromatic waters to mix with the clays before use to further enhance their actions. A 30ml bottle is provided free of charge with every first purchase.
Product Aromatic water – Purifying Acne Masque: Chamomile & Marigold.
Gentle Facial Scrub : Rose Geranium & Lavender
Exfoliating Body Scrub: Marigold
Peppermint Pumice: Peppermint
by editor | Apr 7, 2012 | Lifestyle
OGARIO London Hair
Care – Made In The UK
20 Mar 12
This summer, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and 2012 Olympics will capture the world’s imagination with a spotlight on all things British.
Luxury haircare range OGARIO London is proud to support the UK economy and small businesses, choosing a family-run company on the south coast of England to manufacture their products.
They are made in an eco-friendly, sustainably built factory using natural energy sources. All packaging is recyclable and, where possible, uses paper made from 100 per cent sustainable forests.
The range of shampoos, conditioners and a hair masque is developed exclusively by boutique north London hair salon OGARIO.
Packed with plant extracts and essential oils, products contain the Protein Protect formula, a unique blend of pro-vitamin B5 and super-nourishing proteins for shiny, healthy hair.
OGARIO London chooses only naturally-derived, active ingredients, including everything from rooibos and sage to marshmallow and nettle.
OGARIO creative director Norris Ogario said: ‘There is so much to celebrate about being British this year. We started in the UK and so we want to support the country by basing our production here.
‘We feel proud to be working with British businesses and hope to be able to continue to do so in the future. After all, you have to be true to your roots.’
by editor | Apr 7, 2012 | Lifestyle
Care For Your Hair
According To Your Age
26 Mar 12
Hair is important to women at every stage of life. Here, Norris Ogario, Creative Director of luxury haircare range OGARIO London, shares his tips on keeping hair in great condition whatever milestone in life you’ve reached…
Twenties
Hair goes through a lot once you’ve broken out of your teens. Women are more likely to follow the latest trends using heated styling tools, fixatives and fashion colouring. With so much expected of it, hair needs to be nourished and hydrated to keep it looking its best. Regular trims are important to keep split ends in check and we recommend using a weekly treatment such as OGARIO London’s Restore and Shine Hair Masque. With healing sage and lavender, hair will stay looking glossy and healthy whatever you put it through.
Thirties
This is an age when many women are juggling a career and family but if you have time for nothing else, do invest in a quality haircut. Make sure you have a proper consultation with your hairdresser before your hair has been washed. When I talk to a client, I can tell a lot from their mannerisms about how they wear their hair – they might push it to one side, away from the face. You can’t spot this when the hair is wet. It’s important to understand the client so we can create a hairstyle that suits them and their lifestyle. Busy lifestyles can be exhausting, leaving hair and skin dull and tired. We’ve combined baobab, nettle and rooibos in our Revive and Shine Shampoo to create an energy-boosting blend for your hair and scalp. The uplifting aroma in this blend will put a spring in your step and bounce in your hair.
Forties
A confident decade where women often have more time for themselves and are sure about what they want. Hair should reflect that. If they haven’t done before, women may start to think about colour to cover the first signs of grey hair. For those who are embarking on hair colour for the first time and who have a small amount of grey, I recommend a vegetable tint, a semi-permanent colour that rinses out over time. They get great results and are much gentler on the hair.
Fifties
Women may find their hair changes texture and can start to thin a little due to hormonal changes. It’s important to adapt the way you care for hair to respond accordingly. Shorter cuts help the strength of the hair but make sure you have a consultation to work out the best shape for you – if you don’t get it right, it can be ageing. Invest in a quality hair care product too – shampoos and conditioners with proteins and high levels of pro-vitamin B5 will replenish the hair and help with its condition.
Sixties and beyond
Hair and skin becomes dryer as we age. Drinking plenty of water and a balanced diet will help hydrate the hair. Choose products with natural emollients to help tame wiry grey locks – synthetic silicones do work in the short term but can be drying over time. We recommend our Hydrate and Shine shampoo and conditioner duo, packed with nourishing ingredients such as pro-vitamin B5, silk proteins, avocado oil, honey and marshmallow to soften and control the hair, leaving it ready for styling.
by editor | Apr 7, 2012 | Lifestyle
Emulate Lily’s Snow White
Inspired Hair Do With Silhouette
27 Mar 12
Surrounded by A-list celebrities, Lily ensured she outshone everyone on the red carpet with her porcelain skin and ruby red lips.
However, no Snow White would be complete without her raven locks and with Schwarzkopf Professional’s Silhouette Color Brilliance Hairspray (£3.90, 300ml) we can all fight the fade and maintain vibrant colour with long-lasting hold.
Lily kept her hairstyle soft and feminine with gentle waves and subtle volume adding old-school glamour to this modern-day princess.
A quick spritz over the crown of the head with Silhouette Color Brilliance hairspray’s (£3.90, 300ml) innovative light weight formula ensures impressive volume that will not deflate throughout the day, also keeping curls defined yet soft to the touch. Whilst achieving impeccably perfect style a unique vitamin complex transforms dull lifeless locks into vibrant multi-dimensional colour that will give you princess approved hair, everyday!
by editor | Apr 7, 2012 | Lifestyle
Beauty Shortlist Awards
To Honour “Best Of British”
27 Mar 12
Winners to be announced late April, shortlisted brands revealed Thursday, April 12th, 2012
The first ever Beauty Shortlist Awards thebeautyshortlist.com kick off this April when the shortlisted brands are revealed on Thursday, April 12th. The winners will be announced in late April.
With a strong focus on British and natural/organic beauty brands, the 40 Awards Categories include:
Best British Skincare Brand
Best Luxury Beauty Brand
Best Natural/Organic Beauty Brand
Best “Bee” Beauty Brand
Best New Fragrance Launch
Best Natural Baby Brand
There are fourteen skincare categories in all, as well as cosmetics, tanning, beauty/health supplements, retail sites and a special Best Breakthrough Beauty Product award.
The Awards will spotlight beauty companies across the board, including some smaller or more “niche” brands. Three brands/products will be shortlisted in each of the 40 categories by the panel of five judges from the fashion, retail and health and beauty industries. Announcing the Awards, Fiona Klonarides, Founding Editor of The Beauty Shortlist said, “We’ve tested hundreds of beauty products since 2009, so it feels right to honour the stand-outs this year. When you look at the beauty breakthroughs we’ve been seeing in the last two to three years, you realise how fast our industry is evolving right now.
“We wanted consumers to have a say, too, so we’ll be making four categories open for votes as “People’s Choice” picks. The Awards are our way of recognising the exceptional beauty entrepreneurs in our industry, many of them British. We are already seeing some really advanced science-meets-nature breakthroughs this year particularly in the categories of self-tanners and skincare – so it’s an exciting time to launch our first ever Awards.”
by editor | Apr 7, 2012 | Lifestyle
Why Essential Oils
Are Essential For Hair
28 Mar 12
You may associate essential oils with aromatherapy rather than haircare products – but they do more than just produce a soothing fragrance.
OGARIO London’s luxury range of shampoos, conditioners and hair masque products contain a total of 16 essential oils. Unique blends include everything from mandarin and lavender to lime, may chang and bergamot, creating rich, uplifting aromas that smell good enough to eat.
These carefully selected essential oils work in harmony with the naturally derived active ingredients in products to help nourish and condition the hair and scalp, from stimulating follicles to helping reduce breakage.
OGARIO creative director Norris Ogario says: ‘Customers want hair care that does what it promises but experience is also important – which is why our essential oil blends are incredibly uplifting. We also wanted to recreate the salon experience at home and our customers tell us that using OGARIO London products is like creating a home spa with fragrances filling the bathroom.
‘Fragrance retention is also vital for customers when choosing hair care, which is why we developed blends that stay on the hair long after washing, leaving it smelling fresh and clean for days.’
by editor | Apr 7, 2012 | Lifestyle
Introducing The NEW
Spring/Summer Nail
Collection From Miners Cosmetics
28 Mar 12
Spring into Summer with the sweep of a brush!
This season sees catwalks awash with classic pastels with an edgy and bright twist. With this in mind Miners have launched a brand new bright and breezy Nail Collection for 2012:
Keepin’ it Teal – Having spent many an hour dreaming of sippnig on a Sea Breeze Cocktail looking out onto stunning ocean views, we knew we needed to bottle it! Keepin’ it Teal is a stunning aqua shade that will hydrate any Summer look.
Mango Tango – Arrriba! This shade combines the intensity and sexiness of the Tango with the fun and fruitiness of Samba loving Carmen Miranda. Inspired by that famous ‘edible’ hat, this beach bright is the perfect Spring/Summer shade.
Sunny Side Up – Taking us back to lazy Summer days spent making daisy chains whilst soaking up the sun, this fresh and vibrant shade encapsulates everything to do with Spring and Summer. The fun yellow colour has been a popular edition to the top runways this season including Mulberry and Louis Vuitton – a must have edition to any Summer collection.
Joining the three brand NEW shades are two of our firm favourites – Marshmallow and Jezebel
RRP £2.99
by editor | Apr 7, 2012 | Lifestyle
Green People Offers An
Improved Sun Care
Range With New Additions
28 Mar 12
Green People offers an improved sun care range:
Self Tan Lotion – 200ml – RRP £17.95
A revolutionary natural self tan containing organic Rosehip, Sandalwood and Geranium and lightly scented with natural essential oils. This light, fast absorbing self tanning lotion is the perfect solution for a natural radiant glow all year round. 89% certified organic ingredients.
Sun Lotion SPF15 with natural sun tan accelerator – 100ml – RRP £12.99 / 200ml – RRP £17.95This organic SPF15 sun lotion has a naturally derived ingredient which works to speed up the body’s ability to tan. The key active ingredient, Inositol, is a naturally occurring nutrient derived from the fruits of the Carob tree which acts as a stimulant for the formation of melanin. Trials on human volunteers have shown that the speed of tanning increases by over 24% compared to placebo, the intensity or depth of suntan increases by over 28%, and when used after obtaining a tan it reduces the tan-fading rate by almost 50%. 82.25% certified organic ingredients.
After Sun Lotion – 100ml – RRP £8.99
A cooling and soothing moisturiser which prolongs the natural radiance of a healthy tan whilst pampering the skin and minimising peeling. Light yet nourishing, this is also a great refreshing everyday body lotion. Freshly scented with fairly traded Mint Oil. 94.49% certified organic ingredients.
No Scent Soft Lips SPF8 – 10ml – RRP £4.95
This soothing lip balm with UV protection protects and softens dry, chapped lips. It offers super soft lips and a natural sheen from berry wax and fairly traded Cupuaçu butter. This mild, no-scent formulation – with no essential oils – is ideal for parched, raw and chapped lips and can be applied over lipstick for a subtle gloss effect! 70% certified organic ingredients.
New Cooling Hydrating Mist – 100ml – RRP £13.99
A multi-purpose alcohol-free mist fro hand and body. Hydrate and rebalance a dehydrated complexion with this handy spritz. Precious Rose and Orange Blossom floral waters are carefully blended with soothing Aloe Vera, hydrating Marshmallow and calming Chamomile to offer a refreshing pick me up to tired, lacklustre skin. This versatile mist can be used as a toner or as a great ‘instant fix’ hydration booster, offering skin cooling relief. Keep in the fridge to use as a cooling mist on ‘sun-kissed’ skin in the summer. The soft orange scent is divine. 96.9% certified organic ingredients.
New Sun & Sports Shampoo – 100ml – RRP £9.99
Suitable for all hair types. Gently wash away salt, chlorine and pollutants to unveil luminous, healthy hair. Protects against UV damage. Contains a newly developed extract from the Artichoke plant which has a protective action against damage to both proteins and oils to maintain healthy hair structure, maintain shine, and guard against dryness and coarseness. A handy 100ml size makes it suitable for hand luggage or taking to the gym. 81% certified organic ingredients.
New Sun & Sports Conditioner – 100ml – RRP £9.99
Suitable for all hair types. Intensive conditioner to restore a healthy, glossy shine. Protects against UV damage. A handy 100ml size makes it suitable for hand luggage or taking to the gym. 91% certified organic ingredients.
New Limited Edition Gold Shimmer Bronzer – 7g – RRP £22.00
A gorgeous three-tone, golden shimmer pressed bronzer presented in a handy lightweight compact. Designed to highlight and contour the face, collarbone, décolletage, and shoulders. This versatile, certified organic mineral powder offers a natural golden glow without clogging pores. A summer ‘must-have’ to complement a natural sun-kissed look.
Beauty Tip: Celebrity make up artist Claire Hanson says, “This bronzer is the perfect one stop product for summer. Use on eyes, cheeks and lips (with lip balm) for sun kissed summer style”.
Sun protection has become ever more important. Rates of skin cancer have quadrupled over the past 30 years, making it the most common cancer in women aged 15 to 24. Most skin cancers are caused by over-exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and more than 2,000 people die from malignant melanoma each year [Cancer Research UK].
Recognising the ever increasing importance of protecting skin from the dangers of UV light and understanding the desire for natural based sunscreens, Green People’s award winning, natural and organic range of suncare products offers ultimate natural sun protection without clogging the pores and provides nature’s answer to enjoyable, safe and effective tanning.
Key facts about Green People’s Organic Suncare range:
Broad-spectrum UVA / UVB protection: All Green People sun lotions contain over 80% organic ingredients and the effective natural, broad-spectrum UVA & UVB protection is generated with a blend of earth minerals, a UV filter derived from cinnamic acid, found in Cinnamon oil, and Edelweiss.
Protect against premature ageing: The products include natural antioxidants and skin vitamins A, C & E which come from Avocado and Rosemary extract which will help to support the skin’s immune system and protect against cell damage, helping to avoid premature ageing.
Faster tanning: Green People’s SFP15 lotion includes an extract from the Carob tree which naturally stimulates melanin, speeding up the tanning process by 25% and reducing the tan-fading rate by almost 50 per cent.
Soothing, moisture binding: Myrrh and Aloe Vera are added to the sun care range for their soothing, healing and moisture-binding properties to minimise peeling.
Suitable for sensitive skin: All Green People products are extremely gentle and suitable for people with a tendency to skin allergies. Green People do not use harsh pore-clogging silicones and mineral oils, synthetic fragrances, artificial colours or skin-drying alcohol.
General suncare facts:
SPF30 sunscreens do not offer twice the protection of SPF15.
SPF15 offers 93% protection against UVB rays, while SPF30 offers 97% protection against UVB rays. In fact, the highest SPF100 still only offers 99% protection. It is more important to apply regularly and liberally.
UVB radiation mainly affects the outer layer of the skin and results in redness and burning. UVA radiation penetrates deeper into the skin and can affect living cells in the dermis. It is thought that over-exposure to UVA radiation is responsible for accelerating the skin ageing process by breaking down collagen and elastin tissues.
As the damage caused by UVA rays is not immediately apparent there is a risk that long term damage could be increased through the use of sun lotions that do not offer adequate protection against both UVA and UVB radiation.
Prickly heat is an irritating red rash that is caused by blocked sweat ducts. It can be aggravated by waterproof sun lotions which contain ingredients that block pores and prevent sweat from escaping – the effect is like wrapping the skin in cling-film! Green People sun lotions are free from pore-clogging ingredients and are suitable for people who suffer from prickly heat and other skin sensitivities.
by editor | Apr 7, 2012 | Lifestyle
Miners Cosmetics Team
Up With New Band NVS!
29 Mar 12
Miners Cosmetics are proud to announce a new and exciting partnership with hot new mixed group NVS.
Throughout March and April we will be proudly sponsoring NVS as they hit arenas across the UK and Ireland on the SELL OUT JLS 4th Dimension Tour.
The five piece band are made up of the very gorgeous and talented Harri, Tess, Brett, Declan and Rio; taking their name from the Italian phrase ‘Niente Viene Semplice’ which loosley trnaslates to ‘nothing comes easy’. They have already performed alongside the likes of Tinie Tempah, NDUBZ and Labrinth and recently supported The Saturdays on their All Fired Up tour.
Throughout the 29 date arena tour the band will be also taking part in a school tour, working closely with the police to promote their campaign about anti-social behaviour.
As well as providing the band with all their drop dead gorgeous looks, Miners Cosmetics will be running marketing campaigns on twitter, facebook and online with get the looks, promos and most importantly VIP giveaways to the gigs.
NVS will be releasing their debut single Drop Dead Gorgeous at the end of April.
